LAUREN LAURINO, a self-proclaimed “hybrid Jersey girl,” embarked on a transformative journey from her urban upbringing in the Northeast to the tranquil landscapes of Tennessee. Her childhood, marked by the proximity to New York City and the memory of the Twin Towers from her bedroom window, was enriched by her maternal grandmother’s Southern roots in Columbus, Georgia, initially introducing her to a holistic approach to life.
“I grew up 6 miles from Newark Airport and could see the Twin Towers out my bedroom window,” she reminisced.
Laurino’s parents, who retired from the state government, made a life-altering decision to retire to Tennessee, drawn there by 30 acres of land and lower property taxes. This pivotal move paved the way for Laurino’s own relocation, driven by her expanding family and the prospect of free babysitting from her parents, aligning with her belief in “go with the flow” – Marcus Aurelius, “following your bliss,” – Joseph Campbell, and the desire to “find out who you are and do it on purpose,” echoing Dolly Parton’s wisdom.
The universe seemed to conspire in her favor when she discovered a charming 400-square-foot A-frame home within walking distance of her parent’s residence just as her lease in Seattle ended. As a single mother, the significance of being closer to her parents as her son approached school age wasn’t lost on her. Her move to Tennessee marked a new chapter filled with gratitude for the community and the surroundings reminiscent of her hometown.
Affectionately known as America’s Holistic Sweetheart, Laurino’s deep appreciation for holistic living can be attributed to her paternal grandmother’s influence, who instilled in her the concept of “from garden to table” – a philosophy emphasizing natural remedies over pharmaceuticals. This holistic perspective became her guiding force, leading her to pursue a career in holistic health.
A chance encounter with renowned psychic Sylvia Browne catalyzed her journey. After winning a reading with Browne, she was told her career path was in holistic health and healing, sparking her curiosity to discover what that meant. She explored various fields, from liberal arts to criminal justice, before graduating from massage school in 2015.
Laurino’s upbringing in the culturally diverse hub of New Jersey exposed her to various backgrounds, languages, and cuisines that shaped her global perspective. Her travels to different countries further broadened her horizons, creating a discerning outlook on global affairs and the importance of individuals in shaping their destinies.
She shared her inaugural collaborative project, “The Chakra Journey,” a book she published while volunteering at the renowned New York Open Center, the world’s largest Holistic Urban Learning Center. There, she crossed paths with Deepak Chopra and later assisted him on several occasions. On this particular encounter, they chuckled at the uncanny resemblance between their book covers just before he addressed the audience.
Laurino’s experiences extended beyond the written word. During a tour in Toronto, she shared a backstage moment with David Wolfe, the Nutribullet spokesperson. Wolfe’s focus on the present moment resonated deeply with her.
“I learned through my collaborations that there is no better time than now,” she said.
This mindset led Laurino to establish the first holistic chamber of commerce in New Jersey. Her advocacy also extended to the White House, where she championed food label transparency alongside a diverse group of experts, emphasizing the consumers’ right to know.
Her dedication continued with a public access TV show on holistic lifestyle approaches, transcending borders and providing a platform to promote alternative health practices.
“I needed to be the change I wish to see in the world,” she explained.
“And what I wanted to do with this show was to take the apprehension out of trying alternative health modalities.”
Laurino’s journey taught her resilience and humility. She has navigated moments of TV stardom and days spent renewing food stamps, learning the true value of earning her success and paying it forward.
Laurino’s attentiveness to mind, body, and spirit enabled her to open up Mountain Mobile Massage locally in 2022, and it continues to leave community members feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and healed.
“I’ve hand-selected estheticians, and we’ve got massage therapists. My husband is a paleo chef. He just took a leap of faith, leaving Nashville to come closer to the mountains, offering dietary-friendly options as Chef Jay Hey with Mountain Mobile Meals.”
In her eyes, holistic health is not just a personal endeavor; it’s a lifestyle approach that starts with self-improvement and ripples outwards. She believes that we are all interconnected, and the healing of individuals extends to the recovery of communities and the planet itself. GN
