Meet Lauren Turk | The Hangout Owner & Instagram Cartoon

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Turk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
To never stop believing that you can succeed at your dream no matter what. I opened my business on February 17th 2020, had a ribbon-cutting on February 20th, and three-and-a-half weeks later COVID-19 closed the store on March 15th. My number one goal when opening my boutique was to create a space that welcomed people to not only shop designer consignment, but to Hang out with other people while doing it. I had named my business “The Hangout” and during those first three months of lockdown not only was it ILLEGAL to hang out with anyone, but we were all trapped in our homes, and definitely not shopping. After those three lonely months of me at the shop on my own talking and entertaining my Instagram followers (of whom i am extremely grateful for), I was able to reopen on June 15th and people actually came out to shop. Ultimately, what I learned from this experience, is to connect with as many people as you can, promote yourself and what you believe in, you will succeed. (It also doesn’t hurt to carry your business cards wherever you go and shamelessly distribute.)

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

After working as a personal assistant in the real estate world for nine years I knew it was time for a change. I learned a lot in those nine years, so I submitted one year’s notice and started brainstorming about what I would do next. I always loved fashion and was always interested in why/how people choose to dress themselves. My favorite pastime is people-watching in NYC and getting inspiration from other peoples fashion choices. I spent a lot of my childhood in my grandmothers’ closets looking through the different fabrics and styles. Consignment for me, was always an opportunity to enjoy and participate in lavish and luxe couture – on a budget that I could afford. As a consignment shopper and vintage clothing enthusiast I decided it was time to open a consignment shop in my neighborhood that didn’t smell like moth balls and look like you were stepping into a time machine.

My first order of business was to find a space and start collecting pieces of fashion. I went to family members, friends and friends’ family members.  I started the business with about 400 followers on Instagram and took to that platform during lockdown to entertain and draw people in. I didn’t focus so much on SELLING at that time; I really just spoke about different ways to wear things and different styles and brands. I pride myself on creating a space that is always welcoming, warm and most importantly FUN. There is never ever pressure to purchase or consign items that people aren’t 100% down with.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Throughout the process of leaving my decade-long career in real estate I owe my confidence boosters and unwavering support to my awesome group of friends and family. I am the type of person who collects wonderful humans and keeps them for a very very long time. I am extremely lucky in the support department.

In true Lauren Turk (Owner of The Hangout) fashion – I must “shoutout” to all of the influencer /small business owners who continue to support and inspire me on a daily basis.

@christinamademedoit @elizabethsuttoncollection @styledbyshishi @styleinthefly

Website: thehangoutnj.com

Instagram: thehangoutnj

Linkedin: Lauren Turk