Interview and Article by Margot de Boer
If you’re like us, you’ve frequented dining hotspot Beauty & Essex, but did you know that the curator behind the very cool faux-pawn shop is a Scarsdale Mom?
Meet Lauren Goldman, mom of 2 to kids ages 5 and 3 and curating partner behind the coolest vintage & one-of-a-kind treasures you’ll find in Beauty & Essex in LA, Vegas, and NYC. Lauren’s brand ByGOLDGIRL is responsible for stocking and selling at all the Beauty & Essex locations, amongst other things as well. We’re currently GOLDGIRL-obsessed and sat down with Lauren to discuss her brand, what she’s done so far, and some exciting things in the works for 2023.
In addition to her role as the curating partner at Beauty & Essex, Lauren oversees operations at 16 real pawn shop locations as the Chief Operating Officer and is working on her 4th jewelry collection line with QVC and sourcing unique and custom pieces (both new and vintage) for her clients.
Tell us about your family and life in Scarsdale, please!
My husband Matt and I currently have two kids, and we’re expecting our 3rd in February! We also have a mini golden retriever named, Ainsworth. We made the move to Scarsdale during 2020, which wasn’t the easiest to do, however, we picked this city since my Sister and her family have lived here for 9 years. I love living in the same town as them and having the rest of my family close by as well.
So, among your many ventures, you’re a 3rd-generation pawn shop owner. Did you always intend to join the family biz?
Not at all! Even though I always had an interest in jewelry and gold, I never imagined this being my passion let alone my career.
Tell us about ByGOLDGIRL, and how your persona and the business line evolved alongside your family’s business?
I live in two very unique words: my family’s pawn shop business and the world of fine jewelry. My experience as a 3rd generation pawn broker and involvement in the family business has allowed me to marry my expertise of gold and fine jewelry with my own fine jewelry brand. Through ByGOLDGIRL, not only am I able to share my passion for gold and fine jewelry, but also able to provide other services to my clients that I learned working for the family business such as buying & selling pieces, repairs, and re-designs.
What’s the philosophy behind ByGOLDGIRL that drives the pieces you source and design?
ByGOLDGIRL believes in the everlasting value of gold and the belief that if you build a jewelry collection out of precious metals, you will not only have beautiful pieces to wear but investments that hold their value. The beauty of these pieces is that they can be worn a lifetime and never look as though they are out of style, or “worn to the ground.” Jewelry gets polished and can look and feel brand new. I provide all these services to my clients, where they can buy, sell, trade in & up, etc.
What’s the best way to shop with you?
The best way is to just reach out to me directly via Instagram (@ByGOLDGIRL), depending on what you are looking for you can always check my website as well.
One of our most requested pieces have been personalized items like our name necklaces which can be made in sterling silver, gold plated, or real gold as well.
I always try to make personal connections with my clients in the community. The custom work is so fun. Whether its sourcing, reviewing a jewelry box collection, or reworking special pieces of jewelry into something new; I love working with clients to reimagine family heirlooms into pieces that they’ll actually enjoy while still respecting the original piece. If you have a question, my DMs are always open!
Can you share any advice you have on maintaining and cleaning gold and other jewelry so it lasts and looks its best?
The best way is to have a jeweler clean it for you. A fresh clean from a jeweler is like a car wash – the professionals just do it better!
If looking to touch-up your jewelry on a weekly basis (or just need a quick clean) I sell this jewelry cleaning pen on my website that does the trick!
How often to clean a piece really depends on how often you’re wearing it. If you want to clean something you wear everyday, I would suggest getting it polished professionally every 3-4 months.
Anything coming up that you’re excited for (aside from Baby #3, of course!!)?
What I love most about my job is there’s always something to get excited about every day. Whether it’s an amazing vintage piece that comes through the shops or helping a friend source a one-of-a-kind bracelet for a special occasion, I’ve always had my hands in every part of the operation and worn almost every single hat. That’s simply the nature of a family-owned business and being an entrepreneur. I love tackling a different challenge every day.
In terms of upcoming developments, though, there is a lot in the works for BGG, so please stay tuned!
Can you spill the tea on your favorite…
Book you’ve read recently or Bingeworthy TV show: I mainly read business relevant books so not sure anyone else would be interested but have been loving Firefly Lane, & Yellowstone.
Splurge shopping destination (local or not!): Guilty.. Saks Shoe Dept.
Date night spot: L’escale in Greenwich
Bagel or brunch spot: The Roaster Café in Mamaroneck
Ladies night out destination: Sapori
Meal out with the fam: Nikko Hibachi in Elmsford
Place to treat yourself to something nice: Who doesn’t love a spa day? I like to splurge with an at-home massage
Outing with the kids: We love to Ski and have been going to Windham most weekends.
Hidden Westchester gem (can be any place you think we moms should know about): I love taking my kids and dog to Rye Playland Beach in the off-season to let our dog (and kids) run and get some energy out, it’s a great morning activity!