Take 5 with Lauren James

In her 9-5, LAUREN JAMES works in environmental science, helping protect water resources and human health. But outside of her office hours, James has built an online following in the tens of thousands. A lifestyle influencer and content creator at Lauren’s Suitcase (@laurenssuitcase), James started posting under the brand in 2021.

Through her TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook channels, as well as on her website blogs (laurenssuitcase.com), James shares snippets of her local outings and faraway travels. A recent project has been working with CATE SCHWEITZER (@catescompass) to organize women’s travel retreats. The first, in October, included hiking, yoga, waterfalls, and bonfires in the North Carolina mountains. The next one in May is sold out, with another happening in June.

How would you describe your content focus for Lauren’s Suitcase? “Lauren’s Suitcase started as a travel page where I shared tips, tricks, and destination guides. As I’ve grown and my priorities have shifted, it has naturally evolved into more of a lifestyle platform. Travel is still a big part of it, but now I focus just as much on romanticizing everyday life, sharing local spots, recipes, and the moments in between trips.”

What do you enjoy about being a travel influencer, and what are the less glamorous parts? “I’ve had experiences and opportunities I never would have imagined without this career, and I don’t take for granted that I get paid to travel and immerse myself in new cultures. It’s incredibly rewarding to turn something I genuinely love into my work and to share those moments with my audience. The less glamorous side is learning how to balance being present with creating content, because sometimes I have to remind myself to put the camera down and fully enjoy where I am.”

When and why did you start organizing women’s travel retreats? “About a year ago, I approached a friend in the social media space with the idea, and we immediately knew we wanted to bring it to life. We had both experienced how hard it can be to build meaningful friendships as adults and felt there was a real need for intentional spaces for women to connect. The retreats grew from that desire to create community, deepen friendships, and give women an experience that feels both inspiring and supportive.”

What did you see women get out of the first couple of retreats? “One of the most powerful things I witnessed was how quickly walls came down once everyone realized they weren’t alone. … Watching women leave feeling seen, supported, and understood was incredibly beautiful.”

What’s a city that’s on your travel bucket list? “Tokyo, and Japan in general, has been at the top of my bucket list for years. I’ve always been drawn to the culture, the attention to detail, and so many of my favorite foods come from there. I’m finally going this year, and it feels surreal to experience a place I’ve dreamed about for so long.”

LAUREN JAMES’ full profile will appear in an upcoming WILMA Lifestyles email. To sign up for the email, go to WILMAmag.com/email-newsletter.

To view more of photographer Daria Amato’s work, go to dariaphoto.com

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