Lauren's world was turned upside down with a startling medical diagnosis.

"I was diagnosed with a stage 4 PXA tumour, which was later downgraded to a stage 3.

A PXA tumour is a combination of different varieties of tumour growing together, which makes it extremely rare and unpredictable."

The onset of her condition, initially mistaken for migraines, was a glimpse of the daunting battle ahead.

After completing chemotherapy about 4-5 months ago, Lauren faced the challenge of managing her post-treatment life.

She describes her daily struggle, saying,

"The biggest challenge for me is trying not to overdo it and expend my new-found energy that I have!

I have to really listen to my body and rest often."

Lauren's journey through recovery was marked by a newfound awareness of her limits and the importance of self-care.

During her arduous journey, Lauren found solace in writing, which became a crucial tool for her.

"I’m a big fan of writing things down" she shares.

"It helps me to get clarity on what I want, and works as a bit of a problem-solving tactic whenever I feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start."

This simple yet powerful habit helped her navigate through the most challenging period of her life, providing a sense of direction and purpose.

Amidst her health crisis, Lauren found a purpose in developing ROBE Haircare.

"I was so grateful that I had a purpose to focus on other than just my health…" she reflects.

The creation of ROBE became more than just a business venture; it was a lifeline that helped her maintain a sense of normalcy and progression in her life.

Identifying as an introvert, Lauren initially struggled with the idea of sharing her personal story.

"I’ve always considered myself an introvert...but I also knew that I might be able to help someone by sharing my experiences," she states.

With the help of her friend Danny Lent, an EFT therapist, Lauren gradually found the courage to open up about her journey, leading to a supportive response from her social media community and connections with others experiencing similar health journeys.

Lauren's approach to haircare is deeply personal, informed by her own experiences with hair loss during treatment.

She advocates for embracing natural hair textures and avoiding harsh treatments.

"Over-colouring and daily heat styling are both things that will weaken the look and feel of your hair," she advises- stressing the importance of gentle care and the right ingredients for maintaining hair health.

With a wealth of experience as a hairstylist and a personal journey that tested her resilience.

Lauren has infused ROBE Haircare with a vision of empowering others to care for their hair with products that nurture and protect.

Her brand stands as a testament to her strength and dedication, offering hope and inspiration to those facing their own up hill journeys.

Lauren's journey through a cancer diagnosis to the creation of ROBE Haircare is a powerful story of new growth and finding peace through purpose.

We’ve had the pleasure of talking all things hair with Lauren before- she’s a wealth of hair knowledge being in the industry for over 16 years! Check out our last write up; Pro Hair Stylist of 16 years, Lauren Mackellar, Tells us No BS Ways To Care For Your Locks.

Check out ROBE online here

You can check out ROBE on socials @robehaircare

Lauren’s Instagram: @laurenbmackellar

Learn more about Lauren’s story here: Lauren's story