Lauren Scott

Somewhere in Harlem on a random Sunday afternoon, I witnessed pure fun.  Endless mimosas, exquisite food, great music, beautiful people - an all around great time.  I made reservations for a friends’ brunch at The Cecil restaurant, which happened to be hosted by The Grant Access as part of their #HavPlentyBrunch series.  I had a feeling the event would be something to talk about, but I didn’t expect to be at a loss for words when it came time to actually talk about it.  

Anyone who's ever had an incredible day in New York City (where everything aligns perfectly) can relate.  The sun is shining, your outfit is comfortable yet cute, your friends are all free to kick it, you have the funds to go out and there happens to be a great event - type of day.  A day,  that when your co-workers ask you to describe it, you literally hit them with the most cliché phrase ever, 'you had to be there.'  And the woman behind that experience is none other than Lauren Grant.

12.10.TW

If I can wake up everyday and make sure the people around me have fun, then that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Grey.Line.7

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Lauren about her company, journey, and how she balances it all.  She's not only the founder of a company that redefines event planning and execution, but also maintains her position as an ad executive - all while living the social life of ten people in one.  What began as hosting corporate events and events for friends, has turned it into a fruitful business venture called The Grant Access.

I met Lauren five years ago and have always known her to be a connector and supporter of all things positive.  She's intelligent, down to earth, and an amazing cook!  This last point is relevant to her success.  Many of her circles have been brought together in her home over a home cooked meal made with love.  Lauren not only works really hard for herself and her company - but for others, as well.  For years she gave her time and energy to help execute events for others - work functions, corporate meetings, fundraisers, and even homecoming events.  But now she's turned that hobby into an amazing business.  

Read my interview below with this inspiring woman to find out how she turned her hobby into a company and how she manages to balance it all!

Describe yourself in one word or phrase.

Worker Bee.  I'm the combination of both worker and Queen.  When I see things that need to be done - I just do it.

What is The Grant Access?

The Grant Access is an experience design company (I hate the phrase event planning!).  We focus on the experience (not just selling tickets, going over logistics,  or arranging the flowers) from when an attendee enters the door to when they leave.  We ask questions such as, 'Were people able to answer questions?  Was it aesthetically pleasing and manageable?'  People typically have a checklist of things they want to do or show at an event, but they don’t focus on the quality of the experience

What was your motivation for starting your company?

I started The Grant Access because of my network.  I ran an event for a friend in 2013 that we jokingly refer to as our adult prom.   It was a Sunday evening and I practically had to kick people out - no one cared that it was Sunday and the bar ran out of liquor.  There was a distinct moment when I looked out at the crowd and thought I really should do this professionally.  I was the one who executed all of the details and proud of that.

Have you ever found it hard to be proud of the success of your events?

It’s still hard to take credit, but I know it’s a talent.  Knowing that my gifts are from God makes it easier to take pride in my success.  I find ways to remember that I'm the vessel for these great experiences.

How much influence has your network had on the success of your events?

My first clients were my friends.  A good friend, Mitch Brooks of The Urbane Group, asked me to do operational work for Urbane events.  Mitch had no idea I was starting my own company, but he was coming to me for this very service.  My FAMU network has been the most influential.  As a graduate, we're supportive and enthusiastic of each other.  I realized along the way - this is not just about me.  If I can wake up everyday and make sure the people around me have fun, then that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life.

What advice do you have for utilizing your network when trying to build a company?

Sometimes we can’t see past our own nose and identify the things we do that makes us special.  And there's always a bit of self-doubt, ‘Am I really good at this?’  The benefit of a strong network is people who can communicate that truth to you.  I knew I liked events, but I had people around me that could say and see that I loved events.  Hosting events gives me energy and I’m a different 'me' when I turned this passion into an opportunity.  My friends recognized that and encouraged me.

What is the #HavPlentyBrunch series and what role did your network play in creating the concept?

Hav Plenty is a 1990’s movie from the era of love jones (one of those movies that gives you that nostalgic feeling) that circles around friends and relationships.  I’m blessed to know the Chef and Director of Operations for The Cecil and from the first time I had the food I wanted to tell everyone how great it was.  I wanted to create something that felt like you’re attending a party with your favorite people, food, drinks, and atmosphere.  Another friend suggested naming it HavPlenty and it was almost like catching lightening in a bottle.  It started as an opportunity to get to know the restaurant and now we're having our 3rd brunch event.

What are some of the challenges balancing your company and full-time job?

I’m still figuring it out, but the older I get the more okay I am with figuring it out.  I literally have 2 jobs.  It’s hard.  When I started The Grant Access, I was in a job I loved, a long distance relationship and trying to balance a social life.  I was tired all of the time and in a constant state of exhaustion.  But when I was tired, at least I was tired from doing something that made me happy.  Pricing is still super hard for me.  My sorority sister checks in with me every two months to talk about pricing.  The key is finding balance, time to eat right, and take care of yourself.  Mental health is important too - having someone to talk to about the things going through your mind.  Every week I try to find one day where I don't work.  Recently it’s been hard to do, but it's important to make the time.

What other events and collaborations can we expect from The Grant Access?

We have the next #HavPlentyBrunch event on Dec. 21st!  Sign up here for updates on our next event or visit our Tumblr to follow our events.  I’m working on a spring fundraising event targeted toward HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) gradates that I’m very excited about.  It will be a great way to give back and create exposure for the graduates and schools.  I'm also expanding my corporate client portfolio.  I believe every event can be fun, even if it’s a meeting!  I’ve also been asked to do a wedding (and I don’t usually do weddings) but I'm taking it on.  We're also doing a New Year's Eve event.  There are a lot of little things coming down the pipeline that we're excited about!

What is your dream event and who is your dream client?

My dream event is an event that would allow us to give away a million dollars in scholarships to HBCU students.  Another dream event would be to host my Grandma's 100th birthday party.  My dream client would be Prince, I imagine he really parties!  He would be an amazing client to have.  I would bust my ass for prince.

What’s one of your favorite restaurants in New York City?

Ricardo’s Steakhouse in East Harlem - it feels like old Harlem with fur coats - it's Frank Lucas' Harlem.  It smells like heaven, garlic, and steak.  The music is loud, the food comes quickly and they give you large portions - it's a really fun astmosphere!

What’s your favorite fashion piece or accessory?

Jawbone – it’s a fitness tracker.  On event days, I do no less than 22,000 steps - that’s like 8 miles.

What are you currently listening to and what is your all time favorite group or artist?

I'm currently listening to T-Pains greatest hits, shout out Tallahassee and my favorite group is The Foreign Exchange.

Last bit of advise?

‘Make your vision so clear that your fears become irrelevant.’  It’s on my screensaver!

Hosting events gives me energy and I’m a different 'me' when I turned this passion into an opportunity.

Grey.Line.7

 

Lauren Scott is a Boston native, New Yorker who enjoys blending creativity in all areas of business. She is an actress certified by the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, a TV Producer, former Consultant and holds an MBA in Marketing with a focus of Organizational Behavior.

Learn more about The Grant Access in the video below, created by Alexander Grant (A Grant Production) and check out The Grant Access for updates and information.  For information on the upcoming #HavPlentyBrunch Atlanta edition on Dec. 21st visit: www.HavPlentyatl.splashthat.com.

 

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