Meet the founder

"From an early age, I was drawn to building and exploring what is possible. Over time, that evolved into a deep appreciation for design, problem-solving, and innovation."

Lauren’s background bridges political science, technology, and design. During her time at Brigham Young University, where she studied Political Science and Global Development, she served for eighteen months in Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina, as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That experience deepened her love for culture, strengthened her commitment to service, and shaped the faith that continues to guide her life and work.

While at BYU, Lauren co-founded a nonprofit organization alongside her mother, Wendy M. Johnson, dedicated to supporting survivors of abuse — a mission that remains close to her heart. 

Following graduation, she worked in Orange County politics with an organization dedicated to engaging business leaders in civic and public policy efforts across California. She also helped coordinate a VIP international delegation to the Middle East, an experience that broadened her global perspective and deepened her appreciation for diplomacy, stability, and cross-cultural leadership.

Lauren later moved to Chicago, Illinois to pursue a Master’s in Design Methods at the Institute of Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Her graduate work focused on design frameworks, innovation strategy, and the application of systems thinking to complex, real-world challenges.

Today, through Lauren Michelle Design, she partners with founders and organizations to bring clarity to complexity — aligning design, technology, and business systems into cohesive foundations that support both growth and leadership.