Check Out Lauren Benson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Benson.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up, I always loved my little hometown in Paulding County, GA. I attended Kennesaw State University just so I wouldn’t be too far away from home. After college, I traveled the world in hopes to discover what I thought would be my future. Little did I know, God had other plans. He led me back home for the first time in 7 years. I was lost at what to do, where to go, and His plan for me. My lifelong best friend told me about an opportunity to make a dream of mine (that I thought would never be possible) come to life.

After much prayer, He gave me a vision to create a place that is welcoming, comfortable, and inviting for men. A place to call their own. I wanted to provide a store they could be proud to shop at. A place that provides quality apparel from brands they love and trust. With tremendous faith, support from my family, and a little hard work, Home Bound Apparel was created. I could not have imagined this is what God was leading me to just two short years ago, but I am so glad he did. I can’t wait to see how he uses this store for His glory!

“Remember, no matter how far your adventure takes you, you are always homebound.”

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every business has its struggles, but I can honestly say the Lord has blessed us beyond measure. I do not look at obstacles as struggles but as growth. We have had a lot of growth in the short amount of time we have opened.

We have doubled our retail space in just two years and have seen tremendous growth online! We are so thankful for what God has provided us and can’t wait for even more growth.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the owner of Home Bound Apparel. I have had various internships in marketing and worked through college with a wholesale jewelry company actually prepared me a lot for owning my own company now. I started this business right out of college so even though it may seem like I don’t have much experience. I have used everything I have learned from school, internships, and life to structure a strong-performing business of my own.

I am most proud of having the courage to go out on my own and take that leap of faith to do something that is very scary for most people. I think what sets me apart from most in my industry is that I have flipped the boutique mentality on its head. Usually, boutiques are women’s apparel with a couple of men’s items to look at. I have an entire store dedicated to men’s apparel with a couple of women’s items just for them to look at. Men LOVE having a space that is catered just to them.

Another thing that sets me apart personally is I am a woman in a men-focused industry. I have a very unique take on men’s apparel.

What were you like growing up?
I have always been very independent and love fashion. My mother always tells me about how I have been picking out my own outfits since I was 3. I would never want to wear anything that I did not pick out myself. This independence has helped me in a lot of ways throughout my life and especially in my entrepreneurial adventures.

I was also raised up in a church where both my parents were heavily involved. My brother and I always joke about how our church was our second home growing up because we spent more time there than in our actual house. Having this foundation definitely molded me into the woman I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.homeboundapparel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeboundapparel/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeboundapparel
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@homeboundapparel