We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lara Gallardo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lara below.

Lara , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve known since I was very young that a creative path was my calling. Art has always felt like a natural extension of who I am. As a child, I would paint on my parents’ walls, sketch in my mom’s cookbooks, and even cut her clothes and create outfits for my Barbies. I was always fully immersed in art and music classes, and I found myself constantly involved to create, whether it was drawing theatre backdrops for school performances or bringing the characters to life in our elementary kabuki production—a memory that left a lasting impression on me. I was also drawn to performing, singing in the choir, and participating in talent shows. Looking back, I can see how art, in all its forms, has been woven into my DNA. It’s been my language, my expression, and my way of seeing the world since the beginning.

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

I am a multidisciplinary artist from born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and since 2007, I’ve called Miami, Florida, my creative home. With a BBA in Design Marketing and a Minor in Visual Arts from New York’s Parsons School of Design (1999), I blend classical artistry with a contemporary vision. My artistic journey is a constant exploration through diverse inspirations and explorations, culminating in works that transcend time and space. Each piece I create reflects a state of meditation, colors that evoke the message, expressive composition, and boundless curiosity.

To me, art embodies the divine presence of the moment, captured in each brushstroke on the canvas. I express my visions, meditations and messages across various materials, though I have a particular affinity for acrylics. My work is shaped by a life steeped in art, enriched by continuous studies, travel, nature, multicultural encounters, and influences from artistic icons like Matisse, Frida Kahlo, Helen Frankenthaler, and Frank Stella. My creative journey is a tapestry woven from years immersed in art, design, spirituality, music, and fashion.

My career extends beyond the canvas. In the early 2000s, I launched a successful fashion label, Laradiva, with designs featured by major retailers like Anthropologie, Bloomingdales, Henry Bendel, and Peninsula Beverly Hills. My creations have been worn by stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Kim Cattrall, and spotted on Sex and the City, E! News, and featured in The Style Network, InStyle Magazine, US Weekly,WWD, among others.

Beyond fashion, my path has included acting in major TV commercials, entrepreneurship, graphic design, public relations, and home interior styling. As an Energetic Medicine Woman, I also journey into the realms of spirituality and healing. My life is a unique fusion of artistic evolution, business insight, and holistic expression.

In 2023, I was named on of Miami’s “Icon & Innovator” by Luxe Magazine, Dec 2023. I love what I do and I am grateful every step of the way.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My journey has always been about embracing the unknown and following my bliss, even when others doubted. When I launched my first company in 2002-2003, I was told I was taking a huge risk, but within six months, it grew into a thriving brand. Soon after, I returned to my roots in painting and experienced a similar transformation. Over time, I learned that -FEAR- is simply ‘False Evidence Appearing Real’ and that few will truly understand your path—only your heart knows, and it’s faith that propels you forward. This journey has been filled with highs and lows, but my resilience, determination, and vision, combined with a deep commitment to honor my dreams real, have shown me that anything is possible. You just have to take the plunge and believe. I have always felt since I am young, that you only live once, so you might as well try. Every pebble on the road has become medicine to my soul and I am grateful for it all.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I’m an avid reader, especially drawn to books on great artists like Helen Frankenthaler, Ruth Asawa, Yayoi Kusama, among other fascinating artists. I also dive into books that propel your soul. Recently, I’ve been inspired by Build by Tony Fadell and classics like Grit and Atomic Habits. There’s so much to learn from others’ journeys, and I believe it’s essential to remain open and receptive. Applying what resonates from others’ wisdom enriches my own path and keeps me growing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.onemindlab.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onemindlabco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneMindLab/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onemindlab/
• Twitter: https://x.com/onemindlab

Image Credits

ONE MIND LAB