News Archive
One-on-one with Lauren Gold | One-on-one with Lauren Gold |
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| Written by Frani Heyns | |
| Monday, 14 January 2008 |
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Our first feature is on Lauren Gold. She went to her first Planet Angel night a few years ago and is now working with Pete and Angel at Planet Angel headquarters. When Lauren rushed towards me with her infectious smile, I immediately knew the interview was going to be great fun for both of us. The beautiful smile revealed her striking confidence, bubbly personality and inspiring outlook on life. Within minutes of our first meeting, I realised that Lauren radiates the very essence of Planet Angel. Over a glass of red wine and pizza, she happily unfolded the details and told me how Planet Angel has touched her young life. 1. Give us a brief outline of your life before your first Planet Angel experience. I was a student, going to college and university, and trying many different parties – including old-school raves and live gigs. 2. Who introduced you to your first-ever Planet Angel? 3. Describe your first time at Planet Angel. Within the first ten minutes I realised it was very different to any other party or event I’ve been to. I was 18 and it was at the Arches. Everyone was dressed up and really expressed themselves. There were people playing bongos – I’ve never seen that in clubs. I started singing with one guy playing his bongo and soon other people joined in. It was awesome to spend the night with so many like-minded people. I actually met up with the guy afterwards and we did a recording. The whole experience was very empowering. 4. How did you become involved with Planet Angel? I had to do a project on organising an event for 50 000 people for my course. I decided that my event would be something like a Planet Angel festival and phoned Planet Angel Headquarters for help on a site plan and rationale. They were very welcoming and we got on really well so they asked me if I would like to get involved with the Planet Angel events as they were actually looking for someone at that point. This led to event organising at Planet Angel! 5. How would you describe the Planet Angel experience? Planet Angel is a different world. It’s a place where you can really be yourself and meet people with similar interests. You learn so much from each other in a relaxing yet social atmosphere. It is so much more than just a job. The October party was the first one I got involved with. It was amazing to be part of the energy and passion. I really understood what Planet Angel was all about and couldn’t stop smiling all night. 6. How does Planet Angel contribute to other areas of your life? I’m much more confident and really grateful to be part of something so happy and uplifting in general. I’m building great event experience and now have something to offer. It’s also a fantastic learning process and the more I learn, the more I have to offer. I meet new friends and people all the time and most important of all – I gain knowledge and strength. 7. What is the most amazing thing you’ve learned so far and how does it apply to your life in general? A job doesn’t have to be just a job. Planet Angel is not just a company, but a social organisation. They play a very important role in my learning experience. The benefits are endless! Pete and Angel really guide me. They’ve created a place where everyone can have a good time and take everyone’s aspirations into consideration. 8. What is your most memorable Planet Angel moment and why? I once got separated from my friends. I went to the ladies to look for them and we ended up staying in there for a while, singing to music from my friend’s walkman. It was bizarre! Another moment was on the funky floor… I couldn’t stop dancing and ended up on the podium. Loads of people joined me and the feeling of unity was overwhelming. 9. What do you see happening on the future dance floors of Planet Angel? |