We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karen Larrea a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Karen , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The biggest risk I have taken as a woman over 40 is to restart my career in the entertainment industry. I never thought that I would be given the chance and cast on a hit Reality TV series on a major streaming service as HBOMax after 40 years old! I have shifted my full focus into being given this second chance to inspire women to go after their dreams no matter their age and circumstances. I am carving my way also as TV and event host along with building my brand aligning myself with major companies.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Having been in the entertainment world and the public eye since she was 15 years old, Karen Larrea knew she would always return back to the spotlight. Born in Manhattan, raised in South America and South Florida, Karen started her entertainment career in the music industry at the age of 15 years old as part of the all-girl musical trio Carrousel who were signed by Sonotone Latin Record the US subsidiary of Songraphica Discos in Venezuela and produced by the A-Team (Alejandro Jaen, Manny Benito & O. Valdes). Karen spent her teen years touring with Carrousel throughout North, Central and South America and sharing musical stages with legends such as Celia Cruz, Willy Chirino, Juan Luis Guerra, Marc Anthony, Luis Miguel and Menudo. After Carrousel broke up and guided under the direction of her musical Godfather “El Caballo Mayor” superstar icon Johnny Ventura, Karen recorded an EP and was a spoke model for Coca Cola International and FIFA World Cup in Ecuador, South America but shortly retired to start and raise her family. Having gone through a divorce in 2013 Karen returned to the entertainment world but this time behind the scenes as a Music Manager in the Circuit Music World.

2022 has brought Karen back to the front of the spotlight once again as she was presented with the opportunity and cast along with her daughter Breana Symone, 20 years old as one of the main “original 7” cast members and the only Hispanic cast member for the new HBO Max “unscripted” reality hit series “My Mom, Your Dad”. The show follows a group of single parents who have been nominated by their college-age kids for a second chance at love. The parents move into a house together, unaware that their adult children are right down the street living in a second house, watching their every move through hidden cameras, and manipulating their encounters. From humorous cringe moments to heartwarming confessions, the kids will see their parents in a whole new light as they are presented with opportunities to select who they’ll be matched with on one-on-one dates, and who may join the family Thanksgiving for years to come. Executive producers are Greg Daniels (“The Office,” “Parks and Recreation”) and his daughter Haley Daniels for their first unscripted series; and produced by ITV Entertainment (“Love Island,” “Queer Eye”). Hosted by Emmy®-nominated actress and stand-up comedian Yvonne Orji.

Karen broke out as the female lead cast member as well as with the series main love story line. Karen is looking now towards the future in representing Latina women over 40 being able to find love again, have a career, make a comeback and representing worldwide American Latinas with speaking engagements, appearances, aligning with reputable brands, hosting and other TV Projects.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

There has to be connection made with your followers! I love receiving DM’s from followers on how I have inspired them to make the leap, take the chance to make a change, etc. They are actually the ones that inspire me on the days I think I can’t keep going! You have to make that one on one connection with them. I respond personally to every comment on my posts and I do special IG Lives on topics my followers have shown interest on and invite special expert guests in that field. Your have to make your social media about your followers and what they want! Connection is KEY!

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Not necessarily earlier but make sure you connect with people in your industry and others that share your vision on Social Media. You collaborate together to give your audience what they seek.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.karenlarrea.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmlm21/
• Twitter: @karenmlarrea
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karenlarrea_1

Image Credits
Main Image: Mary Gray