Meet Lauren Verity! Lauren was born in South Africa and has lived in PG for over 15 years!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My mom! She has always been my number one supporter and we have so many of the same interests. The best part of us hanging out together is the fact that we don't have to talk about boats and cars with my dad and brother hahah.
What is your favourite local store in Prince George and why?
Definitely Serengeti. I love this store because it's my little piece of home in my "new home." Toni, the owner, is the friendliest person I have ever met and makes the experience that much better. I would highly recommend checking her store out!
Describe yourself in one word.
Adventurous.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Iceland for sure. I can't handle the cold, but everything about Iceland looks appealing to me. It's so different to want I'm used to and I would love to take my next adventure over there.
What is your favourite activity in Prince George?
Exploring off the beaten track. Anything away from the city, without many people, is always my favourite place to discover.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I was a bratty teenager, I was hiking through the Hoh Rainforest complaining to my mom about the rain. A split second later a man stops, stares at me, and says "DUH it's a rainforest!!" So embarrassing… hahah
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My exboyfriend, but still best friend, Devon Bachman. He inspired me to start taking photos. I am still such an amateur, but I love it, and he is the one who sparked my interest in all that I am doing today in regards to photography.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When I was a kid and still living in South Africa, I loved going to the beach after a storm. The reason I loved this so much is because I could play with all of the jellyfish that had washed up. A few years ago I actually got a tattoo on my foot of a jellyfish! Being a kid in South Africa was so different than being a kid in Canada, but I am so thankful that I got to experience both.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I've just moved back to town but want to start looking to volunteer somewhere once I get settled into my new job.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
There are so many things that I would change if I could, but if I had to pick just one I would say animal poaching.
Where would you sneak away to in Prince George to spend some time alone?
If I'm being honest, I would have to say my bedroom hahah. It's the only place that I feel like I can have a nap without judgement hahaha…
Where would you like to see positive change in Prince George and why?
I would like to see more things for young adults to do. I think something like an indoor waterslide park would be a very positive change because it's innocent, fun and affordable.
What do you think makes Prince George great?
Access to the outdoors!!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Volunteer trip to Namibia for wildlife rehabilitation.
2. Skydiving (pending bravery)
3. Get a traditional tattoo done by Whang-od Oggay. In the Philippines, you can hike into the mountains where she works out of a hut in her village.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I like eating my apple slices out of a plastic cup, not a bowl.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram!
What is the name of your business/organization?
I don't have one, but people message me through Instagram (@laurenverity) in regards to collaborations. I dabble in photography, but I prefer to be in front of the camera 🙂
Why did you get into/start this business?
I have always loved getting my photo taken haha. I started having different brands reach out to me as a teenager to model for them but never took it to seriosuly. Now as a young adult I have started collaborating with more and more brands & photographers.
What is the goal of your business?
To grow my social media engagement. The bigger my following, the more opportunities I get to travel places for my collaborations. I am currently working on my degree in Global Tourism Management, so I'm really hoping I can tie these two things together 🙂
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
I know this is cliche, but self-esteem is my biggest struggle. I am constantly comparing myself to others online which makes me struggle to keep doing what I love. Body image concerns are my biggest struggle when asked to model for a larger audience.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do things differently. I would say yes to more opportunities that have presented themselves. Going forward though, I hope to be more confident in myself and my work.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Whatever" …..
Tell us your best piece of life advice
Do it for the photo!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Luke Gottlieb. I think he is such a talented photographer. I would love to learn how to capture the human form in the way he does, as well as model for him. I am such an amateur in both of these departments but they make me happy. I am always looking to grow and would love to grow in this industry as I am just starting out.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I think it is important to support independent businesses because they are trying to make it just like I am. Shopping locally is also a much more personable experience. I think everyone should support local shops in their town!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Flying by the seat of my pants. I decided I wanted to move to the island one day, made a plan, and moved there six days after I returned from a month long trip in Namibia.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Anyone! Everyone deserves a shoutout for what they have been trying to accomplish 🙂
My choice for the PrinceGeorgeNow In Focus spotlight is:
Brady Hiemstra.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Prince George!
