Hi everyone! I'm Lauren Hollis, owner of Linked by Laur!

My whole life I have always had a passion for entrepreneurship. From selling $1 bookmarks door-to-door in my neighborhood, running lemonade stands and bake sales, to getting my vendor's license at 10 to sell jewelry at craft shows—I've always loved finding products to share with others.

I graduated from Kent State University with a degree in business, majoring in Entrepreneurship. The program there truly shaped me into the person I am today.

During my freshman year, when the pandemic sent everyone home, I started my first company, Pineappleloop LLC. While in quarantine, I taught myself how to build a website, connect with influencers, run Facebook ads, and market to consumers. The business launched in June 2020, selling customizable rings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Sophomore year, I began making tik toks promoting my business, pretty soon I was having videos reach millions of views and my online store took off! During the week I would create products in my sorority house, and on weekends I would drive home so my parents could help me sort, package, and ship orders at our dining room table. By Junior year, I had shipped out over 1,000 orders to 18 countries.

In April 2022, during my junior year, I entered Kent State's CEBI Pitch competition. After months of hard work and mentorship, I won 1st place and $10,000! But after reaching this milestone, I wasn’t sure where to take my business next.

In my senior year, I tried adapting to market trends, experimenting with wholesale jewelry, laser engraving, and even custom sweatshirts. But after several attempts of trying new ventures, I began applying for post-grad jobs, feeling unsure about my next steps. In April 2023, just before graduation, I accepted a job offer but still wasn't ready to give up on my dream of being an entrepreneur.

The same week I accepted the job, I heard about the trend of “permanent jewelry.” I decided to take one last shot and used what remained of my CEBI prize money to invest in the supplies I needed to launch this new venture.

Fast foward to a year later, it’s clear that was the best decision I could’ve made. While working my corporate job, I spent my evenings and weekends booking appointments and traveling to events for permanent jewelry. After just six months, I left my 9-5 to pursue my business full-time—and I couldn't be happier. If it weren’t for my mentors during college, the entrepreneurship program, and most of all my parents who are my biggest supporters, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am so grateful to everyone who has supported me and my company, and I cannot wait to see where this journey takes me next!