Designing Her Future: Lauren Hansen

A Boone County 4-H’er takes her hobbies to the next level.

Seventeen-year-old Lauren Hansen, a member of the Luther Livewires from Boone County 4-H, recently found herself at the 2018 Omaha Fashion week as one of eight featured designers chosen to showcase their original fashion lines at the INNOVATE Feature Designer Showcase. This accomplishment is proof of what happens when passion, talent and hard work combine.

Hansen joined 4-H and began sewing in 2008 at the age of seven with her grandma. Through 4-H she was able to find an outlet to sew and make new projects such as napkins, doll quilts, and eventually clothing. Lauren sewed quilts until she was 12 and decided to take a little break until 2014, and then she was right back at it.

“I was interested in making clothing because I thought it would be a fun hobby,” said Hansen. “We got out the sewing machine again and got some cotton to take some Jo-Ann Fabrics classes.”

Although she has participated in many 4-H project areas over the years, she said she has condensed it down, staying within the sewing and needle arts, clothing and fashion, photography and visual arts projects. Hansen’s advice to current 4-H’ers is to try a new project area.

“Maybe a diamond in the rough is waiting for you and you just have to keep trying to find what you love and are good at,” Hansen said.

Each year, Hansen has submitted a garment or outfit, to be judged at her local county’s fashion day. This past year her diligent, hard work was rewarded when she received top honors in Fashion Revue at the Awardrobe, a State 4-H clothing event.

“My favorite 4-H memory was the moment the announcer at Awardrobe told me I won the $500 scholarship,” said Hansen.

A key component of the 4-H program is setting and achieving goals. Currently, Lauren has the goal of owning her own boutique where she makes custom orders and collections.

“I want to either live on a coast or in the UK. I would love the opportunity to show at NY Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week if I can get really big.”

And she is well on her way.

“I didn’t get here over night. I’ve been doing this for four years and sewing for 10 and I’m to this point. I might be only 17 but if you find your passions early you can gain success at a younger age.”

Hansen’s 4-H experience is much more than her projects and exhibits. 4-H has taught her life skills; opened the door for incredible opportunities at the Des Moines Fashion Week, Minneapolis RAW Show, and Omaha Fashion Week; and ultimately, equipped and encouraged her to pursue her dreams.

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