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Laurie Satran is a Philadelphia based content creator, digital strategist, world traveler, freelance photographer, and blogger. She enjoys photography, escaping the city, staying active outdoors, practicing yoga, experiencing other cultures, and sharing good food with people she loves.
Personifying adventure, she defines success on her own terms and purposefully uses her dress as an extension of herself. She is creating her own life and is doing what makes her happy on her own terms.
Read on to learn more about Laurie and her favorite Americae items.
What do you do?
Professionally, I am the Director of Digital for STARR Restaurants where I lead a team of creatives who help to tell STARR's ever-evolving story through social media and on the web. I have also spent time freelancing as a blogger and photographer for lifestyle brands, blogs, and publications. Outside of work I spend my time traveling with my camera, enjoying the outdoors, practicing yoga, and breaking bread with people who are willing to share a good story and meal with me.
What do you love about what you do?
The food and the people.
Where are you from?
Short answer: The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.
Long answer: I was born in South Korea and adopted when I was 5 months old by a Jewish-American family from Brooklyn, NY. I was raised in the Princeton area of NJ, moved to Philadelphia for university, and have been here ever since with the exception of 2 separate years that I spent traveling for work to Austin, Key West, Amsterdam, and a small Swedish village called Almhult.
Education?
I took courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NY on the weekends while I was in high school thinking I wanted to be a fashion designer, but realized I wanted a broader education once I started university. I graduated with a degree in design and merchandising from Drexel University with concentrations in business and psychology. However, the best education that I have ever really received has been through my career path after school, traveling to other continents, practicing yoga, attending personal growth and thought-provoking events like A-Fest by Mindvalley and Burning Man, and the friends and people I have met along the way.
Sign?
Sun: Virgo Moon: Taurus Rising: Sagittarius. According to my friends, colleagues, and eastern astrology: Leo.
Favorite Americae items and why?
- Raw Emerald Ring Raw - but polished. I love the combination of all its materials and characteristics.
- Bow-Detailed Blazer Dress - Feminine, strong, asymmetrical. I can see this being worn year round and for so many occasions.
- Tuxedo Cigarette Pants and Blazer - A confident and sleek showstopper. I love an outfit that can make you feel like you can do anything in the world.
- Velvet Satin Reversible Kimono Coat - Soft and sincere. Layers make me happy and this coat makes me want to put it on and never take it off.
Who do you think embodies the Americae Woman, living or dead, and why?
Omara Portuondo and Frida Kahlo –– two bold, passionate, and determined Latin female artists who have gracefully proven they can run with the bulls.
Describe your style
My wardrobe consists of a mix of classics that I wear on repeat, layers, different textures, colors, and patterns and floral prints, and pieces I have had since grade school that I will never be able to part with. Occasionally, I'll mix in some seasonal items that I give to friends or charity at the end of each year. My style often fits the mindset I am trying to create for myself that day. If I wake up feeling a little sluggish, I will wear something cozy, but bright to lighten things up. If I'm feeling like I need a confidence boost, I'll wear something bold, fitting, and colorful. If I need to be productive, I'll wear black or neutrals to help keep my focus on my surroundings or whatever project is currently at hand. If I feel like being playful, I'll wear floral and fringe.
What drives you?
I'm driven by the people around me who live authentically and fearlessly, who want to make a positive and extraordinary contribution to the world.
What's on your bookshelf?
Aside from a collection of rocks, Korean cookware, and small keepsakes I’ve collected from my travels, I keep a mix of American classic books, cookbooks, philosophy, travel, personal and professional growth, and some randoms like Humans of New York, Kitchen Confidential, Steve Jobs, Light on Life by BKS Iyengar, and 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson. Currently, I'm reading Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola Estés which was recently gifted to me by a dear friend.
Next or favorite travel destination?
I am visiting Mexico next for a digital leadership conference in a few weeks and Panama this winter for sun, fun, and exploration. I hope to get back out to Asia after that - India, Japan and South Korea being highest on my list.
What's next for you?
I hope to bring more creative projects into both my life and work and find new ways to be a better version of myself every day.
What's your personal motto or what message would you like to share with women?
Life is short. Do it now. The only thing you have to lose is time.
