Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Ardite.
Hi Lauren, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey began in Cuba, where I grew up with big dreams but limited opportunities. In 2021, I stood up for what I believed in: FREEDOM FOR THE CUBAN PEOPLE, during the July 11th protests. Because of my involvement, the Cuban regime authorities actually tracked me down and imprisoned me for almost two weeks. It was terrifying, but it also proved how strong I could be.
Luckily, through what I can only call a little miracle, I didn’t have to face trial, and managed to escape Cuba and made my way to the U.S.
Starting over in Houston with nothing but my determination was tough, but it sparked something in me. I was ready to build the life I always dreamed of.
When I arrived in Houston, I started completely from scratch. I worked as a medical assistant, then in hospitality, all while pouring every free hour and every dollar into building my future. I had a couple years of experience as a makeup artist in Cuba, so that was my first step: rebuilding my beauty business from the ground up.
But I’ve always had a passion for creativity beyond makeup. I love branding, storytelling, and helping companies grow. That passion led me to an opportunity that changed my life: becoming the Marketing Director for renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Lind, in Spring, Texas. While in that role, I built and scaled my own photography and marketing business, sharpening my skills in content creation, social media strategy, and brand growth.
In just two years, I transformed my creative passion into a full business, and I knew I wasn’t done growing. I wanted to immerse myself in another industry that inspires me: real estate. That brought me to Warens Financial Group, one of Houston’s fastest-growing mortgage companies. Today, I manage their marketing, work closely with top loan officers and realtors, and continue to elevate the company’s digital presence while also running my own entrepreneurial projects.
My story is one of starting over, betting on myself, and never letting adversity define me. Every challenge has pushed me to dream bigger. Today, I balance my marketing career with running my businesses, helping companies expand their presence, connect with their audience, and elevate their brand online.
I’m proud of where I started, grateful for where I am, and excited for everything still ahead. Growth, creativity, and ambition guide me every day and I’m just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting from absolutely nothing in a new country was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. There were moments when I didn’t even have enough money in my bank account to cover my rent or my car payment. I’ve faced more challenges than I can count: financially, emotionally, and mentally.
But my determination has always been stronger than my circumstances. That mindset has opened doors I never imagined years ago. I’ve learned to face every obstacle with a positive attitude, and that has truly changed my life.
One of the things that has helped me the most is reading. I love books about mindset, growth, and business, they have shaped the way I think and helped me stay focused instead of letting challenges bring me down. Every difficult moment has taught me something, and every setback has made me stronger.
It hasn’t been easy, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come. All of those hard experiences are part of what built my resilience and the mindset I have today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an artist, creative director, and marketer with a very unique blend of skills. I started as a makeup artist over ten years ago, and that foundation taught me everything about beauty, detail, and storytelling through people. When I moved to the U.S., I expanded my creative world into photography and videography, and I’ve spent the last two years building a business that focuses on high-quality visual content, personal branding, and social-media-driven storytelling.
Today, my work is a mix of artistry and strategy. I specialize in photography, videography, makeup, social media, and marketing. Whether I’m behind the camera, in front of it, or directing the creative process, I focus on helping people and brands elevate their image, tell their story, and stand out online. I’m known for my luxury-inspired aesthetic, my ability to make clients feel confident, and the quality and consistency of the content I produce.
Along with creative work, I also manage marketing for companies developing brand strategies, building online presence, managing social media, creating campaigns, and producing content that actually converts.
Something that sets me apart is my versatility. I can create the full vision: makeup, styling, photography, editing, branding, storytelling, and marketing. I also model for my own work and for brands, which helps me guide clients on how to pose, communicate, and show confidence on camera.
What I’m most proud of is the business I’ve built from zero and the impact my work has on others, helping people look their best, feel their best, and grow their careers or companies through powerful visuals and strong branding. My goal is always the same: create high-quality work that inspires confidence and opens doors for others, just like I’ve opened doors for myself.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’ve been incredibly blessed with so many people who have supported me throughout these last four years. My very first clients deserve a lot of credit! They trusted me with their makeup before I even had an established business here in the U.S., and their recommendations helped me build the foundation of everything I do today. From there, every client, collaborator, and business partner has played a part in my growth.
Along the way, I’ve met people who have inspired me to become better; more disciplined, more consistent, more confident in my craft. Some have pushed me creatively, some have taught me about business, and others have challenged me to level up my mindset. From clients to coworkers to mentors in different industries, each one of them has helped shape the person and professional I am now.
There are so many people I’m grateful for that if I mentioned them all, we’d probably fill the entire magazine, but truly, I carry that gratitude with me every day. I believe success is never built alone, and I will always give credit to the people who have supported me, believed in me, and helped me grow.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauren.ardite?igsh=MWoxNnExcmFsZnl3MQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-ardite-79590931b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Photos by Lauren Ardite Photography
