Food for Thought from Lauren Bush Lauren
Building Community, Navigating Social Media, and Staying True to Your Vision.
August 6th, 2024 • 3 min read
Lauren Bush Lauren is the Founder and CEO of FEED, a certified B Corp brand founded upon the belief that food is a universal human right.
Every product sold by FEED has contributed to providing 126 million meals (and counting!) to schoolchildren both internationally and in the US.
Throughout its history, FEED has broadened its product range beyond the well-known tote bags to feature home goods like aprons and mugs, as well as accessories such as wallets and bags. The company has collaborated with major retailers such as Whole Foods, Target & Disney and has a long standing partnership with Clarins. Most recently, FEED has joined up with Apparel & Home brand, Jenni Kayne, on a line of limited edition ‘elevated, everyday essentials’.
Lauren's work with FEED has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Fortune Magazine’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs in 2009 and Inc. Magazine’s 30 Under 30 in 2010. In 2015, she was also recognized as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader.
When quizzed on an important lesson to share with Founders at Innovation Show NYC 2024, Lauren had this to share:
‘One of the early, very vital lessons I've learned along the way is finding that community, finding your tribe of fellow entrepreneurs and founders. But also your team… how important just people are. Every business, no matter what you're doing, it's about people! So figuring out your founder tribe, but also figuring out the amazing teammates you can have - my COO, for example, I've worked with her almost 15 years, so she's my work wife and it's amazing!”
In today's age of social media, founders face unique challenges: "(Founders now) have to be their own little influencers, promoters, and run the team, and make the product, and do it all!"
Additionally, the influence of social media extends to the investor community. "Likes or followers - that's a currency. You go in to meet with an investor, they want to know your social media stats. Like that's real."
Lauren acknowledges that while it's important to have a strong social media presence, it must also be authentic and something that founders are comfortable with. Balancing these demands with personal well-being and staying true to the brand's vision is essential for sustainable success.
"I think so much of being a Founder is staying true to your vision, your why, but also being very flexible and constantly reading the tea leaves of what is happening in culture. I mean, retail has changed dramatically in the last 5 years, 10 years. In order to stay around…change is necessary, period!"
This adaptability, coupled with a strong foundational vision, is what enables founders to navigate the evolving landscape of retail and entrepreneurship successfully.
Lauren concluded the importance of having a trusted circle for honest feedback. "I think we all have those people in our lives, whether it's family, whether it's friends…They’re going to be kind, but honest! And just be open to that direct feedback. Don't bury your head in the sand, but choose those people carefully…pick those five people that can be that sounding board."
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