We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lara Kahn Aquino. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lara below.
Lara, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?
The most important lesson I learned from my previous role in the health and fitness industry was the value of treating customers as individuals and showing them genuine appreciation. I realized that small gestures—whether it’s a follow-up, acknowledging milestones, or simply listening to their feedback—can transform a common interaction into a meaningful experience. By consistently making customers feel valued, it builds trust and loyalty, and that’s something I carry with me in every role. For example, I still teach group exercise classes weekly and my classes are always full with a waitlist. I attribute this, in part, to the fact that I make a connection with each participant at the beginning of class, introduce myself to anyone new and ask about any limitations/injuries. I strive to make each person feel welcome & at ease. With the conclusion of every Pilates class, I also read an inspirational poem to share an encouraging message. The participants share how impactful the readings are for their wellbeing. One way this translates to my business is offering word charms as a token of gratitude. These charms say things like Dream, Believe and Courage. I always have them available in my studio, at pop ups, and include one when I send a thank you note. It’s the little things that bring me delight, so I want to provide the charms to evoke a similar emotion.
Ultimately, it’s about creating lasting connections through service, support, and understanding. This approach not only strengthens relationships but also fosters a sense of community, which keeps clients/customers engaged. My commitment is to create a personalized and memorable experience for every customer I serve.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Lara, a fitness enthusiast, creative entrepreneur, and someone who loves to celebrate small to significant moments. My path to business ownership was inspired by a simple yet meaningful vision: life should be beautiful, balanced, and joyful. This belief evolved through my experiences nurturing connections in group exercise classes and appreciating thoughtful details while planning my wedding.
For over 25 years, I’ve been empowering individuals through exercise, where I help them achieve their fitness goals while fostering a supportive and encouraging community. These experiences taught me the importance of rapport, positivity, and perseverance—values that now guide every aspect of my business and life. My personal journey has been one of growth and discovery. After a challenging marriage that ended in divorce, I chose to have my son on my own at 40 years old. Between being a single mom, working full-time, and then later finding my soulmate in my early 50s, it has all been worth it, no matter how difficult it was. These experiences have shaped my outlook on life and my approach to business.
LeKa Bliss was born out of my passion for worthwhile experiences and thoughtful curation. The name “LeKa” is a blend of the initials from my given name and my new last name, representing the beautiful union and the addition of my husband to my life. With this newfound love, I’ve discovered a happiness and spark that truly feels like bliss—LeKa Bliss (pronounced Lee-Kah). It’s a reflection of this new chapter and the inspiration behind everything I create.
I started solely as an on-line boutique and a vendor at pop ups. In October 2024, I took a bold step by launching LeKa Bliss Studio, a space where creativity, elegance, and unique expression come together. What began as a dream to design and offer beautiful accessories has grown into a small business I’m incredibly proud of.
What sets LeKa Bliss Studio apart from other small boutiques is the deeply personal touch and intentionality behind everything I offer. Each item is not only thoughtfully curated but also backed by a story—whether it’s the designers I collaborate with or the inspiration behind a piece. I prioritize quality, versatility, and timeless design, ensuring my customers receive products that resonate with their own unique style and values. Moreover, I’m committed to creating an environment that feels approachable, welcoming, and inclusive, making every visit to the studio an experience.
LeKa Bliss isn’t just about the products; it’s about the connections we create and the positive impact we can make together. Whether it’s through a personalized appointment, an event, or simply browsing the boutique online, my goal is to make every interaction memorable, upbeat and inspiring.
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
Yes, I manufacture some of my products, and my journey into creating them has been a mix of personal passion and thoughtful collaboration. It all began with my own signature candle scent and match sets, which I originally created as a welcome gift for our wedding. At the time, I co-branded with a reputable candle company because I didn’t have the bulk supplies to produce them on my own. This allowed me to bring my vision to life while ensuring the quality matched my expectations.
Since then, I’ve taken on more of the manufacturing process myself. For example, I make my own diffusers from start to finish. This begins with selecting the right fragrances, blending them to create the perfect scent, and carefully bottling them. For the match sets, I sourced all the necessary materials—including apothecary bottles, matches in varied colors, and strikers—to assemble them on my own. My son and I even collaborated on creating the artwork to add a personal touch.
When it comes to finding vendors, I prioritize fulfillment speed, ratings, and price to ensure I’m working with reliable partners. As my business has grown and I began adding more inventory, I became very intentional about the artisans and designers I partnered with that have an authentic story. I carefully select those who align with my values, such as using hypoallergenic metals, clean fragrances, natural ingredients, sustainable packaging, and produce in small batches. I’m also drawn to brands and individuals who give back to their communities, as that’s an important aspect of the spirit & philosophy I want to cultivate in my business. Additionally, I make it a priority to support other women/minority owned businesses when selecting a vendor.
Lessons I’ve learned along the way include the importance of vetting vendors thoroughly, not only for their quality and speed but also for their alignment with my brand’s values. I’ve also learned the value of collaboration—whether with artisans, my own family, or co-branded
partnerships—to bring unique products to life. Manufacturing has taught me patience, creativity, and the importance of staying true to the core principles of my business, even as it grows.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
When I first started building my audience on social media, I put together my Instagram Business Account very quickly because another business wanted to check it out. In hindsight, I wish I had taken more time to plan it. To be honest, I was (and still am) a bit clueless when it comes to social media and technology. I should have properly explained when I announced the launch of my new business, or at least have had a ‘coming soon’ announcement. It was a learning experience for sure!
Shortly after, I decided to hire a Digital Creator to guide me through the process, take product photos, help create reels and so much more. In addition, I’ve recently started working with a Creative Brand Photographer/Consultant. It is a continuous learning curve for me.
In my own journey, I’ve focused on authenticity, consistency, and direct engagement with my audience. Responding to comments, asking for feedback, and creating interactive content have been key to building rapport. Collaborating with others has also expanded my reach and helped build credibility, plus it’s fun making new connections!
My advice to anyone starting out is to seek guidance early on, lean into support from friends and family, and hire a professional to help you navigate the complexities of social media. It’s crucial to educate yourself on the analytics and understand what truly makes a difference for your brand to stand out. I also recommend starting small, getting to know your audience, and creating content that speaks to their needs. I’m still working on it! And, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Social media can be overwhelming, but with the right support, it becomes much more manageable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lekabliss.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leka_bliss/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeKaBliss
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ lara-kahn-aquino-598165272
Image Credits
Joy Kollmer Photography
Amanda Parmo Photography
Zarah Danielle Photography