Lauren Hollingsworth shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Lauren, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Whew, the first 90 minutes? Honestly, it’s a process. I’m not one of those people who jumps out of bed full of energy. My alarm is actually my favorite gospel playlist, it’s how I ease into the morning and set the tone spiritually before the hustle begins. Once I convince myself to get up, I usually head to the gym. Movement helps me clear my head and get aligned for the day. When I get back home, I take my dogs, Kash and Nala, out for a walk. They’re part of my peace and my routine. After that, it’s game time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Lauren Hollingsworth, the founder and lead planner of Incorporate Joi, a luxury wedding and event planning company rooted in intention, connection, and thoughtful celebration. Joi is actually my middle name, and I chose it for my business because it speaks to what I hope people feel when they work with me. Planning should feel like peace. The process should feel just as meaningful as the celebration itself.
I work with clients all over the world, helping them plan unforgettable weddings, milestone events, and brand experiences that reflect who they are and what they love. What makes Incorporate Joi special is the way we blend elevated design with a deeply personal touch. It’s luxury, but it’s also love-driven. I want every client to feel seen, supported, and celebrated in a real way.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my brand, especially in the destination space. I’m also building out more ways to educate and connect through my monthly newsletter, styled shoots, and brand collaborations. Everything I do is about creating moments that matter, and I’m just getting started.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Whew, that’s a deep one. Before the world started placing expectations on me, I was unapologetically myself. A tomboy who loved sports, always one of the guys, confident without even trying. I was fearless. I didn’t second-guess my place in the room. I spoke up, played hard, and led with heart.
I didn’t worry about being perfect. I was a little rough, a little bold, and full of fire. There was a freedom in that version of me that I still carry with me today. She reminds me to stay grounded in who I am and not who the world says I need to be. That confidence is still in me. I just wear it a little differently now.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. Very recently, actually. I reached a point where I truly questioned if Incorporate Joi was meant to last. I had poured everything into this business. Time, energy, money, my whole heart. Still, I found myself exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering if it was even worth it.
It felt like I was doing all the right things. The passion was there, the work ethic was there, but the results weren’t matching the effort. I started thinking maybe it was time to pivot. Maybe the dream I had wasn’t strong enough to carry me through the hard parts. That season was one of the hardest, because I’ve always loved what I do. It just didn’t feel like it was loving me back.
Even in that space, I couldn’t fully walk away. I gave myself permission to pause. I prayed. I sat still. I remembered my why. I thought about the clients who trusted me, the stories I helped bring to life, and the version of me who dreamed of this long before it was real. I didn’t give up. I got quiet. I got honest. Then I got back up.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d say people, without a doubt. I care deeply about the people I love and the people I serve. Relationships matter to me. I value loyalty, honesty, and being present. I want the people around me to feel safe, supported, and genuinely seen, not just when things are going well, but especially when they’re not.
They’d also say my faith. It’s the foundation for everything I do. It keeps me grounded, gives me peace, and helps me navigate both the highs and the lows. I lean on it constantly. It shows up in how I love, how I lead, and how I keep going even when things get hard. My decisions, my purpose, even the way I serve my clients. It’s all influenced by my faith. That’s what matters most. Everything else flows from that.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
For a long time, I thought I was doing what I was supposed to do. I went to school, studied science, followed the path that felt logical and secure. I was always capable, but I wasn’t fulfilled. Somewhere along the way, I started planning events for friends, and it unlocked something in me I didn’t know I was missing.
What I’ve come to realize is that this work isn’t random. It’s rooted in something much deeper. The name Joi carries a legacy in my family. It was given to me with meaning, and over time it became more than just a name. It became a purpose. I was always drawn to moments that matter, to gathering people, to honoring love in its most personal form. That calling found me, even when I wasn’t looking for it.
This journey has been a mix of honoring legacy and creating something new. I wasn’t told to be a planner, but when I finally gave myself permission to choose joy, to choose love, and to trust the vision that had been quietly building in my spirit, I knew I was walking in what I was born to do. Not because it was easy, but because it feels right. Every time I show up for my clients, I’m reminded that this is where I’m meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.incorporatejoi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/incorporatejoi/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/incorporate-joi/about/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IncorporateJoi
Image Credits
Church Productions
Nicee Martin
