A Blossoming Partnership in Fawn Lake: Lauren Jordan and Erin Reid Embrace Entrepreneurship
Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography
Friendship is often a foundation for any partnership, but that rings even more true regarding business. Two local friends, Lauren Jordan and Erin Reid, have combined their talents and passions to create Verdant Wellness, a flourishing business dedicated to health and well-being. Their journey, marked by shared values and complementary personalities, has brought them professional success and deepened their personal bond.
A Meeting of Hearts and Minds
Lauren Jordan and Erin Reid’s paths first crossed as neighbors, but their shared background in healthcare solidified their connection.
"Lauren and I met as neighbors and had a healthcare connection. Our kids are of similar ages, and it was just a natural connection,” Erin explained. “She [Lauren] is the extrovert, and I am the introvert, so it works well!"
This dynamic duo quickly realized they had more than just a neighborhood in common. Their friendship blossomed through their shared experiences and mutual support. Erin, a devoted mother and accomplished nurse practitioner, has built an impressive career in healthcare. She holds an RN, BSN, and MSN, and has been a Family Nurse Practitioner since 2006.
"I graduated from CSU Chico with a BSN and George Mason with an MSN," Erin said. Her husband, Shane, owns an environmental engineering firm in downtown Fredericksburg. Their children, Grant (14), Emelia (11), and Beckett (8), are active in travel baseball and competitive dance.
Lauren's journey to Fawn Lake began with a blind date set up by a friend in nursing school.
"Travis and I met on a blind date; a friend in nursing school set us up," Lauren recalled. Travis, a clinical psychologist, works at Colonial Internal Medicine Associates. Lauren, who earned her Master’s from Frontier Nursing University, spent 16 years in Hampton Roads before moving to Spotsylvania five years ago. Her family includes Grace (18), Ashton (13), and Jonathan (9), who are involved in various activities, from church youth groups to golf and horseback riding.
Building Verdant Wellness
The inception of Verdant Wellness was a natural extension of Erin and Lauren’s professional expertise and shared vision for holistic health. Their business caters to a variety of wellness needs, emphasizing the importance of balance in physical, mental, and emotional health.
"Starting Verdant Wellness was a dream come true. It’s not just about business; it's about making a difference in our community," said Erin. Lauren added, "We wanted to create a space where people can find support and resources for their health journeys, no matter where they are starting from."
Embracing Fawn Lake and Fredericksburg
Both families have embraced the Fawn Lake lifestyle, appreciating the sense of community and the array of activities available.
"We moved here from the Virginia Beach area five years ago and fell in love with the central location," Lauren explained. "It’s close to Richmond and DC, and we love visiting the mountains and local historic sites."
Erin echoed these sentiments, highlighting the area's natural beauty and outdoor opportunities. "I love the nature and the closeness to hiking and Shenandoah [National Park]. We go camping and fishing on local lakes often," she said.
With its rich history and vibrant local culture, Fredericksburg has become a cherished part of their lives.
"My hubby and I are foodies, so we have enjoyed eating at all the non-chain places in downtown Fredericksburg, plus local breweries. We love Fahrenheit 132 and La Petite Auberge; they are some of our favorite restaurants," Lauren noted.
The two families love to travel and explore outside of Virginia as well.
"We are in love with the Florida Keys, but my absolute favorite place is the British Virgin Islands," Erin said.
Lauren added, "We love traveling anywhere there’s a beach! NYC, Las Vegas, and Arizona are new on our list. We also enjoy family cruises and attending golf tournaments."
Nurturing Family and Community Ties
Erin and Lauren are deeply involved in their community, volunteering at local triathlons, participating in neighborhood swim teams, and attending golf events.
"We play as much golf as our schedule allows and have hosted supper clubs," Lauren said. We cherish the friends we've made here; it's a real sense of community."
For Erin, balancing her love for travel with her homebody nature is key.
"I describe myself as a homebody who loves to travel. I enjoy reading, health, and taking care of others," Erin shared. Despite her busy schedule, she makes time for her children's activities and also works at a local family practice clinic.
Their children also thrive in this supportive environment. Erin’s sons, Grant and Beckett, are passionate about travel baseball, and her daughter, Emelia, is a competitive dancer at a local studio.
"Baseball is a part of our daily lives, whether at a field or watching a game," Erin said. All her kids are also involved in church activities. Lauren's daughter Grace recently graduated from Riverbend High School and will attend James Madison University this fall, majoring in Business.
"Grace enjoys weightlifting and singing for church," Lauren shared. Ashton, her middle daughter, will also attend Riverbend. She loves horseback riding and participating in the church youth group. The youngest Jonathan goes to Brock Road Elementary and enjoys golf, basketball, and sleepovers. "All my kiddos are involved in church," Lauren said.
Continued Commitment to Wellness
Lauren Jordan and Erin Reid’s partnership is a prime example of the power of friendship, shared passions, and complementary strengths. As Verdant Wellness grows, Erin and Lauren are excited about the future. Their shared commitment to health and wellness and strong family and community ties promise a bright path ahead, and they couldn’t be happier with the place they call home.
