In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, adaptability isn’t just a skill—it’s a necessity. Today, we speak with Lauren Stanko, founder of Mojo Media Solutions, a brand development agency that’s turning visions into reality. From navigating the uncertainties of starting a business without a roadmap to launching her passion project, OOMA Mushrooms, Lauren shares her journey of resilience, growth, and the importance of soft skills in moving the needle.
1. Lauren, you’re entering your second year as a full-time business owner. Can you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to start Mojo Media Solutions?
I own a brand development agency that helps take entire visions and bring them to life. When I started, there was no framework to follow—just my soft skills guiding the way. Our most recent project, OOMA Mushrooms, has recently launched, and it’s been incredible to see how the business has taken shape in wonderful ways that weren’t on the original draft. I was inspired to create systems that bring value into the world and offer people alternative solutions to modern mental health problems.
2. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
One of the hardest parts was never knowing what to do next. Without a framework, I had to build a plan, test it, and quickly adapt if things weren’t going in the right direction. Losing my first client was a significant hurdle. It was a mutual parting—they needed skills that weren’t my strengths. Rather than trying to mold myself into areas outside my expertise, I communicated that a better fit was out there for them. It was hard on my ego, but ultimately, it allowed me to get clear on my strengths and move in a better direction for success.
3. How did that experience shape your approach to business moving forward?
It taught me the importance of adaptability. You can teach yourself almost any hard skill—coding, marketing, business management—but mastering adaptability, resilience, and motivation is much harder. Those are the real skills that move the needle and encourage staying power. The experience helped me focus on my strengths and be more intentional about the clients I work with.
4. What keeps you motivated during tough times or when facing uncertainty?
I remind myself of the remarkable moments, like when we got our first order in the first brand I created. That was an incredible feeling, especially knowing that only about 10% of people who attempt to sell online make sales. Seeing tangible results from hard work fuels my motivation. Also, the vision of OOMA Mushrooms making it into the lives of hundreds of thousands of people struggling with their mental health keeps me pushing forward.
5. What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs just starting out?
You have to develop adaptability. While hard skills are important, adaptability, resiliency, and motivation are the real drivers of success. They encourage staying power. Don’t be afraid to test your plans and quickly adapt if things aren’t going in the right direction. Also, be honest about your strengths and don’t try to be everything to everyone.
6. What’s your vision for the future of Mojo Media Solutions and OOMA Mushrooms?
OOMA is a true passion project. I envision it reaching hundreds of thousands of people who are struggling with their mental health or simply looking to improve their lives. For Mojo Media Solutions, I want to continue creating systems that bring value into the world, helping to turn more visions into reality.
7. What impact do you hope to make through your work?
I aim to offer people alternative solutions to modern mental health problems. By bringing projects like OOMA Mushrooms to life, I hope to make a positive impact on people’s well-being. Through my agency, I want to help others realize their visions, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Final Thoughts
Lauren Stanko’s journey underscores the power of adaptability and the importance of focusing on one’s strengths. Her commitment to offering alternative solutions for mental health and helping others bring their visions to life is a testament to what can be achieved when resilience meets passion.
To learn more about Lauren’s work, visit mojomediasolutions.io.