Folks We Love with Lauren Gruel | Partner and Director of Marketing, Slapfish
Lauren Gruel is the Director of Marketing for Slapfish Restaurant Group. She has attended the Culinary School at the Art Institute in Costa Mesa, ran a catering business with a close friend, and then ended up working alongside her husband Andrew at Slapfish. Slapfish is an incredible seafood reastaurant with a mission focused on sustainable, delicious, seafood. Lauren and I spoke in late April and she gave me the run down on what their life has been like, both before COVID and now.
Interview by Kacy Byxbee
Before we get started, can you tell me a little bit about your background? Where are you from?
I am from Huntington Beach, CA. I am the Director of Marketing for Slapfish Restaurant Group, and we have a family of 5 over here which includes my sweet husband, Andrew and our three children Jadyn (9), William(5) and Jack (1.5).
First, let’s dive into some business, as the marketing director of Slapfish, how is your business being affected by COVID?
Surprisingly we have been doing okay in the grand scheme of things. We had to adapt quickly and cautiously to the new guidelines that were put in place. Unfortunately though, we had to lay off some staff members due to the closure of some of our locations which was really hard as we consider our staff our family. All my Q2 marketing plans have been scratched but that is OK. I am adapting to this new normal and adjusting to what the market needs now.
What did a typical day look like for you pre COVID?
Pre-Covid seems like forever ago, right? Before the shelter in place order, a typical day for me was pretty hectic! Getting three kids ready for the day was like running a marathon. I would race my older two to their schools while simultaneously taking work calls in the car. After dropping them off, I would head to one of our locations, put out any fires as necessary and then jump on my laptop, bang out some emails, marketing strategies, LTO's and then meet with our corporate staff to discuss the future of Slapfish. Before I knew it, it would be 4 and I would go pick up my older two from school and head back home, take off my work hat and replace it with my mom hat.
What does it look like now?
Life is VERY different these days. Living in pjs all day is now acceptable in my book. My daughter Jadyn is in 3rd grade and has a virtual classroom, which consists of a 9am zoom meeting Monday - Friday. I try to not be seen as I might scare the children with my quarantine look, ha! We go on lots of walks and bike rides in the neighborhood and take drives up PCH to get a change of scenery. There are a lot of DIY science experiments, gardening and reading going on, oh and Disney + has been a lifesaver when I need a much needed break. I get most of my work done when my 1 year old takes his two hour nap and when the kids go to bed. I have worked in the restaurant a handful of times and it is very odd to say the least.
How have things changed with your partner after becoming parents?
We can't hop on a plane and go to Vegas for the weekend, that's for sure! Kidding. Well, as all of you know who are parents, becoming a parent changes your entire world, instantly and in the best way possible. We are more mindful with one another, and understand we are going to have bad days and that's when the other one picks up the slack to let that person breathe and take a moment to themselves. Date nights are a treasure, RARE and much needed. I am more in love with him each day as I see what an amazing and selfless father he is. No matter how busy our lives get with work and the kids we always find time everyday to give our undivided attention to each other.
What is your favorite thing to do as a family?
We love exploring new places, trying out new restaurants or having "family movie night" in our home.
What are you reading?
The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille
What are you watching right now?
Outer Banks, Killing Eve, reruns of Friends (always) and Schitt's Creek.
Where do you feel most inspired?
At the beach. There's something about having your toes in the sand and the sun beating down on your face that really gets your mind going.
How do you manage stress?
Yoga, running, talking to my sister and meeting up with my closest friends to vent.
How is self care playing out for you right now?
Self care is much needed right now. I try to relax at some point during each day whether that means lighting a candle, running a bath and throwing my favorite mask on or going for a solo drive up PCH.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Don't try to please everyone, because not everyone is going to like you and that is ok.
What advice do you have for new mothers?
Enjoy the ride because it goes by extremely fast. There will be days that seem like they will never end, you might have laundry and dishes up to your gills and you can't figure out what your baby needs or wants but you GOT THIS. The days are slow but the years are fast, remember that.
What are 4 things you can't live without?
My family, friends, the ocean and a great cocktail.