Lauren B. brings heart, humor, and a whole lot of creative energy to the Pepper family. As the very first Pepper in McLean, she’s helped shape a welcoming culture while juggling big ideas, bold adventures, and an enviable lineup of concert memories. Whether she’s cheering on her teammates, crafting embroidered keepsakes, or hunting down the perfect Italian sandwich, Lauren shows up with authenticity and joy in everything she does.

Scroll on for a Q&A and an infographic celebrating Lauren’s Pepperversary.

1. Best part of working at Eleven Peppers Studios?
I love the people and that they foster an inclusive environment. I also really appreciate the flexibility, in both personal/family life and training/enrichment.

2. If you were a pepper, what type would you be and why?
Habanero because I once had a great pineapple habanero margarita and have never been able to stop thinking about it.

3. What is your favorite 11p event?
The 11th anniversary cruise is really hard to beat.

4. What is your favorite present ever received from 11p?
Bluetooth speaker/cooler from the team leads dinner – it is my favorite beach accessory!

5. What is your favorite 11p memory?
Watching my talented coworkers sing karaoke at the holiday party a couple years ago because everyone got so into it.

6. Name a Pepper you can always lean on for support or advice:
Being the first Pepper in McLean, Kristen Parks’ guidance and encouragement has been key.

7. Name a Pepper whose work ethic inspires you:
I can’t name just one, so I’ll mention a few – Melissa’s leadership, Kelsey’s problem solving, Julie C’s adaptability and creative chops, Theresa’s organization… I don’t work with many Peppers in depth, but I could go on because everyone is so great.

8. My spice meter : 

1. What has been your most memorable trip?
My husband and I have come up with some incredible itineraries, and I can’t pick just one, so here are the highlights: Getting engaged on a Hawaiian volcano, getting married on a misty day on Lake Como, having a pizza/karaoke party with Italian cousins in Sicily, and being front row for Chappell Roan in Copenhagen.

2. What’s your ideal way to spend a day in DC?
Having slept a solid 9 hours, I’d make coffee and read in bed for a while. I’d take a morning stroll in the neighborhood or around the zoo, get a fat Italian sandwich for lunch at either Vace in Cleveland Park or A. Litteri in Union Market, visit a brewery with friends in the afternoon, grill something for dinner, and go to a concert.

3. What’s been your favorite part of home ownership?
Not having an HOA. We put little skeletons riding pink flamingos in our front yard (a tiny patch of grass) for Halloween. We loved them so much we left them there and gave them little hats and scarves in the winter. It’s fun seeing how much joy they bring people. They are affectionately referred to as “the girls.”

4. What’s your favorite part of living in DC?
I love DC for the walkability and the food. The city has a lot of great ‘third places’ like cafes, libraries, and family-owned institutions with the community feel that makes it seem smaller than it is.

5. What are your favorite musicians to see live? Any memorable concerts?
Khruangbin is always such a vibe live, Chappell Roan puts on the most fun show, seeing the Spice Girls as an adult with my childhood best friend made me sob, and going to Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, and Earth Wind and Fire with my parents were all incredibly special experiences.

6. Any unique or current hobbies?
Occasional embroidery projects: I’ve done some baby initials for friends’ nurseries and embroidered my wedding flowers on my reception sneakers. I also love crossword puzzles… and beer/wine tasting (when I’m not pregnant).

7. If you could only eat one type of cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Italian!