Lauren Scruggs

Lauren Scruggs is a 24-year-old fashion journalist and founder and editor-in-chief of LOLO Magazine, an online lifestyle experience publication that integrates food, fashion, beauty, health and travel. Her passion for fashion has been demonstrated through her extensive experience in the industry, including interning in the wardrobe department of the television series "Gossip Girl," assisting in the Michael Kors showroom in New York City, and reporting for New York, Paris and Montreal Fashion Week.

Lauren was born in Redondo Beach, Calif., and raised in Plano, Texas. After graduating from Dallas Baptist University in 2010, she continued her work in Dallas by starting LOLO. After finding her writing voice, she soon began to use her skills in a variety of ways, whether it was jotting down her prayers, thoughts and dreams, or freelancing for national magazines. She has served as a contributing editor at MyItThings.com, SMUStyle and PR Couture, but “dreamed of a magazine that would inspire people to live their lives out loud.” That vision was the foundation of LOLO Magazine.

On Dec. 3, 2011, Lauren’s life was forever changed. After having been on a short flight to look at Christmas lights in a small, private airplane, she was struck head-on by the still-moving propeller blade while exiting the aircraft. The accident resulted in the loss of her left eye, hand and severe head injuries. While she has a long recovery ahead and will be in rehab most of her life, she is adjusting well and now has a prosthetic eye and hand. Lauren still has the same spunk and personality as she did before the accident. Her story, faith and positive outlook have inspired countless individual and she has been the subject of national media coverage ever since that devastating December night. Lauren’s family has strong Christian faith and credits God for sparing her life. She once said, “Even when life hits you hard, you keep on going,” and she has lived by that definition ever since.

Lauren has asked herself, “How can a life be used for something bigger than ourselves?” She seeks to answer this question through her book, “Still LoLo,” which will be released in November 2012. The book will include points of view about the Scruggs’ family life before, during and after the devastating accident. It will be written by the entire Scruggs family including Lauren’s parents, Jeff and Cheryl, who are authors, speakers and professional marriage counselors, based on their own history of divorce and reconciliation. Lauren’s twin sister, Brittany, who is married and lives close by in the Dallas area, will also provide perspective into “Still LoLo.” The Scruggs family is very open and proud of their relationship with Jesus Christ and they give Him the credit for Lauren’s amazing recovery.