“I pride myself on constantly striving for extreme efficiency without sacrificing quality.”
Lauren Lindley is the owner of Lauren Lindley Photography where she focuses on loves capturing people in their element, whether it’s with the people they love or doing what they love. While focusing on wedding and portrait photography, Lauren also gives back to her community by donating 10% of her profits every year to the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Lauren Lindley!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
As the sole proprietor of a small photography business, I’m constantly striving to create permanent visual images for an exceptionally wide range of creative, technical, and documentary purposes while trying to provide en exceptionally memorable experience for my clients.
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
It would be remiss of me not to admit that surviving the worst year of my business in 8 years, followed by a global pandemic that led me effectively unemployed is the greatest hardship I’ve ever had to professionally overcome. Despite the amount of wine consumed to get through it (or perhaps because of), that alone feels like a milestone of success. Running a small business is hard y’all.
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?
“The faster you run, the faster you’re done.” Although this is the mantra I use when I actually run, it seems to bleed over into all aspects of both my personal and professional life as I pride myself on constantly striving for extreme efficiency without sacrificing quality.
Who is your role model?
The best manager I ever had was a man named Bryan Wight, who I worked under for almost a decade at Pearl Izumi, who taught me to be flexible, understanding, and that you are only as good as the team that you hire. Thanks to his leadership and guidance, I firmly believe in empowering people to utilize their talents and personalities to the best of their abilities, in giving my employees all the credit, and personally taking responsibility for their mistakes. The lessons he imparted on me while I navigated the waters of managing a retail store carry over into all aspects of my life and I will forever be grateful for his wisdom, humor, and direction.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
Tahoe chose me. I formerly lived in Austin, TX and I was at a career juncture in my mid-20s and undecided on what to do or where to head next. While I was in the midst of considering graduate school, I was offered a position in a small cycling apparel store here in Tahoe. I had no idea where Tahoe was when I accepted the position. I was told that there were lakes and mountains. I moved here sight unseen. The summer I moved to Tahoe from Austin, TX it was over 100 degrees in Austin every day for over 100 days straight. I’ve never looked back.
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
I am an active member of the Wedding Photojournalists Association and Fearless Photographers.
I am a strong believer in altruism and philanthropy; I donate 10% of my profits every year to the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe, who has been my beneficiary for a few years now. Former beneficiaries include Mary’s House, the Baltimore Dance Crews Project, and Hope Shines, all non-profits that were connected to or started by former clients of mine.
Throughout the COVID-19 quarantine, I have been incredibly grateful to be able to donate my money and time to baking desserts for the take home dinners for the Lake Tahoe Boys and Girls Club members, as the club doesn’t have a budget for treats. It’s been a rewarding way to give structure to my life in a time of uncertainty and unemployment.
In my previous position with Pearl Izumi I was on the board of directors for both TAMBA and Alta Alpina Cycling Club and I formerly donated my time with Achieve Tahoe, formerly called Disabled Sports Far West out of Alpine Meadows.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Drinking wine, of course.
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?
Divided Sky, My Thai, the Tahoe Tastings boat, and Kalani’s when Jersey is behind the bar.