Lauren Harkey ’05 is the owner and director of Hodges Taylor Art Consultancy, a respected contemporary art gallery and consulting firm in Charlotte. She is actively involved in the local arts community and currently serves as a member of the Craft, Design, & Fashion Collections Board and the Advancement Committee of the Mint Museum, a member of Goodyear Arts Board of Directors, as well as a member of the City of Charlotte’s Public Art Commission. Lauren is a past president of the Country Day Alumni Council and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the YWCA of the Central Carolinas, and Center City Partners’ South End Board Committee.
You left a law career to become the owner and director of Hodges Taylor. Tell us about your career journey. What made you decide to make that change?
At UNC Chapel Hill, I majored in Psychology and Art History, then earned a Masters in Contemporary Art before entering law school at UNC Chapel Hill. After graduation, I joined my family’s law firm to practice family law and work alongside my dad and my uncle. After a couple of years, I sincerely missed the creative field and sought out a way to nurture my interest in art. I’d known Christie Taylor, co-founder of Hodges Taylor, growing up and after a few times reconnecting, she graciously made an offer I couldn’t refuse. With the support and encouragement of my parents, I left the law firm to become Christie’s partner in the gallery in 2016. Two years later, I became the sole owner after Christie’s retirement, and I pinch myself a lot of days.
While I keep my law license active, I don’t formally practice law these days. However, I am an artist’s advocate now – to clients, companies, and the community.
What has been the most rewarding or exciting professional experience for you thus far?
Every day feels different and presents a new challenge. I would say that I’m living it in real time, and for that I am appreciative.
What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your career?
As an entrepreneur, you make the rules, but you also have to follow them. I say this in a tongue-in-cheek manner, but it is easy to become unsure of what’s next and how to get there. I’ve built friendships with a rich and reciprocal network of creative professionals and that makes a world of difference. It is all about relationships ultimately – how we treat each other and look out for one another.
What advice would you give to current students who also want to turn their passions into careers?
I am grateful that I was able to pursue my academic interests in higher education, and that experience continues to impact me every day. I would say that it is important to stay engaged and open-minded in a variety of interests and pursuits – not only do you never know where they may lead, but you never know who you may meet that enriches your life even further.
How would you describe the impact Country Day has made in your life?
As a lifer, Country Day was a near daily fixture in my life from age five to almost eighteen. I will be forever grateful for the consistent comforts of the Country Day community and the welcomed challenge of the Country Day curriculum. Once I began college, it became even clearer how foundational Country Day was to me – in helping me to establish a sense of self, confidence, and equipping me with the tools I needed for the rest of my academic pursuits and beyond.
Was there anything or anyone that created a lasting impact on you while at Country Day?
If I think back to each grade at Country Day, the memories of countless teachers and staff members who played a key role in that year’s growth flood my mind. If I think of a pivotal moment – my freshman year of high school – one particular teacher, friend, and mentor comes to mind. Mr. Martin, my high school advisor and English teacher, always took the time to push his students to find their authentic voice – through their writing, and their pursuits in life. In a witty and unassuming manner, and at a time in your development when it is easy to become overwhelmed by what comes next, Mr. Martin both grounded me and opened my eyes to the possibilities ahead.
What are your fondest memories of Country Day?
Country Day sets the bar extremely high when it comes to lifelong friends. I feel very lucky to have met such incredible people at Country Day – friends that you grow up with – both inside and outside the classroom. Those shared experiences, and friends that have known you since the beginning, are invaluable as an adult.
How have you remained connected with Country Day since graduation?
When I returned to Charlotte after law school, I think it took one phone call with an alumna, and she convinced me to join our class reunion committee. I then joined the Alumni Council, which I chaired in 2019-2020.
Last year you were named Outstanding Emerging Philanthropist by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Why is philanthropy important to you and how do you engage in philanthropic efforts in the community?
Philanthropy has always been a part of my life – my parents instilled a strong belief in giving your time and talent as you were able, and I’ve volunteered for nonprofits from middle school to today. I believe that you must put into your community what you hope to get out of it and that philanthropy is about finding your path. Since returning to Charlotte, I’ve enjoyed joining the boards of the nonprofits that were formative to me growing up, and today. I currently serve on a wide variety of boards and enjoy being able to connect the dots on behalf of an organization.
What do you do for fun? Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy time with friends, travel, and trying new restaurants.
Lauren Harkey '05 and Sybil Wornall Godwin '99 are co-chairs of the upcoming Alumni Art Show, which will run from January 24–March 4, 2022. Join us for the alumni artists’ reception on February 25, 2022, from 6:00–8:00 pm, in the Hance Family Gallery.
You can connect with Lauren Harkey '05 via her LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-harkey-08367480/.