Bio – Lauren Hope Collective

Meet Lauren

Before I was a small business owner, I graduated top of my class at The Culinary Institute of America and was named best student chef by Food & Wine Magazine. As a professional in the culinary world, I worked at the Ritz Carlton, organized the certified Master Chef exam, and commanded a 4-star, 5-diamond restaurant as the Sous Chef of the historic Hilton Netherland Plaza hotel. I also competed against 20,000+ applicants to land a spot as a contestant on Bravo’s television competition Next Top Chef.

It was during my senior year of college that I met my husband Greg Hope. He was a cadet at the United States Military Academy, and like many military spouses, I chose to follow my soldier to where ever the Army sent us.

Over the years, I tried to continue to use my knowledge and passion to find work near our Army post. I worked as a cake decorator at the Commissary, managed a Panera, and catered, but I found it difficult to maintain my chosen profession with moving every few years.

How it Changed

From Chef to Small Business Owner

Over the past 12 years, we’ve lived in 8 different homes thanks to the U.S. Army. I also had two young sons, so the options for employment were even fewer. I knew I needed a change from the culinary world, and I have always been inspired by my husband’s career and his passion for military history. The insignia and traditions of the military have always fascinated me, so I looked at what I loved to do, what I wanted to do, and what I could do and created a company where I could create by night while the little ones sleep.

I launched Hope Design Ltd. in 2013, just weeks after my youngest son was born. What started as a hobby has grown to an Etsy store, and now into a brand. Through moves and raising children, this portable career has brought me joy, friendship, and fulfillment.

A New Career

Real Estate Agent

Being a military spouse means remaking yourself and changing course when necessary, and I am excited about the next steps in my professional journey. My small business isn’t going anywhere, but after purchasing our first home, I am broadening my knowledge and expertise to include real estate.

I am a licensed Realtor.

In addition to working directly with clients to educate them on the home buying journey, I can also work to find you the perfect agent to help you through the process.

Advocacy

Serving My Community

I was honored to be named the Armed Forces Insurance’s United States Military Academy Spouse of the Year in 2017 and Fort Leavenworth Spouse of the Year in 2019.

I have had the opportunity to speak and advocate for the military community at events such as the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse Town Halls, NMSN Congressional Round Table, and Military Influencer Conference.

Because of my own personal struggles and experiences trying to find employment in my chosen profession, I wanted to be an advocate for other military spouses and veterans who are also seeking meaningful employment.

Military Spouse Corporate Career Network

I currently serve on the Military Spouse Corporate Career Network’s board for the “Arm-Me Up© Careers Campaign”, which provides Army Spouses with no-cost job placement assistance and career progression services.

Hiring Our Heroes
Mentor

I am also a Hiring Our Heroes Mentor and began the #ShopMilitary social media campaign and website directory in order to support and promote other military spouse and veteran entrepreneurs at no cost to these businesses.