Robble completes degree through Lipscomb’s online program while working full-time, growing in faith
For Lauren Robble, completing her college degree wasn’t just an academic goal — it was an experience that she says is a testimony to God’s faithfulness.
Kim Chaudoin |
Robble, who graduated in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in business leadership online through Lipscomb University, pursued her degree while working full-time as the production, operations and store manager at NellaMoon, a candle company just outside of Nashville. Her story is one of balancing work, life and faith and a commitment to achieving her educational goals.
“I knew if I could complete my degree while working full-time, it would be such a victory — not just professionally, but personally and spiritually,” says Robble, a Nolensville, Tennessee, native. “I’ve been able to do both, and by God’s grace I graduated cum laude with a 4.0 GPA in my final semester while taking 21 credit hours. That’s something I never could have done with my own strength — it was 100% the Lord who carried me through.”
A new path—grounded in faith and family
Robble’s path to Lipscomb’s online program began in high school. From her freshman to junior year, she attended a private school. After facing challenges due to her Christian faith, she transitioned to homeschooling for her senior year and found that she thrived in a self-paced learning environment. That experience shaped her desire for a college program that offered both flexibility for her to continue working fulltime and a faith-based foundation.
“I ended up loving the self-paced learning style so much that I knew I wanted my college experience to look the same,” explains Robble. “I applied to several prestigious universities and received generous scholarships, but when I found Lipscomb’s online program, I just knew it was where God was calling me. It felt like a fresh beginning — but still grounded in faith and exceptional academics.”
It also felt familiar as Robble is one of nine people in her family to attend Lipscomb University, although she is the the first to do so through the online degree completion program.
I applied to several prestigious universities and received generous scholarships, but when I found Lipscomb’s online program, I just knew it was where God was calling me. It felt like a fresh beginning — but still grounded in faith and exceptional academics. — Lauren Robble
Robble says her experience with Lipscomb’s online program equipped her with real-world skills that she immediately put to use at NellaMoon. Through a mix of case studies, presentations, papers and hands-on projects, she was able to apply classroom concepts directly to her leadership role, “which made everything feel so purposeful.”
“My Lipscomb experience has been truly amazing,” Robble says. “I’ve been academically challenged and deeply prepared for real-world leadership. Two of my favorite classes were Introduction to Research Methods and the Capstone Project. I know that might sound crazy because they’re two of the hardest classes—but I loved them! I even got to research something I’m passionate about: candles.”
Her final project explored the economic and agricultural impact of soy wax candles in the U.S., merging her academic training with her day-to-day work. “It was fun, fulfilling, and practical — a perfect blend of what I love and what I do,” shares Robble.Robble said that through her time at Lipscomb, she has grown not only in skill but in spiritual depth.
“Spiritually, it has reminded me of the importance of servant leadership—leading like Jesus with humility, strength and grace,” she says. “Professionally, I’ve grown in confidence and skill, especially through classes that pushed me to think critically, communicate clearly, and lead with integrity. Personally, I feel like I’ve blossomed. I’ve seen God’s faithfulness in every challenge, and through this program, I’ve grown closer to Him and to the purpose He’s called me to. I’m not just more equipped, I’m more anchored.”
Post graduation Robble is continuing her work at NellaMoon, where she helps shape the brand’s creative direction through product development and customer engagement.
I’ve seen God’s faithfulness in every challenge, and through this program, I’ve grown closer to Him and to the purpose He’s called me to. I’m not just more equipped, I’m more anchored. — Lauren Robble
“I’m so excited for what’s ahead! I have the privilege of leading the most amazing team, and it brings me so much joy to help them grow, thrive and feel empowered in their roles,” she explains. “I also develop new candle products and seasonal launches, which is such a fun and creative process — I get to dream up new ideas, curate beautiful experiences, and bring them to life through scent and design.”
Robble has developed into a fragrance specialist over the years, and said she loves how scent can connect individuals to memories, emotions and “even our walk with the Lord.” In addition to the creative side, Robble also oversees sales operations for the company’s e-commerce and wholesale channels.
“From managing store performance to cultivating strong relationships with our wholesale partners, it’s been such a rewarding journey of stewardship and growth. Whether I’m strategizing sales, creating a new scent or simply lighting a candle in the store with a customer, I see it all as ministry,” she shares. “My heart is to reflect Jesus in every detail and to keep building spaces where people feel peace, beauty and purpose.”
Encouragement for others
For those considering pursuing a degree through Lipscomb’s online program, Robble has a message of encouragement. “Lean into it with your whole heart! Trust God in the process, even when it feels overwhelming,” she encourages. “Let the hard classes grow you, let the grace of the professors remind you that you’re not alone and let every assignment be a chance to discover what you’re truly passionate about.”
She credits her faith as the guiding force throughout her academic journey.
“Without a doubt Jesus has been my greatest source of strength, peace and purpose throughout this entire journey. There were so many moments where I felt overwhelmed or uncertain, but He always met me there with grace upon grace,” Robble says. “He reminded me who I am, whose I am and why I was doing this in the first place. He taught me how to lead with humility, how to work with excellence and how to trust Him with the outcome. Every paper, every project, every late night — I got through it because He walked with me every step of the way. I truly couldn’t have done it without Him. This degree is a testimony of His faithfulness.”
Now, with diploma in hand, Robble reflects on what the achievement represents.
“Graduating is more than just a degree for me—it’s a testimony,” she says. “It’s proof that God makes a way, even when it feels impossible. It’s a symbol of every late night, every tear, every answered prayer. It means I didn’t give up. It means I trusted Him more than my own strength. And now, standing on the other side, I can say with full confidence: God is so faithful.”