Lauren Spears

Lauren runs a high-end vintage resale shop in Tulsa, OK, called SoBo Co. After learning about SoBo and visiting just once, I knew I had to talk to Lauren. Her space exudes funky and Lauren herself is so fun and friendly. And clearly the funkiness of her business has every bit her touch on it. Her business was particularly of interest to me because of my current endeavors in Thrift 251. Thus, talking with her was an incredible experience. Lauren curates and sources her vintage clothes that she sells online and in her store. Her business evolved from an interest to a prototype out of a house to the storefront it is now. Here are some highlights of our conversation:

 Overview:

 Lauren’s journey with SoBo has been every bit organic-- from an initial recognition that she wanted to buy a vintage resale shop from her former boss to instead building her own and becoming integral to the Tulsa fashion scene. As I already mentioned, SoBo has an atmosphere that speaks to a unique voice and niche in fashion. Lauren is proud to have created an inclusive space, declaring, “We want women to be strong and wear whatever they want and look good and feel good in their own skin. And I think that attracts women that feel that way or want to feel that way.” This has allowed for SoBo to be a safe place for women to shop. 

An insight from Lauren that I found fascinating was how fashion norms and the way people react to what people wear are indicative of how people think about gender. And, how true that is! People have a concept of what women should be and how they should dress. Lauren often hears conversations in her shop that women proclaim they can’t wear something that’s “too baggy” or doesn’t show off her figure. This also happens when girls shop with their boyfriends and he tells her she can’t get mom jeans because they don’t show off her butt. Beyond just dressing room conversation, I find that those expected norms play out in pervasive ways. If we, as a society, cannot accept people for the clothes they want to present themselves in, we have problems. This is such a limiting mindset. We could miss out on so much by making assumptions about people based on appearance. Lauren expressed excitement over a movement towards gender fluidity in fashion. This bucks the mindset that men or women have to dress a certain way with gender-specific silhouettes. With Lauren’s curated selection, SoBo offers a place for men and women to explore looks that suit them rather than the norms. I’m inspired by Lauren’s ability to make intentional decisions that create such a space. 

Challenges of being a Female & Entrepreneur: 

Despite all of the work and intentionality Lauren has poured into her business, there are still people that don’t take her seriously due to her age or gender. This is evidenced when people question her authority over the phone, refusing to believe she is the one in charge. People also assume her husband works in the business just as much as she does. With her experience as a female business owner, Lauren states that “No matter what industry you’re in, you’re going to be a step behind.” She makes the important distinction that people of color have it even harder. As a woman, you have to think about how to act and dress so that people will take you seriously. And, of course, there’s always the feeling of being in physical danger when alone in the shop. Though she’s never had any major incidents, it is an active concern for women in general. 

Perks of being a Female & Entrepreneur: 

One of the most rewarding parts of running SoBo has been the community it has given Lauren. Her value for female friendships has grown since college due to the network of female entrepreneurs she has found in Tulsa. As she has gotten to know the other entrepreneurs in the area, they have become her support system. She cites fellow female entrepreneurs as some of her most frequents customers. I can’t help but think that is because they just get it. That support comes from their experience with similar challenges and a desire to champion other women running their own businesses. Lauren also talks about the unique perspective that she has as a woman to be able to shape her business. 

Boundaries and day-to-day:

I like to ask the boundaries question because it is something I struggle with. Lauren affirms that it is hard to manage setting boundaries, especially because she sells on Instagram. There’s the expectation to reply immediately on social media, even if it’s at an unreasonable hour. Lauren has set a timeframe that she won’t reply to such messages and is strict to take her days off seriously.

Lauren is currently running everything herself. She is quick to dismiss that being a solo entrepreneur is glamorous or fun all the time. Some days are so slow and boring. It may be a rainy winter weekday, making the likelihood of shoppers low. This means Lauren spends some of her days tagging, rearranging, cleaning, and sometimes just waiting.  These are such important things to communicate when people consider entrepreneurship. From my own experience with Thrift 251, I am so familiar with the unglamorous days Lauren describes. Thankfully, the supportive networks Lauren cites and days that you get to tap into the reason you started in the first place make slow days worth it. 

Womanhood:

Lauren considers herself strong because she overcomes whatever is in front of her. It is hard to be a woman and a business owner. Yet, Lauren is doing it and succeeding despite days of doubt or anxiety. She reminds herself, “No matter what happens, I can get through it.” She also cites pride in being a woman because of the unique perspective she has and that those she surrounds herself with have. She has a group of women that she plays Dungeons and Dragons with. While these women are supportive, empathetic, and traditionally feminine, they also tap into their aggressive side with the game. This shows how multi-faceted women can be with their different interests and sides to their personality. With this group and her network of female entrepreneurs, Lauren is surrounded by strong, interesting women and enjoys the conversations only possible with such individuals. 

 I was so excited to talk with Lauren and our conversation was so inspiring. As I relate to much of the story of her business, it was refreshing to hear from her about her own journey. She truly has a talent for creating the environment she desired that could serve the women in the area. Her knowledge of fashion and eye for curation is unique and I’m excited for that presence in Tulsa. She discussed her desires to have a larger footprint online due to the different look of Midwest vintage. Her main goal is to be a guiding voice in the Tulsa fashion world.