Hello! I’m Laurel and I wanted to take the time to introduce myself as I embark on this new journey that is Library school.

I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. I currently live with my husband, Aaron, our two kids –Lorelai (7.5 years) and Desmond (5 year), and our miniature poodle, Gus. I grew up in the library world because my mom is a (now retired) children’s librarian. I spent my summers and after school time volunteering at the library. I was inspired by my mom and life experiences to begin my path to earn my Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree and begin a second career.

In my 20’s, I left the Bay Area for New York City for a while to pursue my undergraduate schooling and work in the fashion industry. I eventually moved back to the Bay Area and started my own plus size vintage clothing business and blog, called The Curvy Elle. (Feel free to check out The Curvy Elle Blog and The Curvy Elle Shop.) I no longer focus on this as a career, it is in the “hobby” category of my life.

For the last 7.5 years I have been a “stay-at-home mom.” Don’t get me wrong, this was my dream–to be able to have my kids and nurture and support them on a daily basis. I am so thankful to have had this privilege.

Now that my youngest is starting Kindergarten this fall, I’ve decided it is time to focus on ME! Being a stay-at-home mom is wonderful, but along the way it is easy to lose sight on who exactly you are. I know what Lorelai wants and needs, I know what Desmond wants and needs, but what does Laurel want and need?! I’m no longer the fashion-industry-Laurel who lived in New York City. I’m figuring out what really inspires me these days–I’m excited to see where my new ventures bring me.

***Graphic work on picture done on Canva.