Lauren Conrad Highlights the Perspective She’s Gained Since Turning 40 After ‘Working So Hard’ (Exclusive)

Lauren Conrad Reflects on Life After ‘Laguna Beach’ as She Celebrates 40th Birthday

Lauren Conrad has graced the latest cover of PEOPLE magazine, where she shares insights into her journey since her days on the iconic MTV series ‘Laguna Beach’, as well as her experiences as a mother to her two young children. The former reality television star and fashion entrepreneur celebrated her milestone 40th birthday in February with a memorable prom-themed gathering alongside a few close friends.

In her candid interview, Conrad discussed the balance she has struck in her life and her newfound appreciation for the present moment. “I have a really good work-life balance, and I’m just trying to enjoy this moment,” she told PEOPLE. This perspective marks a shift from her earlier years spent tirelessly pursuing her goals. “I spent my 30s and a lot of my 20s working so hard, just being like, ‘I want to do more. I want to take on more.’ Now, I think I’ve reached a place where I’m just so content,” she elaborated.

At a recent event celebrating ‘The Reunion: Laguna Beach’ held at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, California, Conrad shared that she is savouring every opportunity to be present with her children, Liam, aged 8, and Charlie, aged 6. Her husband, William Tell, a musician with the band Something Corporate, has also been central to her journey. “Our relationship has always been a very respectful one,” she noted, reflecting on the early days of their relationship that began in 2012 and culminated in marriage in 2014.

The couple’s bond dates back to when Conrad first encountered Tell at a concert during her teenage years. The respect they have cultivated within their relationship is clearly important to her. “I remember really early when we were dating, I was joking, and I called him a name, and he said to me, ‘So, I don’t name-call. I’m never going to call you a name. Let’s not do that.’ I was like, ‘Oh, okay. We’re adults,’” she recalled with a smile.

To commemorate her 40th year, Conrad hosted a “Senior, Senior Prom”-themed birthday party, which she shared with her followers on social media. In her Instagram post, she celebrated with friends born in close proximity to her own birthday, showcasing the joy they had at the event. “This is 40. We are all born a few weeks apart, so we threw ourselves a prom to celebrate together,” she wrote, expressing her delight in turning a significant age alongside those dear to her.

While reflecting on her past, Conrad acknowledged that her 30s felt more like a checklist of achievements. “In my 30s, it felt like a checklist, like, ‘By the time I’m this age, I want to do this and this.’ Now, I’m like, ‘You’re good. You can slow down and enjoy it,’” she shared, demonstrating a newfound confidence in her accomplishments and current phase of life.

Conrad first emerged on our screens in the reality TV series ‘Laguna Beach’, which aired from 2004 to 2006. The show, which revolved around the lives of high school students, catapulted her to fame alongside co-stars such as Kristin Cavallari and Stephen Colletti. With the anticipation of a planned reunion special, Conrad and her fellow cast members are set to reminisce about their time on the show.

The ensemble later transitioned to ‘The Hills’, which chronicled their evolution into adulthood in the complex setting of Los Angeles. Although Conrad departed from the series in 2009, she has shaped a successful career as a fashion designer, and she continues to develop her brand in partnership with Kohl’s.

In her interview, she expressed mixed emotions about revisiting reality television for the reunion. “I thought it was going to be easier, like riding a bike,” she explained, admitting that returning to the screen had its challenges. Yet, her journey back has come full circle as she has moved back to Laguna Beach to raise her family while furthering her fashion ambitions.

“I feel very settled and happy,” she concluded, radiating a sense of gratitude for her life and experiences. As the anticipation builds for ‘The Reunion: Laguna Beach’, which will be released on Roku on April 10, fans of the show can look forward to revisiting the cherished memories alongside their beloved cast.

For those eager to catch up with Lauren Conrad’s latest reflections, the new issue of PEOPLE is now available on newsstands.