We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Cardona and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Laura, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting BuenaVida.Life was all about creating something that I needed myself—a space where Latinas like me can feel seen, celebrated, and empowered. It was deeply rooted in my own experiences as a Latina navigating the unique challenges of life, bi-cultural expectations, marginalizations, personal growth, and so much more. After nearly two decades in entertainment, I knew firsthand the toll that high-pressure environments can take on our well-being. When I transitioned into coaching, I realized how important it was to create a space specifically for Latinas and the Latina/e/x community. I knew we deserved a space where our stories were not only heard but celebrated, where we could get the support we need to thrive unapologetically. I knew we needed a place to lay it all down, get real about our journeys, and get the support we deserve.
I launched my business as the Buena Vida Life Coach and BuenaVida.Life as a transformative space for Latinas to access powerful tools to strengthen their self-worth and start living with more joy, clarity, and intention. I know what it’s like to push through, to balance all that life throws at you, and to feel like there’s no room for your own well-being. I know the weight of wanting to do it all but also wanting something bigger, something deeper. So BuenaVida.Life was born out of this desire to create that space where we don’t just survive—we thrive. This is about more than coaching; it’s about building a place where we can breathe, embrace our beautiful immense worth in this world, and define life on our own terms. It’s for every Latina out there who’s ready to live with intention, self-love, and a sense of real joy—a juicy delicious beautiful Buena Vida!
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Buena Vida Life Coaching is all about empowering women, especially within the Latina community, to embrace their lives fully. My mission is to equip professional women with practical tools and an empathetic, no-nonsense approach to growth. It’s a balance between gentle guidance and savvy real talk. I laugh with my clients, cry with my clients, and grow so much with my clients! What sets my approach apart is a deep commitment to authenticity and resilience—I’m here for life’s ‘real’ moments, the ones that challenge us and, ultimately, shape us. I have the expertise to help you pivot when life be lifin’, and help you stay on track. There are no false hopes in my space—I remind my clients of their complete badassery and equip them with tools to handle their business. It’s beautiful work that leaves me tired at night and invigorated in the morning!
My journey hasn’t always been easy. I started as an entertainment professional and transitioned into coaching, a decision born from rising out of burnout and diving into my own healing journey. Challenges like building a business, learning to market authentically, bringing in money, and navigating the ups and downs taught me invaluable lessons in perseverance and adaptability. One of the hardest but most rewarding lessons has been learning to trust my voice and mission, even in the face of doubt and messages that tell us there isn’t enough space for us. Nothing could be further from the truth!
I’m incredibly proud of my growing community and excited for what’s to come. From launching group coaching programs, continuing to support my private 1:1 clients, recording my podcast, to creating accessible resources and workshops, I want the world to know that I am here to uplift, to inspire, and to help women thrive in every facet of their lives. My story is rooted in resilience, pride, and a deep belief that every Latina deserves to live a life of purpose and joy. I’m here to show you how that’s possible! Grow Boldly. Feel Comfortable—The Buena Vida Way.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oooooh, fun! I’ve got all kinds of itineraries all set for the beautiful City of Los Angeles. Here’s a small list!
Food Hotspots:
– Guisados
– CaCao Mexicatessen
– Cafe Gratitude
– Katsuya
– Santa Monica Seafood Market & Restaurant
– And, of course, they can’t miss out on In-N-Out Burger at least once!
Must-See Attractions:
– Sunset at the Beach
– A scenic drive up to Malibu
– El Mercadito
– Melrose Trading Post
– Olvera St
– Chinatown
– Little Tokyo
– Old Zoo Griffith Park
– The Grove
These are all the amazing spots my friends introduced me to when I first arrived in LA, and I instantly fell in love with them!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my powerhouse of a mother, Laura—the woman who didn’t just give me life but showed and taught me how to live it with courage, grit, and unapologetic strength. Mom, you are fierce in every sense of the word. You’ve weathered storms most people couldn’t bear. You’ve broken barriers and lifted yourself and others up along the way, all while raising your kids alone. You’ve shown me what it means to stand tall, be proud, be beautiful, speak up, and never back down.
Thank you for being the fire that drives me and the heart that grounds me. Because of you, I know how to show up fully and live fiercely. I bow and thank the original badass in my life, my Mom. Te amo mucho!
And in spanish: Un reconocimiento a mi poderosa madre, Laura! La mujer que no solo me dio la vida, sino que también me mostró y enseñó a vivirla con coraje, determinación y una fuerza sin disculpas. Mamá, eres feroz en todos los sentidos de la palabra. Has enfrentado tormentas que la mayoría de la gente no podría soportar. Has roto barreras y te has levantado, así como a los demás, todo mientras criabas a tus hijos sola. Me has enseñado lo que significa mantenerse firme, sentirse orgullosa, ser hermosa, alzar la voz y nunca rendirse.
Gracias por ser el fuego que me impulsa y el corazón que me ancla. Gracias a ti, sé cómo presentarme con orgullo en este mundo y vivir con berraquera! Me inclino con respeto y agradezco a la única berraca original en mi vida, mi Mamá. Te amo mucho, Mom!
Website: https://www.buenavida.life
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buenavidalifecoach
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buenavidalifecoach
Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@buenavidalifecoach