Editor's note: In keeping with our theme of social media this year, we asked each of "the 20" to submit personally curated photographs and answer questions that offer a sneak peek into their private, as well as professional, life. We also had them choose a location for their lead photo shoot that ties into who they are.
LAUREN MINDERMANN
LoLo Bars LLC owner; summer raft guide on the Ocoee River
Age: 27
* What would your personal hashtag be?
#sendit #lolobarsedibles #supportyourlocaldirtbags
* Most-used emoji?
Most likely the crying-laughing emoji, or hearts!
* What would you list as your top 3 likes? And, dislikes?
Likes: Dogs, seltzer water, being on/near the water. Dislikes: Sour candy, mice, drama.
* How old were you when you got your first cellphone?
I was 11 or 12. I am the youngest in my family so I was tagged onto a family plan.
* Piece of tech you couldn't live without (or wouldn't want to)?
Music device (iPod/iPhone) and speakers. I could never live in a world without music.
* Social media - love it or hate it?
I love it. I was raised in a social media era and it has really helped me grow my business. Although, I will say the best times in life are the times spent away from your phone/social media.
* What was your last post (about)?
My last personal post was about my mom coming to visit Chattanooga for my birthday and for Mother's Day. My last business post was about LoLo Bars' presence at Proof Bar and Incubator.
* What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?
Successfully pivoting my career trajectory despite what my professors and parents, and even I, had planned for. I launched LoLo Bars after several failed attempts at other professions/grad schools/businesses, etc. After fearing how I would ever make money and be successful, I now am living my dream of owning my own food company.
* What is the biggest challenge or hardship you have overcome?
My biggest challenge and my biggest accomplishment sort of go hand in hand. It was extremely challenging to face failure in a direction you thought you were headed. Swallowing the reality, wading through uncertainty and starting something new was nothing short of terrifying. There were several moments of thinking what I was doing was silly, not worth it or that it would all come crashing down. I often considered quitting and getting a "real" job, but I can say now that I am very glad that I stuck with LoLo Bars.
* What kind of influencer would you be?
Hmm, I would probably be an advocate for strong female empowerment, sharing photos of ladies dominating in different challenging environments. I am lucky to be surrounded by so many badass females in Chattanooga.
* Any goals for this year?
Growing my business is always my No. 1 goal, but I am always reaching to build on all aspects of my life, like improving my skills with mountain biking, kayaking, yoga, and bettering my health, my relationships and my mind.
* What's one thing you would change about Chattanooga and why?
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else for this period of my life. Chattanooga offers almost every activity that I love except for one: snow skiing/ snowboarding. If Chattanooga was able to get enough snow for snow sports, this would be THE perfect town. Seeing as that will most likely never happen in my lifetime, it would be neat if we had a better indoor soccer arena made with tall walls. Growing up in Nashville, we had several different indoor soccer complexes like this.
* Why did you choose this location for your shoot?
Proof Bar and Incubator is where all of the LoLo products are currently being made. Proof helped LoLo's launch in Chattanooga and has been the home of LoLo Bars for the past two years. Proof has provided a wonderful commissary kitchen space that has fostered incredible networking, business opportunities, mentorships and lifelong friendships. No matter where LoLo goes, Proof will always remain a special place. Next time you are at Proof, be sure to order the LoLo Mule, topped with a 10-mg CBD LoLo Gummy Bear, one of Proof's best-selling cocktails.
* Tell me about one of your favorite memories.
One of my all-time favorite memories is when I got to see String Cheese Incident at Red Rocks with both of my parents and my brothers before my parents got a divorce and our family stopped taking family vacations.