Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Pan.
Hi Lauren, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story really begins back in Queens, New York. Growing up, I saw firsthand the struggles people faced just trying to find a decent place to live, even in their own city. My first job out of college, as a program director for “at-risk” youth, cemented that for me. I noticed it in their lives, and I definitely experienced it trying to find apartments myself. It was incredibly tough to get reliable information, and it led to a lot of moving around until I finally found my spot in Crown Heights.
Fast forward to the tail end of the pandemic, and I made the leap to Maryland. It was a big change, but honestly, it opened up a whole new perspective. I was working with interns and relocating new hires who were looking for places in and around Baltimore, and guess what? They were hitting the same brick walls I did back in New York!
All of this really connected with my background in human resources and recruiting, a field I spent over a decade in. That work taught me so much about what makes people and organizations tick, from how to find talent to building positive employee relations. My studies in English and Africana & Latino Studies, combined with my perspective as a Black American with Caribbean roots, have always fueled my passion for diversity and inclusion. It’s a core part of who I am, and it’s about making sure everyone has a fair shot and can truly thrive. That commitment naturally led me to the rental market.
That’s where Houstory comes in. I channeled all that passion into creating this app, which is designed to bring much-needed transparency to renting. I’m deeply aware of the lasting impact of things like redlining and gentrification in cities like New York and Baltimore – these discriminatory practices have shaped communities for generations. My belief is that by shining a light on the historical context of properties, we can actually empower people and create more equitable renting opportunities and access.
This belief is the heart of Houstory’s mission and vision. Our mission is simple: to empower renters with comprehensive insights into housing history, fostering trust and confidence in the market. We envision a future where every renter has access to transparent housing and landlord histories, creating trust and confidence in housing markets worldwide. Ultimately, it’s about building a world where we can all be held accountable in a transparent way.
Our values really reflect this commitment:
Transparency: Providing clear and accurate rental histories for informed decisions.
Empowerment: Equipping individuals with the knowledge to make confident rental choices.
Innovation: Leveraging technology to uncover and deliver detailed historical insights on rental properties and market.
Integrity: Ensuring accuracy and fairness in all housing-related information.
Community: Supporting stronger connections between people and their homes’ stories.
Right now, I’m in the thick of it – actively transitioning from HR into coding to build Houstory. It’s been an intense but incredibly rewarding experience. With Houstory launching soon, my goal is clear: to make a real, positive impact on these communities and, honestly, on all renters, by addressing systemic issues through genuine transparency.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not. My journey with Houstory actually started way back in 2013, when I first drew up the plans. But at that time, I just didn’t know how to move forward, so I ended up shelving it.
Beyond that, as a millennial, I faced a lot of the same struggles many in my generation did. On top of moving around a lot, there was a real lack of stability in the job market, a scarcity of jobs with genuine growth opportunities, and dealing with some pretty toxic work cultures. I used to think that “the hustle” was necessary, but I’ve come to realize that’s often just a narrative used to drive you straight to burnout.
Fortunately, my wife has been incredibly supportive and encouraging every step of the way with Houstory’s creation. Her belief in this vision has been invaluable.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Well, at its core, my work, whether it was in human resources or now with Houstory, is all about people. I specialize in creating environments and solutions that truly put people at the center. I’ve always been known for taking a bit of an unconventional approach to HR and recruiting. While some might get bogged down in policies, my focus has always been on the human element, genuinely being people-centered.
I think what really sets me apart is my drive and passion for people, combined with a unique ability to see the big picture. I’m really good at recognizing patterns and understanding how they’ll play out, whether it’s in an organization or a housing market. This allows me to create solutions to problems that others might find completely unsolvable. It’s about not just seeing the immediate issue, but understanding its ripple effects and designing something truly effective.
What am I most proud of? Definitely my resilience and my knack for creative problem-solving. There have been plenty of moments where things looked impossible, but finding an innovative way through is something I truly value about myself. It’s that blend of empathy, strategic thinking, and a willingness to challenge the status quo that I believe defines my approach.
What are your plans for the future?
The future feels incredibly exciting right now! I just got married in November 2024, which was a wonderful personal milestone. And on the professional front, my main focus is on Houstory. I’m really looking forward to finishing up the front-end design soon and then diving into building out the core features of the app. The goal is to launch in just a few weeks!
We’re already seeing some great momentum, with a few investors interested in helping us build this out, which is fantastic. I’m also planning to bring on some part-time help soon, both for our social media presence and to assist with the backend coding. It’s all about scaling up and making Houstory the best it can be to serve its purpose. There are definitely some big changes on the horizon, and I’m ready for them!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/houstoryapp
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/houstoryapp
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Houstory/61573824755803/#
- LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/houstory
