Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren DeVera.
Hi Lauren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always been a natural connector. It was my heart to ensure folks around me felt comfortable and able to be their full selves. Due to growing up in multiple spaces where I felt like I didn’t belong, whether that was in my blended family, being multi-racial, or even in the church, I knew what it felt like to not be seen. The spaces that were meant to be safe didn’t always feel safe to me. Partnering with my passion for dance, and love for people, I decided to create my own space where folks, no matter their background or skill, could come together in one space, have fun, and express themselves! With my diverse background in helping other arts organizations, my upbringing in the church, and the natural hospitality that’s part of my Filipino heritage, I was able to seamlessly bring all types of people together in the same room.
That’s how The Lion’s Den came to be… people trusted me because of my consistency in the community as well as my talents in the art form.
Fast forward, I began to dive deep into wellness as a means of healing when I went through some loss in 2017. I became certified in yoga, mindfulness, and positive psychology shortly after. With this insatiable taste for learning and personal development, I then got my certification in life coaching and became a podcaster in the midst of the pandemic.
I absolutely love my career as I’ve finally discovered how to make my multi-passionate self integrate my multiple interests! On a given day, you can find me coaching, teaching dance, rehearsing, and recording a podcast episode… it’s the best!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
HECKKKKK NO lol. Sheesh. What a WILD ride the journey has been. From broke seasons to broken seasons, to discovery and pure joy. Every single experience shaped me to be who I am and pursue the very things I”m involved with so I don’t regret any of it. However, if I could go back in time, I would have invested in a mentor and sought therapy to take care of my mental health. The previous version of myself didn’t have the emotional capacity or maturity to properly handle what was happening in my life.
No one around me had recommended help with mental and emotional health so it took me longer than it had to, but I don’t think anything is ever wasted. I believe that there is purpose in our pain and that when you discover your purpose and live it daily, you will ultimately find your way. And “your way” is constantly evolving and shifting so remaining open and flexible is key. Part of the struggle included folks in my life not understanding my vision and desire for my life. People wanted me to choose the safe path, the secure and stable path, and I did the complete opposite. I chose art and entrepreneurship and it was the best decision of my life!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The Lion’s Den was birthed out of a desire to bridge the gap in our creativity and wellness communities, elevate dance and the arts, and amplify the voices of our fellow artists, creatives, and movement practitioners.
We’re committed to cultivating connection, collaboration, and community by providing accessible, inclusive, and decolonized brave spaces.
We serve our community through:
weekly dance and wellness classes
professional development for new & emerging artists
performance opportunities
mentorship for creatives
Thrive and Thread
Thrive and Thread is a wellness and entrepreneurial podcast and life coaching practice holding space for folks to step into their purpose and reclaim their power through wellness, positive psychology, meditation, and transformational journaling and coaching.
I’m most proud of our ability to hold space for all folks to be themselves. To show up as they are and be encouraged to express, take action and connect.
Join us online and IRL for dance, meditation, journaling, events, and more!
I’m also a choreographer and performer. I’m currently working on a short dance film in partnership with the NextLook Artist Residency with The Clarice at the University of Maryland. Earlier this year I had the pleasure of premiering my newest work, NANAY – a dance production exploring the topic of the mother wound and how it impacts us in our daily life as part of my Arts Incubator Residency with Joe’s Movement Emporium.
What sets me apart from most is my community building through art, mental health, and self-expression!
What’s next?
My plans are to continue growing my podcast, coaching business, and The Lion’s Den! I plan on continuing to grow in my dance and artistry and push myself out of my own comfort zone in ALL areas of my life. I’m excited to help and serve more people through mindset, movement, and mental health.
I’m looking forward to continuing to expand my current offerings and practices as well as working towards financial freedom for myself, my family, and future generations. I foresee a book in the future and speaking and teaching across the country/globe and representing the Asian-American and Filipino community. I’m excited for what’s to come and grateful for where I am today! I plan on dancing till the day I die! And lastly I”m excited to amplify the Asian American narrative through movement, podcasting, and writing! Stay tuned.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://lauren-devera.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/thelaurendevera http://instagram.com/thelionsdendmv http://instagram.com/thriveandthread
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/thelionsdendmv
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/thelaurendevera
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrw4YvgEyYJ2wmiLo2BkzXQ
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/thelionsdendmv
Image Credits
Traye Gilliam, Jessica Millete, and Sarah Heaton
