We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Berengo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, how do you think about risk?
I think that taking risks is one of the most important, perhaps even the most important thing you can do for personal/business development. Having the ability to take that leap of faith and go for that job, or start that business already sets you apart from 80% of the crowd. I have found personally, the bigger the risk, the harder I have worked to make sure that things play out the way I envision. I’m someone who would much rather take the risk than to never even give it a shot – I don’t want any “what ifs” or “I should have…” leftover at the end of my life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Aster and Ardor is a luxury, sustainable & ethical swimwear brand based 50/50 in Southern California & Melbourne, Australia.

The brand, in many ways is my baby — certainly the achievement I am most proud of so far, and hopefully my legacy. I am so proud of creating something that’s my own, independent of my family’s success.

I have always been torn between my passions, moving back and forth between Fashion or Health/Nutrition. I initially set out on the fashion path and was even accepted into Parsons: The New School for Design in New York City. I then did a 180 – and decided to move to San Francisco and get a Science Degree in Nutrition/Dietetics. 2 years into my degree, I needed a creative outlet. That, and never being able to find sustainable swimsuits that also matched my design taste/aesthetic, the idea for Aster and Ardor was born.

It has been a crazy few years since the idea arose in 2018, we launched peak covid in September 2020 and almost 2 years later it has been an insaneeee ride. We have been featured in Sports Illustrated, twice in Forbes magazine and had a runway show for Miami Swim Week 2021. It is the craziest feeling to see my designs on influencers or celebrities that I have admired for years!

It hasn’t always been the easiest journey, we’ve had a tonne of ups and downs and the process has been more difficult than I had ever anticipated. I think in today’s society. it’s easy to think “oh yeah I’ll start a brand, post it on Instagram, maybe get a few influencers to post and then BOOM, we’re off” — but that is just not the case, or at least it hasn’t been for us.

I have worked tirelessly on the brand, made many many mistakes, taken risks (some paid off, some didn’t) and poured my heart and soul into every single design— but we are here, and here to stay.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The thing I love most about San Diego (besides the weather & palm trees) is how versatile it is! My best friend and I are both very laid-back & easy going and LOVE to eat. With that being said, I am still fairly new to San Diego so there’s lots more for me to still explore!

I’d take her hiking at either Annie’s canyon or the Torrey pines beach trail, maybe even hit up a yoga or Pilates class.

Mission beach — for the boardwalk and the Beach House, but my favorite beach is either Windansea or Swami’s beach in Encinitas. La Jolla to sea the sea lions and the Valencia hotel. I also love Mission Bay! You can rent a boat, jetski or paddle board.

My go to restaurant for something casual is Gyu Kaku Japanese BBQ in Mira Mesa. If we’re feeling fancy, Born & Raised or Cloak & Petal — or basically anywhere in Gaslamp or little Italy. Seneca Trattoria or Il Fornaio for Italian, (my family is from Italy so I am super picky about this).

Shopping definitely at Westfield UTC or Fashion valley, I love an outdoor mall – we don’t have these in Melbourne.

My favorite day trips from San Diego are either Palm Springs, Big Bear or Laguna Beach. Honestly, having so many options at your fingertips is why I love San Diego so much! You can go skiing, or to the desert or hit up the beach all in one day.

(Okay Meg, this is a sign now for you to book a trip).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely was blessed to be given a little bit of a head-start in life, and that is largely due to my family. Growing up in Australia, I was fortunate enough to go to a good school & was given a lot of opportunities that I’m aware most people don’t get. My mum, who is also an integral part of the business, has unconditionally supported my dreams and passions (even when they do change), and my Dad’s side of the family has provided an enormous amount financial support by investing in my education. I also wouldn’t be here without having incredibly supportive friends, who have always believed in me, & my friend Kirn who helped out with an initial loan. We have been fortunate enough to find Ivone, our production manager in Bali— in many ways our success is also hers. Finally, my incredible partner John whose love and support has been amazing throughout the years — the ride is certainly more rewarding with him by my side.

Website: www.asterandardor.com

Instagram: @laurenberengo @asterandardor

Twitter: @asterandardor

Facebook: http://facebook.com/asterandardor

Other: Tik tok: @asterandardor

Image Credits
Tracy Tassill Ben Rayner Lauren Berengo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.