Lauren Tarpley has watched Charleston grow and change since Hugo times. A wife of three years and a mom for two, Lauren loves to bake (cupcakes!), go out to eat, and travel. She is an AYA [adolescent and young adult] breast cancer survivor. At the age of 34, Lauren was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer and wrote a book called Type A Guide to Cancer to help fellow and future cancer patients.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a husband, a two year old son, and a 16 year old MinPin. My whole nuclear family lives here– In-laws too.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I work in corporate social responsibility for a tech company that is based locally, and I have a moonlight podcast called Life With Little Ones. It’s an inclusive parenting podcast.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Michael’s on the Alley, Hall’s, Al Di La, and The Kingstide.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
32 years
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I live for an exotic beach vacation; I would love to be in the Canary Islands right now.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Too many to list! I love TV.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Whoever is happy will make others happy too.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To swim with whale sharks.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
DMB
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Meritage– oh how I miss that place! I miss accessible parking and no traffic in the middle of the day!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Honestly, I can’t think of anyone. Time is precious, and I like eating alone sometimes, so I might just take myself out for lunch.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
There is water nearly 30 minutes away from any spot. I just love the water.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Alive! That’s the goal.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A lot of people don’t know that I wrote a book. I kept it close to the chest, but it is out now!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Maldives
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
January– it’s a fresh start. Favorite holiday is Halloween, and best day on the calendar is my son’s birthday!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Overall, traveling. It is so important to travel and to travel alone at least once. You learn a lot about yourself.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband and son. My husband is my biggest cheerleader, and everything we do is for our son.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Lavender and fresh linen.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Great seafood, water, and comfort.
