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

Laura, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

Here’s the revised response with that addition:

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I want my legacy to be about impact and connection. I hope people will say I was someone who helped them believe in themselves, live with more joy and intention, and see a different way of life—one that’s honest, open, and kind while still being unafraid to call things out. I hope they feel I showed them that you can be both compassionate and a bit of an asshole when it comes to standing in your truth and helping others face theirs.

I want to be remembered for empowering women—especially Latinas—to step into their power, own their worth, and create a life that feels theirs. If my work inspires even a handful of people to live a little braver, love themselves a little harder, and prioritize their happiness unapologetically, then I’ve done my part.

And even when joy feels hard to find, I hope they’ll remember that we can always choose peace—peace with who we are, with the truths we face, and with the life we’re creating. For me, it’s less about being remembered widely and more about being remembered deeply by the people I was fortunate enough to help. Knowing that I gave them the courage to face their truths and still choose joy or peace would mean everything.

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?

Hi! I’m Laura, a Latina Life Coach with nearly 20 years of experience in entertainment before pivoting to coaching. My journey into this work began with my own healing process. Born in Colombia, raised in New Jersey, and now living in California, I started to reflect on the pressures, expectations, and prejudices placed on me as a Latina woman—and I realized I wanted to help others navigate the same challenges.

Now, I coach professional women, blending gentle guidance with real-talk strategies. My services include private 1:1 coaching, group coaching programs, various resources like my “Buena Vida Daily Essentials Playbook” and virtual/in-person workshops. I also host a podcast, “Get Comfy with Laura”, where we talk about getting comfortable with the uncomfortable truths in life.

The problems I help my clients solve are deeply personal: learning to prioritize themselves without guilt, balancing the many roles they take on, and building a strong sense of self-worth. I hold space for my clients in a way that’s loving but also challenging. I’ll cheer you on while nudging you to step into your greatness. My clients often tell me my approach feels like “accountability with love.”

What sets me apart is that I know “life be lifin’.” I get it—sometimes life throws chaos, pain, struggles, and grief your way. That overwhelm can feel like too much, even for the strongest among us. Our starting point is meeting you exactly where you are, with compassion and flexibility. I’m here to hold space for the hard stuff, to sit with you in those moments, and to help you rediscover your strength so you can move forward with purpose and resilience. Together, we’ll navigate the messiness of life and work toward creating a life that truly feels like yours. Plus, I bring my background in entertainment and storytelling to create unique, relatable, and accessible tools for growth. Whether you’re navigating personal challenges, career changes, or simply trying to rediscover joy, my approach is designed to help you face it all with courage and resilience.

What I’m most proud of is helping Latinas reclaim their power and joy, even when life feels overwhelming. I want my clients and followers to know that they matter. Every part of you matters, the messy, the hard, the unclear, the joys, the clarity, the love, the disappointments, the joy, the dreams- every part of you matters. So your dreams, your peace, your happiness—they’re not optional or selfish; they’re essential.

If you’re ready to step into a life that feels honest, joyful, and uniquely yours, I’d love to be your guide. Let’s build your Buena Vida together! xo Coach Laura @buenavidalifecoach

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Here’s a fresh take, avoiding repetition:

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What’s helped me build my reputation within my market is my ability to genuinely connect with people and make them feel seen and heard. I think it’s easy in the coaching world to focus on cookie-cutter solutions, but I take the time to truly understand each client’s unique journey. That personalized care stands out.

Another factor is my consistency. Whether it’s through my podcast, workshops, or coaching sessions, I show up as my authentic self every time. I’m not just a coach when it’s convenient—I live and breathe the principles I teach, and I think people can sense that integrity. If I need a break or am feeling the blues- I take a break and tend to my heart and well-being. I share those moments, those decisions to put myself first and model a different way of taking care of oneself.

Additionally, I’ve leaned into my identity as a Latina and the specific challenges our community faces. By openly addressing the pressures, expectations, and systemic hurdles we navigate, I’ve created a space where people feel they’re not alone. It’s not just about coaching—it’s about building a community of women who uplift and empower each other.

Lastly, I’m proud of the results my clients achieve. Their growth, their wins, and their glowing feedback have become a cornerstone of my reputation. People trust someone whose work speaks for itself, and I’m grateful that my clients’ transformations continue to inspire others to work with me.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Consistency was key. I made it a point to post regularly and engage with my audience. Social media isn’t just about broadcasting; it’s about creating a conversation. I replied to comments, DMs, and built relationships with the people who took the time to connect with me.

For anyone just starting out, here’s my biggest advice: make social media work for you. Learn some of the tricks—like how to use hashtags, reels, or captions etc etc—but don’t sweat it if it’s not perfect. Try shit out, see what clicks, and keep things moving. You don’t have to overthink it or stress about the algorithm. The goal is progress, not perfection.

At the end of the day, focus on connection. Share what feels true to you, experiment with your content, and let your personality shine through. Social media should feel like an extension of you, not a chore. Stay consistent, stay curious, and let the rest fall into place.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.buenavida.life
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buenavidalifecoach
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buenavidalifecoach