My Version chats to Kiwi stars and people of influence to give a glimpse into their time as a teen and see the things they are currently obsessed with!

This New Zealand Music Month, we are putting a focus on our country’s amazing up-and-comers.

Say hello to Lauren Marshall aka LOVETA.

Obsessed RN.

Currently bingeing:

I’ve been bingeing Vogue’s BTS videos of the 2023 MET Gala. I’m so fascinated by the process of creating the glam!

Song on repeat:

‘I’m Not High, I’m in Love’ - Bebe Rexha.

Favourite Insta account to follow: 

‘Sh*t You Should Care About’ (current news) and Sammi Jefcoate (amazing fashion).

Must have beauty product:

Mecca To Save Face SPF50 Sunscreen - holy grail!

The item of clothing I’m definitely over wearing:

My super long houndstooth coat that my friend from the UK gifted me.

Currently reading:

The Universe Has Your Back - Gabrielle Bernstein.

Snacking on:

Popcorners - The sweet and salty flavour is super addictive!

Can’t stop watching on TikTok:

Singing covers from Grace Kinstler - her voice is incredible!

Dreaming of:

Taking a writing trip to a warm place with a heavenly beach where I can relax and create all day.

Next place on the list to travel to:

Ideally returning to Hawaii, but realistically travelling back to my old home of Melbourne for my best friends’ wedding.

I’m currently inspired by:

New music, Pinterest, documentaries, and what I have planned for the rest of the year.

My favourite way to relax is:

Soaking in a spa or getting a massage.

I stay healthy by:

Taking long walks in nature, getting as much sleep as possible, and eating a vegan diet

When I was younger…

One thing I love about Gen-Z is:

Their fresh take on fashion and pop culture, and their ability to make any moment or activity fun.

If I could give my teenage self one bit of advice, what would it be:

Don’t be so hard on yourself - good things are coming, and you won’t be living at home forever!

My dream job as a teen was:

Becoming a professional singer/recording artist - I’m proud to say I’m making that happen!

My favourite part of being a teenager was:

Having so much free time to hang out with friends, and the amazing music that was out back then.

Best piece of advice I ever received as a teen was:

The world is your oyster - think big!

My first job was:

A cleaner/assistant at a hair salon.

My biggest fashion faux-pas was:

The thick pink belts we used to wear over our jeans, tonnes of neon, and Supre everything!

My biggest inspiration was:

My favourite music artists - I used to love Rihanna, Panic at the Disco, My Chemical Romance, and Katy Perry. Also shows on MTV and Disney Channel.

Check out LOVETA’s latest single, Take It Slow, here.