Laureen Uy-Cruz is a name synonymous with style, trendsetting fashion, and authentic influence.
As one of the most celebrated fashion icons and digital influencers, Laureen has carved a niche for herself in the fashion and lifestyle scene. With her keen eye for detail, impeccable taste, and relatable personality, she has amassed a loyal following that looks to her for inspiration in fashion, travel, beauty, and lifestyle. This week, I reached out to Laureen, and this is her story.
Laureen shared that at an early age, she already wanted to have a career in the world of fashion.
“I started interning for a fashion magazine at the age of 15 because I knew I wanted to be part of the fashion industry. I didn’t know my path yet, but I knew my hard work would lead me there. When I got to college, I opened a clothing brand with my best friend. During that time, I was also a contributing stylist, writer, and model for several magazines,” said Laureen on how she started.
On her 21st birthday, she created a blog to serve as a visual diary since she loved dressing up and taking photos. Not long after, she received an invite for an out-of-town fashion show. What followed were several fashion and travel business opportunities.
“I’ve never stopped since then. I’m really lucky to be where I am right now, doing what I love and meeting amazing people along the way,” she continues.
Laureen admires her two siblings, who started working in the fashion industry long before her. Growing up with them inspired her to be part of the industry as well.
She stays authentic by mixing trends with her style. The key is knowing the trend forecast while still staying true to oneself.
She continues, “I tried so many styles and am still trying new ones! I’ve tried preppy, chic, urban, street, and more. Being open to experimenting with different styles and trends has led me to my personal style now, which is street chic. Picture a cropped shirt paired with long denim shorts, accessorized with a Fendi sequined sling bag, and paired with socks and heels. It’s not too feminine, but not too masculine either.”
The world of influencers and content creation is constantly changing. Laureen mentions that she started during the Lookbook/Chictopia era, and she has seen how the digital landscape has evolved and is still changing.
“In the early 2000s, people didn’t know that blogging could be a full-time job. Fast forward to now, and there are so many full-time influencers and content creators. We can further enhance our creativity with the use of AI and editing apps that make it easier to create content, and this trend will continue to grow. As far as I can tell, it will keep evolving for many years,” she said.
Aside from providing new fashion trends and travel tips to her audience, Laureen has also ventured into the food business. Together with her husband, Miggy Cruz, the couple manages Hungry Homies, a smash burger joint with several branches in the Metro.
“My husband’s burgers are the main reason I ventured into business. He started cooking burgers during the pandemic, and I loved them so much that I told him we could sell them online. Since my college course was IMC (Integrated Marketing Communications), we agreed he would run the kitchen, while I would handle marketing,” said Laureen on their business.
As for future plans, she wants to build a beautiful family and open more Hungry Homies branches.
Laureen continues to inspire through her unique blend of style, authenticity, and creativity. From her humble beginnings as a fashion blogger to becoming a global influencer, Laureen has proven that passion and hard work can turn dreams into reality. Her ability to connect with her audience, coupled with her ever-evolving personal brand, ensures that she remains a significant figure in the world of fashion, lifestyle, and travel.
As she continues to break boundaries and set trends, there’s no doubt she will keep inspiring aspiring influencers and fashion enthusiasts alike.
For more Dee-Tails, you may reach the author at angeloardee2@gmail.com.