At Rhea Lana’s, our franchise owners are the heartbeat of our mission: families helping families. Each one has a unique story about what led them to step into ownership, and how this business has shaped their lives and communities. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Lauren Aloia, owner of Rhea Lana’s of Northeast San Diego.
A Leap of Faith
Lauren launched her first event in Spring 2016 after taking a leap of faith that completely changed her family’s future. At the time, she was working long corporate hours and missing precious moments with her young son.
“I spent the first year of my son’s life working a corporate job leaving before he woke up and making it home just to give him a bath and put him to bed. I cried every night,” Lauren shared. “My family was tired of seeing me this way so they told us to sell our house and move in with them until we figured out what was next. During that time, I visited the Rhea Lana’s of Temecula Valley event in search of winter coats. It was at that event I decided this was my next thing.”
Within weeks, Lauren attended training and launched her first event just a few months later. She recalls those early days as challenging, but ultimately rewarding: “Sure we had some of those dark days in the beginning when we were smaller and trying to grow, but starting this business has been the best thing I could have done for my family.”
The Reward of Flexibility
Nearly a decade later, Lauren continues to find joy in the everyday balance that Rhea Lana’s has brought to her life.
“I am able to be home doing the day to day with my kids,” she says. “By taking that leap of faith of quitting my corporate job and starting a Rhea Lana’s, it opened other doors I didn’t even know existed.” That freedom and flexibility remain one of the greatest rewards of running her event.
A Few Fun Favorites
Every event comes with its share of laughs and traditions. For Lauren:
- Funniest item consigned: A set of pots and pans (checked in by none other than Rhea Lana herself at Lauren’s very first event!).
- Event week essentials: Dark chocolate covered almonds, power bars, and meat sticks.
- Theme song: Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake.
- Celebration after a successful event: A family trip! “Even if it’s just a few nights away, I like to thank my family for their hard work and sacrifices.”
10 Years of Impact
Lauren’s story is a powerful reminder that courage, hard work, and faith can open doors to a whole new chapter of life. She embodies what Rhea Lana’s is all about: creating opportunities for moms, serving families, and building community traditions that last.
👏 Join us in celebrating Lauren and her 10 years of service to families in Northeast San Diego!
Interested in learning more about owning your own Rhea Lana’s franchise? Click here to explore opportunities.
Pictured above: Lauren’s first event and her most recent one. What a beautiful reminder of how far she’s come.
