Laurie Stephens is the owner of Love Dog Republic, a lifestyle brand for dog moms and their fur babies. Its adored, award-winning subscription box features its signature line of collars, leashes, bandanas and bowties, all made by hand from women-owned businesses. Learn about Laurie Stephens…
Hometown: Born in England, raised in the Black Hills
First job: Paper route
Favorite way to spend free time in AZ: Snuggled with my dogs, hiking, bike riding, photography.
Biggest accomplishment and why: Starting a successful photography business that has allowed me to follow my passion for dogs and create Love Dog Republic.
Biggest obstacle you have overcome: My biggest obstacle in life has been the fact that I was in and out of foster care from the time I was a baby until I was 18 and having to sort of do things on my own and not really having a family unit to fall back on.
Someone who inspires you and why: My younger self. When I think about her, it reminds me we do not have to be a victim of our circumstances and that we can make mistakes and grow through them. Everything is temporary, and it is all about mindset and deciding who we want to be and becoming that person.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Stay focused, be kind to yourself and remember that you’re attempting to do something you’ve never done before. You’re going to make a lot of mistakes. Every mistake is a gift because it means you are learning, and any time you are learning that means you are moving forward. Don’t expect that you are going to be in the same place that other people are at the same time. Set your mind and enjoy the journey to get there. Don’t rush it.
Favorite quote: “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” – Ernest Hemingway
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I went to school for broadcasting and wanted to be a news anchor.
What makes someone fabulous: I think what makes someone fabulous is the ability to evolve. Someone who is always striving to be that better version of themselves. I respect and value this characteristic immensely in someone.