Lauren Small
Dillon, SC
Current Career: Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care and Aesthetic Medicine
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself and/or your personal journey:
A. Since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. In 2014, I graduated from the University of South Carolina with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. My initial plans were to pursue a nurse anesthesia career, but after 3 years in critical care, God laid a new purpose on my heart. I watched so many people suffer from illnesses that could have been prevented, or at least better managed, and I felt like someone needed to help bridge the gap in care I was seeing with every shift. So, I enrolled in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at Francis Marion University and graduated in December 2018 with a masters degree. In 2022, I joined Skin Clique, a concierge aesthetic medical practice, and began to acquire a new skill set! While I enjoy helping people in their medical journey in primary care, my love for aesthetics has grown and allowed me to serve patients in an entirely new way that is just as rewarding. Starting my own aesthetics practice here in Dillon is an amazing opportunity that I am very excited about! Looking back, God’s hand has been on every aspect of my life. His timing is always perfect!
Q. What is a little known fact about yourself that you wish to share?
A. I had a couple of drawings published in the Archie comics when I was in elementary school!
Q. What is in one of your biggest accomplishments?
A. Being a mother. It sounds cliche, but it’s the one thing I have always dreamed of!
Q. Who has been an influential figure in your life and why?
A. My daddy, Keith Bailey. Growing up, one of the first things I came to realize is my daddy is a hero. People were always coming up to him with thanks for an act of kindness. As a paramedic and firefighter, he has impacted thousands of lives, never expecting anything in return. The impact he has made, and continues to make, on others inspires me, and I truly believe his servant’s heart helped pave my own path.
Q. What is the best advice you have ever received?
A. Never be afraid to dream about tomorrow. If it doesn’t work out, you can always return to what you are doing today.
Q. Fun fact about yourself.
A. I’ve never met an iced coffee I didn’t like!
Q. Hobbies/What you like to do in your spare time
A. In my free time, I love spending time with my family, especially on a beach. I also deeply enjoy writing and hope to have a book published one day!
Q. What is the key to success?
A. For me, it is a combination of a few things. First and foremost, place your faith in Jesus with every big decision. His counsel will never steer you wrong. Secondly, remain true to yourself and your purpose. People can sense ingenuity within the first two minutes of talking with you. Do what you love but have enough awareness to know when life is pulling you in a different direction. Third, there will always be people who doubt you. Don’t listen to negative nancy – they don’t pay your bills!
