Lauren Orlando

Q: You’ve shared so much of your time at USC—what’s something about your college experience that surprised you the most?

A: I’d say just how many ways there are to get involved on campus and the incredible opportunities and community that doing so will bring you. I’ve really tried to say yes to everything over the past four years: taking classes in new subject areas (shoutout Intro to Guitar), studying abroad, leading a student organization, tapping into the entrepreneurship scene, and more. These experiences have all challenged me but brought so much good into my life.

Q: How has documenting this chapter shaped the way you experienced college?

A: I try not to let the pressure to show up in a certain way online change my approach to everyday life. My goal with content creation is just to share the different phases of my life with the community that has supported me for so many years, and I’ve been really lucky in that my audience has always been interested in following my life for exactly what it is.

Q: Graduation is right around the corner—how do you feel in the days leading up to it?

A: Honestly, I’m really excited! I’ve loved my time in college, but I’m ready for a new chapter (and grateful to be finished with group projects once and for all). I’m still figuring out exactly what’s next for me, which is both freeing and anxiety-inducing for a girl who likes a plan.

Q: Do you have anything planned to celebrate?

A: Just a celebratory dinner with my family and soaking up every last moment with my college friends.

Q: Do you see yourself staying in California after graduation, or are you feeling ready for a new place?

A: I would love to spend a few months somewhere new, maybe New York. Growing up, I moved around a lot—this is the longest I’ve spent in one place in years. That being said, I love California and definitely see myself ending up back here.

Q: What usually helps you decide when somewhere feels like “home”?

A: I’ve become really good at making new places feel like home. For me, the secret is routine. Anywhere I can make my morning matcha, get a workout in, and spend time working on something (school, social media, or otherwise) feels like home to me.

Q: Looking back, what’s one thing you’d tell your freshman-year self that you didn’t understand at the time?

A: Just because something makes sense for someone else doesn’t mean it’s right for you. I came into college with a clear sense of what I valued—socially, academically, and professionally—but I found myself second-guessing those priorities as I watched what others were doing.

Now, I feel like I’ve come full circle and returned to those same values with more confidence. That being said, I don’t think the exploration I did in my first few years here was a waste; it reassured me that what I believed was right for me truly is.

 

Q: Switching gears a little—what does your ideal day look like when no one else is setting the schedule?

A: My ideal day starts with my roommates, eating breakfast in our kitchen. We’re filling each other in on every minor detail from the night before. Then I go on a run, put on an outfit I’m excited about, and hit the beach with my friends.

After tanning for a little bit, we grab lunch and make our way back home. I go on a sunset walk and return to find my roommate, Eva, baking. We talk for hours over cookies before realizing we’ve totally lost track of time and head to bed.

Q: Do you have a dream travel destination?

A: After seeing so much of Europe while studying abroad in Copenhagen last spring, I’m dying to explore Asia in the same way. Tokyo, Japan is at the top of my list right now.

Q: You’ve been working with your sister on her brands—how did that come about, and what’s that dynamic been like?

A: I started working for my sister’s brand, Artless, when I graduated from high school. I was admitted to USC for the spring semester, so I decided to spend the fall learning about fashion and what goes into running a clothing brand from Maddie.

I also worked for Artless the following summer before shifting my focus to finance for my sophomore and junior year internships.

Working with family is so special. I don’t think anyone gets you quite like your siblings do. Maddie and I have very similar values, priorities, and expectations—probably because we were raised by the same parents—which made living and working together really easy.

Q: How did you first discover Bella Venice?

A: I was first introduced to Bella Venice by a friend of mine. Then, a few weeks ago, Taylor spoke on my club’s fashion panel, and through that, I got to learn more about the brand and her journey as a founder.

Q: How have you been styling your Bella pieces, and what’s your go-to item right now?

A: I’m loving the Aris Dress. I’ve been wearing it with my Frye boots for a more casual, everyday look, but I can’t wait to dress it up with a kitten heel too.

Q: And finally—what are three words that sum up how you’re feeling as you head into this next chapter?

A: Hopeful, focused, and a little bit nervous.