Heart to Heart with Lauren Scruggs Kennedy

Lauren Scruggs Kennedy is one of Hollywood’s most transparent stars about her faith.  Lauren Scruggs Kennedy is well known for her online publication of Lolo Magazine and her modeling career. In 2011, Lauren faced an unthinkable traumatic event when Lauren accidentally walked into a spinning propeller while exiting a small plane after Christmas-light gazing with family and friends.  The accident resulted in the loss of her left eye and hand. In 2013, Lauren published her first book “Still Lolo: A spinning propeller, a Horrific Accident, a Family’s Journey of Hope “where she documented the events of that tragic evening, her days on the set of CW’s Gossip Girl and adjusting to life with a Prosthetic eye and arm and the inspirational details about her recovery. Since then Lauren has continued to flourish with the success of Lolo Magazine, to a Fairytale proposal and wedding to E! News co-host, Jason Kennedy and her newest book “Your Beautiful Heart”.  Lauren has used her story to inspire others around the world and as a platform to share her faith. We caught up with Lauren to talk to her about Faith, Fashion and Passion for young women to know their worth.
 
1.  What was the biggest lesson you have learned from the struggle that you went through after your accident?
Lauren- I would say the biggest struggles for me after my accident were tackling the issues and insecurities I was faced with prior to my accident.  The biggest lesson I learned was that God was always with me and even though I didn’t see the full picture at the moment.  I found hope in Jesus and my family.

2. How did your faith impact your recovery and healing after your accident
 
Lauren- It impacted my recovery greatly. My faith and family were the biggest support to me on some of my darkest days. 
 
3. Your book Still Lolo is a book about your recovery and journey from your accident. What was your Inspiration for your book Beautiful heart?
 
Lauren- My inspiration for my book, a Beautiful Heart was inspired by struggles I would see many girls face. After my accident, I was faced with many new battles and many insecurities and I wanted to share to new lessons I was learning.  I want girls to be inspired to stay true to who God made them to be.  I want young women to know that our pain is an opportunity to be vulnerable and relate to other girls who might be going through the same struggles but are too afraid to share.  

4.  What do you think that true beauty is?
Lauren- True Beauty is staying true to who God made you to be and reflecting Christ in all you do. 
 
5. What is the biggest change in the way that you view beauty now as opposed to when you were younger?
 
Lauren- I used to think beauty was based highly on external, but now I think it is based all on the internal. We are created by God specifically, and we have worth because of God’s image.  So much stability and peace comes from that. Physical image fades but the person you are leaves a lasting stamp on this world.

6. What do you think the biggest lies that young women are facing today
Lauren- They are not good enough, are lacking value, or define themselves by comparing to someone else rather than resting in the fact that they are a part of God’s image.  
 
7. What would your advice be to a young girl who is struggling with the way God made her and really does not like who she is?

Lauren- My advice would be simple look in the mirror and just gaze at the masterpiece God created.  God created you for a purpose and a reason. Do not lose sight on your calling God has for you. Also I would encourage girls to know that they can have eternal confidence in Christ because of what he did on the Christ. Our confidence in Christ and what he has done helps us to love others well and it helps us be able to love ourselves as well.

8.  What inspired the creation of Lolo Magazine?
Lauren-In College, I knew I loved fashion, business and building relationships. I was able to do an internship in the Michael Kors show room as well as in the Gossip Girl closet.
I also reported many season of fashion weeks. After these experiences I decided to turn my blog into my own business. It was a big risk but I am so glad I did it!
 
9. What fashion advice do you have for readers for the summer?
Lauren- My favorite new trend this year is accessorizing with a bandana scarf. Summer is one of my favorite seasons, and this trend spices up any neutral outfit. P.S.  I am loving floral prints as well!

---

10.You recently partnered with Bethany Hamilton can you tell us what you have been working on with her?
Lauren-     Yes, for about three years now Bethany and I have been teaming up for a yearly retreat called Beautifully Flawed. It is a retreat for girls who have lost limbs and it serves as a comforting and relational weekend. It is a time where we share how God sees each one of us as flawless and how He loves us greatly.  I also have started the Lauren Scruggs Kennedy foundation with my mentor, Lisa, and my dear friend Ashley, where we help provide beautiful prosthesis for women in need.
11.   What is next for you in where God is calling you?
 
Lauren- Right now I am just enjoying being a wife. God has been teaching me about living in each season with a healthy balance of rest and ambition. As for what is next for me in work- I am launching a new hair product in the next couple of months! Stay Tuned!

---

Photos: Lauren Kennedy and Lolo Magazine
Written by: Rebeccah McCully