Entrepreneur Spotlight: Dr. Lauren Waller
Support Lauren’s debut children’s book at www.drlaurenkwaller.com, and follow her at @DrLaurenKWaller on Instagram
The Doctor will see you now…
Dr. Waller Discusses multiple careers, living life to the fullest while single, and being a first-time author!
JillianWrites: Hello, Queen! Tell us who you are & exactly what is your main hustle and/or side hustle?
Dr. Waller: Hello, Queen! My name is Dr. Lauren K. Waller, and I wear a few crowns in my professional journey. By day (and sometimes nights), I’m a physical therapist working across multiple settings—skilled nursing, inpatient care, and home health—as an independent contractor. I love helping patients with diverse needs get back to their best selves.
I earned my undergraduate degree from Lipscomb University and my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Tennessee State University. But my hustle doesn’t stop there! I’m also a licensed Nashville real estate agent with Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty, diving into the world of homes and investments. And, most recently, I’ve stepped into the creative realm as a children’s author. My first book, *Saved by Grace*, is out now, and it’s a story close to my heart that introduces kids to the transformative power of God’s grace.
I like to think of myself as an entrepreneur who refuses to live in a box. I’m all about taking risks, breaking barriers, and living in purpose and on purpose.
JillianWrites: Who and/or What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? And when did you know *for sure for sure* that you were built for it?
Being a member of the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce has been a major inspiration for my entrepreneurial journey. Connecting with dynamic African American leaders, corporate professionals, and business owners who are turning their dreams into impactful realities has shown me the power of creativity and resilience across industries.
My parents have also been a huge influence. My mom started her career in corporate America but later pivoted into entrepreneurship, first by owning an art gallery in the early 2000s and then becoming a successful real estate agent, a role she has excelled in for over 20 years. My dad has always encouraged my sister and me to think big, never sit on our dreams, and step out of our comfort zones to at least *try.* That mindset has shaped how I approach opportunities and challenges alike.
As a single woman, I’ve also felt the push from today’s economic realities to pursue multiple streams of income. This has challenged me to explore innovative and impactful ways to build wealth while staying grounded in my mantra: *work smarter, not harder.* I’m intentional about maintaining a balance between work and personal life, knowing that true success includes peace, love and purpose. I knew I was built for this when I realized I enjoy the fulfillment of exploration and freedom in not putting myself in a box where my career can be a combination of strategy, passion, and creativity to create opportunities that align with who I am.
JillianWrites: What is the hardest part of being a business owner/hardworking woman? The most rewarding?
unboxing the first batch of new books!
“saved by grace is a story close to my heart that intro-duces kids to the transformative power of God’s grace.”
The hardest part of being a business owner and a hardworking woman is mastering time management and navigating the complexities of money and business—there’s always something new to learn. I’ve realized the value of having mentors or wise advisors to guide me along the entrepreneurial journey. Their insight has been crucial, especially during times when income can be unpredictable, and challenges feel overwhelming.
As a single woman, balancing all the responsibilities on my own can be tough. It requires resilience, but I truly believe that where there’s a will, there’s a way. And while I’m still on the journey toward meeting my future husband, my King, I’m focused on building a life that’s fulfilling and aligned with my purpose. I deeply desire marriage, love, and the joy of sharing life with my man because it’s hard out here! I know it will make life that much sweeter and more fulfilling and honestly I need that love and support to keep going. Until that time, I’m committed to growing, preparing, and embracing each season with faith and gratitude.
The most rewarding part? It’s the relationships I’ve built along the way. Connecting with amazing, inspiring people who share their wisdom, support, and energy has been invaluable. On top of that, seeing the fruits of my labor come to life and knowing I’m creating something meaningful and impactful makes all the hard work worth it. It’s proof that I’m capable of more than I ever imagined.
“While I’m still on the journey toward meeting my future husband, my King, I’m focused on building a life aligned with my purpose. I deeply desire marriage, love, and the joy of sharing life with my man.”
JillianWrites: Complete the following sentence: When I first started out working/being an entrepreneur, I wish someone would have told me…
When I first started out as an entrepreneur, I wish someone had told me that there would be days when you feel broke and like a failure—but that’s all part of the process. Success isn’t an overnight achievement; it’s the result of consistency, resilience, and unwavering belief in yourself.
JillianWrites: What personal qualities, skills, or attributes make you a phenomenal businesswoman?
What makes me a phenomenal businesswoman is my ability to connect with people on a genuine level. I’m inspired by authentic individuals and enjoy fostering meaningful conversations where I can listen, learn, and grow. I bring a welcoming energy, balanced by kindness and discernment, which helps me navigate relationships and opportunities wisely. I also value preparation—researching and understanding the landscape before taking bold steps ensures I’m strategic and intentional in everything I do.
JillianWrites: Have you seen a return on investment? Be it financial, emotional, social, familial, etc. If so, how long did it take to see an ROI? If not, what do you hope the future brings?
“The sense of impact & fulfillment is the ultimate reward.”
As an entrepreneur, the financial return on investment has been a journey of ups and downs. However, my greatest ROI has been in my spiritual and physical health. Having the flexibility to turn inward has allowed me to reflect deeply and understand what I’m truly chasing: good health, purpose, meaning, connection, freedom, inspiration, joy and love. Everything I do—whether it’s helping someone regain the ability to walk, guiding a first-time homebuyer toward their dream, or creating a children’s book that sparks imagination and encourages kids to dream big—is centered on serving others. That sense of impact and fulfillment is the ultimate reward, one that nourishes my soul and reminds me why I do what I do. I know the money will come if I continue to live in purpose.
JillianWrites: What or who keeps you going? (in the face of adversity, difficulty, doubters, the economy, etc.). Who’s your biggest cheerleader?
God is my greatest motivator. I believe I’m here to live for a purpose far greater than myself, and my faith reminds me that even in the face of adversity, there’s always a way forward. Through challenges and difficulties, God provides strength, guidance, and valuable lessons that help me grow.
My village—my family and friends—are my biggest cheerleaders. They’ve been my constant support system, sharing in my joys and sorrows while always encouraging me to push past my fears. Their love, belief in me, and ability to hype me up keep me grounded and inspired to keep going, no matter what.
JillianWrites: What makes your business unique/stand out in the market?
What sets my work apart across physical therapy, real estate, and children’s literature is my commitment to improving lives in meaningful, transformative ways.
As a physical therapist, I take a holistic approach, focusing on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—to achieve positive results. It’s about creating balance and true healing, not just treating symptoms.
In real estate, I focus on the educational journey of homeownership. I listen to my clients’ dreams and plans for the future, guiding them every step of the way to fulfill their goals. I love making the process an enjoyable, memorable experience while fostering lasting relationships with each client that go beyond the closing table.
As a children’s book author, my passion is to inspire kids who look like me because representation matters. I want them to see themselves in every character, dream big, and build the confidence to achieve things they once thought impossible.
At the core of everything I do is the joy of helping people improve their lives—whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental growth or encouraging a shift in mindset. That’s what drives me every day.
(above) The Saved By Grace book launch/release party.
JillianWrites: If you could have anything in 2025 related to your business goals, what would it be?
In 2025, my ultimate goal is growth—both personally and professionally. I want to sell more homes, publish more books, and earn certifications in specialized areas of physical therapy. I also want to overcome the fear of speaking out and sharing my story, recognizing that my experiences have the power to inspire and connect with others.
More than anything, I want to get out of my own way and rise– transcending my perceived limits and unlock my full potential. I aim to inspire meaningful change, embrace opportunities to scale, and fully leverage the resources around me. I want to step confidently into my potential without fear, and I’m committed to asking for help when needed—because collaboration often leads to dreams fulfilled. 2025 is about embracing boldness, breaking barriers, and building something lasting and impactful. I’m going for it! Follow my journey at @DrLaurenKWaller and www.drlaurenkwaller.com. ∎