Lauren Conrad Opens Up in Rare Interview About Leaving Fame Behind to Raise a Family with Her ‘Smoke Show’ Husband (Exclusive)

**Lauren Conrad Reflects on Life Beyond Fame Two Decades After ‘Laguna Beach’**

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Lauren Conrad, best known for her role in the revolutionary MTV reality show ‘Laguna Beach’, shared her thoughts on stepping back from the limelight to focus on her family and fashion endeavours. With the recent reunion of the show’s cast to mark its 20th anniversary, Conrad revisited memories from her younger days but revealed her preference for a more private lifestyle now that she is a mother of two.

The 40-year-old actress and designer, who is also a Kohl’s collaborator, reflected on the challenges of capturing family moments in a digital age filled with constant social media sharing. Despite being largely absent from platforms like TikTok and infrequently updating her Instagram, she has embraced the idea behind the “Proof of Mom” movement, which encourages mothers to be a visible part of family photos. “That’s a real thing: I’m never in a photo!” she remarked, recalling a recent trip to Hawaii where their only family photo was captured in an unexpected elevator reflection.

Conrad’s life took a significant turn four years ago when she returned to her roots in Orange County. “Nobody cares who I am here,” she said, expressing gratitude for her newfound privacy. “It’s such a privilege to be able to live my life for myself after putting many years on camera.” This retreat into a quieter existence has allowed her to concentrate on raising her two young sons, Liam, 8, and Charlie, 6, with husband William Tell.

Conrad’s breakthrough came when ‘Laguna Beach’ first aired in 2004, introducing audiences to a group of high school seniors navigating life in California. As she transitioned to the spin-off series ‘The Hills’, her life, often scrutinised by fans, became a topic of public fascination. After departing from ‘The Hills’ in 2009 at the height of her fame, Conrad shifted her focus towards building her fashion brand, launching her first collection with Kohl’s that same year.

The recent reunion special, ‘The Reunion: Laguna Beach’, set to be released on the Roku Channel, allowed Conrad a moment of nostalgia. However, revisiting her teenage years was not without its complexities. “I thought it was going to be easier, like riding a bike,” she admitted, but found it to be more challenging than anticipated. Now, with maturity, she expresses a new-found laughter about her past experiences, particularly her much-publicised love triangle with co-stars Kristin Cavallari and Stephen Colletti.

Cavallari, now a mother of three, echoed similar sentiments, noting how their relationship has evolved since their teenage years. “We’ve matured a lot,” Cavallari stated, as the two have rekindled their friendship over the years, focusing on their shared experiences rather than past rivalries. “As you get older, you’re not worried about the small stuff,” Conrad added, highlighting the respect that has grown between them.

Discussing her early aspirations, Conrad recalls a childhood ambition to become a fashion designer. “In third grade, I declared, ‘I’m going to be a fashion designer,’” she shared, admitting how her involvement with ‘Laguna Beach’ allowed her to connect with opportunities in the entertainment industry that could bolster her fashion ambitions.

Her approach to clothing has shifted significantly since her television days, favouring comfort and practicality over designer glamour as a mother. “I dress more practical with two kids,” she stated, embracing jeans and T-shirts for the everyday demands of parenting.

When it came to her personal life, Conrad attributes her immediate connection with Tell, whom she began dating in 2012, to mutual friends who set them up. “We fell hard and got engaged a year and a half after we started dating, which is pretty quick,” she said, reflecting on their whirlwind romance that culminated in marriage in September 2014. The couple has since enjoyed family life together, with Tell being actively involved in their sons’ lives.

Their daily routines are filled with family activities, from early morning school runs to weekends spent at soccer and baseball practices. The local soccer fields have a special connection for Conrad, as they are the same ones she played on as a child, making her feel fortunate to be raising her children in the same supportive community.

Notably unfazed by their mother’s past stardom, Conrad’s sons appear indifferent to her fame. “I don’t think they really understand, and I don’t think they’re that interested,” she remarked. However, she imagines that one day they will grasp the significance of her experiences.

As Conrad marks her entrance into her 40s, she embraces the wisdom and contentment that comes with age. Reflecting on her recent birthday celebration, she expressed that this new decade of her life is one she has been looking forward to. Unlike the pressure of her thirties, she feels a sense of freedom to simply enjoy the present.

With her eyes set on family life and a flourishing career, Conrad maintains a down-to-earth outlook amidst her increased visibility through the reunion special. “I feel very settled and happy,” she concluded. “I just feel grateful right now.”

For more insights from Lauren Conrad, her full interview can be found in the latest issue of PEOPLE, available now.