Wellness

Lauren's journey to resilience on Adrienne Adhami's Power Hour podcast

In a heartfelt conversation on Adrienne Adhami's Power Hour podcast, Lauren, co-founder of By Sarah, reflects on her remarkable journey from battling leukaemia to building a skin health brand that champions effective, gentle skincare for sensitive skin.

Lauren's life-altering diagnosis

Lauren's life took a dramatic turn in 2012 when she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia and given a 20% chance of survival. She described this as her life’s pivotal moment, one where resilience and a mindset shift became essential. Immediately hospitalised, Lauren began intensive treatment and isolation. Her hospital room became a canvas for her future, choosing two posters of New York City and the Caribbean to decorate the walls with. These images were more than décor; they represented the life Lauren envisioned post-treatment. This practice helped her stay grounded, even during overwhelming days, and was a powerful reminder of life beyond the hospital walls.

The power of visualisation and resilience

During the interview, Lauren spoke about how her focus was not just on surviving the treatment but finding ways to reclaim power in a situation where she often felt powerless. “Courage was more relevant than resilience,” she explained, noting that it wasn’t about bouncing back in the moment but finding the strength to believe things would get better.

Dealing with isolation: lessons from Lauren's hospital experience

This conversation on isolation was particularly resonant in light of recent events, with the pandemic introducing many to similar feelings. Lauren shared that her isolation began long before COVID-19. While in treatment, she was kept in complete isolation, with her immune system too weak to handle external exposure. Even when family visited, they wore protective gear and couldn't make physical contact. Lauren coped by journaling, documenting her experience, which gave her a sense of control and emotional release. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t know where to start – just start,” she advised listeners, stressing the therapeutic power of putting thoughts on paper.

Physical movement was another essential part of her journey. As a keen runner before her diagnosis, she struggled with the sudden loss of her usual routine. However, Lauren adapted, turning her hospital room into a makeshift gym, using a yoga mat and cross-trainer during the earlier days before treatment became too intense. It was a small but significant way to maintain mental clarity and resilience, further proving the importance of both body and mind during challenging times.

Manifesting life after cancer

A core theme discussed in the interview was visualisation and manifesting positive outcomes. Lauren’s New York poster eventually became a reality when she worked in the city for two years as a trainee lawyer after recovery, and later, she moved to the British Virgin Islands. This wasn’t mere coincidence but the result of intention and action. “Manifesting is setting an intention and doing the work to make it happen,” she explained. It was this combination of visualisation and determination that allowed her to continue chasing her dreams.

How sisterly love turned into By Sarah

Lauren's entrepreneurial journey with By Sarah started when the intensive cancer treatments left her skin severely damaged. Lauren was able to receive a miraculous stem cell transplant from her sister, Sarah, but this meant her skin was constantly shedding and became incredibly sensitive. Sarah, with her background in the beauty industry, began creating skincare formulations from the kitchen table to try to soothe Lauren’s ravaged skin. This personal, hands-on approach eventually blossomed into the skin health brand By Sarah, known today for our dedication to sensitive skin. Our products are designed to restore and protect the skin's microbiome and barrier, offering a nurturing, joyful experience rather than the sterile, clinical approach often seen with sensitive skin products.

Adrienne and Lauren also discussed the deep emotional impact of skin conditions. Adrienne’s own son has dealt with severe eczema from a young age, and she acknowledged how profoundly skin health affects daily life. This connection reinforced By Sarah’s mission: to provide products that soothe and restore, offering peace of mind for those trying to regain control of their skin. As Lauren emphasised, By Sarah doesn’t claim to turn back time; instead, it’s about building skin resilience and supporting overall health, particularly for those with sensitive skin.

Navigating life's challenges with gratitude

Lauren also shared some key takeaways on balancing the demands of running a business and maintaining personal health. Having Sarah as her business partner and co-founder has been invaluable, allowing her to navigate the highs and lows without feeling alone. She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to find a support system, whether friends, mentors, or peers, who can help guide them through the inevitable challenges.

In closing, Lauren reflected on her daily routine, which includes movement, skincare, and moments of mental clarity before the workday begins. Currently, Lauren is going through a work “sprint,” a concept that allows her to push hard for a period but then take time to reset, recalibrate, and ensure her personal well-being isn’t sacrificed.

Key takeaways from Lauren's interview on Power Hour:

Resilience vs. courage: It’s not always about bouncing back immediately, but having the courage to believe things will get better.
The power of visualisation: Setting a vision for life beyond adversity can help maintain hope during even the most difficult moments.
Journaling for emotional health: Writing down your thoughts can be a powerful tool for managing isolation and uncertainty.
Physical movement for mental clarity: Staying physically active, even in small ways, can help maintain resilience and keep your mind sharp.

To listen to this episode, visit Adrienne's Power Hour on Apple Podcast or Spotify, or click to listen below.

By Sarah