Laura Bounin – The visionary founder of Aura Members
Laura Bounin, the visionary entrepreneur behind Aura Members Club, has made waves in the exclusive club scene by bringing a fresh, inclusive perspective to the traditional members club model. In this interview, she shares insights into her journey, her inspirations, and the challenges she’s faced along the way.
1. LAG: Laura, thank you so much for joining us today. You’ve built something really unique with the Aura Members Club. Can you start by telling us what inspired you to create this exclusive members club and what makes it stand out?
Laura Bounin: Thank you for having me! Aura Members was born out of a desire to create a space that goes beyond the typical local members-only club, but a true international global network with 70+ nationalities. I’ve always been passionate about bringing people together, but I felt there was a gap in the market for a place that not only catered to networking but also focused on well-being, creativity, and community. I envisioned Aura as a holistic experience—where members could come together and connect through unique experiences around the World, but also recharge and refuel their personal growth. It’s a place where people can be their truest self while connecting with like-minded individuals in a safe, social, and introspective space all at once.
2. LAG: That’s such a refreshing approach. How do you balance those different aspects—networking, fun, and well-being in the services you offer at Aura Members?
Laura Bounin: It’s all about curating the right environment. We focus on creating spaces and experiences that are always unique and different from one another. We believe that a well-rounded individual is a more successful one, and our goal is to create a harmonious balance between networking and fun activities. We even incorporate arts, wellness and culture events to inspire creativity, so it’s really a full-spectrum approach.
3. LAG: You’ve clearly thought deeply about the member experience. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in founding Aura Members, especially considering that it’s a relatively new concept?
Laura Bounin: The biggest challenge was definitely creating something that was both exclusive but not elitist. I wanted Aura Members to feel like a prestigious club, but one where people felt welcomed and part of a community rather than just another luxury service. Finding the right balance between offering high-end experiences and maintaining a sense of warmth and inclusivity was fundamental.
4. LAG: That sounds like quite a balancing act! You’ve managed to thrive despite these challenges. What do you think has been the key to Aura’s success so far?
Laura Bounin: I think it’s the community. From day one, we focused on attracting the right kind of members—people who align with our values of connection, well- being, and growth. Aura Members isn’t just about offering beautiful experiences; it’s about curating meaningful interactions. The people who join Aura are looking for a place where they can form real relationships, both personally and professionally. That sense of belonging has been crucial in creating an engaged and loyal member base.
5. LAG: Speaking of community, Aura has attracted some incredible personalities from various industries and countries. How did you approach building that network of members, and what do you think they value most about being part of Aura?
Laura Bounin: Building the network was very organic. We reached out to people who we believed embodied the values we wanted to promote—people from different industries who were leaders, creatives, and innovators. Word of mouth played a huge role as well. Once people experienced what Aura had to offer, they naturally shared it with their networks. Our members really value the intimate, personal approach we take to networking. It’s not about business cards and superficial exchanges—it’s about forming deep, lasting connections.
6. LAG: That’s wonderful. I love that Aura feels so human and relationship focused. What’s the long-term vision for Aura Members? Do you have plans to expand or evolve the concept in the future?
Laura Bounin: Absolutely! We’re already exploring ways to expand Aura, both in terms of physical spaces and the experiences we offer. We’re looking at opening new locations in cities that align with our ethos – places where there’s a growing interest in work-life balance, wellness, and creative entrepreneurship. Beyond physical spaces, we’re also working on expanding our digital platform to create an easier access for our members to connect globally. We’ve also learned that many of our members value flexibility, so we’re focused on offering hybrid experiences that allow them to stay connected and inspired no matter where they are. We are also planning on launching a Gen Z Community for our members’ children aged 18-25 to help them out in the World as they start off in their different career paths as I believe there is nothing more valuable nowadays than a truly international and well-intentioned network.
7. LAG: It sounds like Aura Members is just getting started! Before we wrap up, what advice would you give to other entrepreneurs who are looking to start something as unique and community-driven as Aura?
Laura Bounin: My advice would be to stay true to your vision and do it with passion but be flexible in how you get there. Starting something unique always comes with its challenges, and you’ll need to adapt along the way. At the same time, don’t compromise on the core values of what you’re building and always listen to your community—your members are your greatest resource. They’ll guide you on how to improve and grow, so never underestimate the power of connection and feedback. Also take good care of your own energy, as a business owner and community leader you “are your brand”, so your time alone is how you recharge to always give the best of yourself, so do not compromise on it and always put your health first – this is how you will thrive.
8. LAG: That’s fantastic advice. Laura, thank you so much for sharing your insights and the story behind Aura Members Club. It’s clear that you’ve built something truly special, and we’re excited to see what’s next for you and the Club!
Laura Bounin: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure, and I can’t wait to share more of Aura’s journey with everyone.
Interview by Tatiana Balaban.