We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
I think for me personally, the most difficult thing for me is having to say NO. I tend to be a people pleaser and want to say yes to everything and everyone
but I have to remind myself that I am a one woman show and I am not SUPERWOMAN.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Product Developer during the day in the fashion industry, precisely in activewear (Also developing a really cool active brand with an NFL player from the Chargers team at the moment – which I’m so excited about). I went to school at FIDM not knowing exactly what I wanted to do but with an open mind and a BIG heart. Prior to getting into my field of study, I managed a few stores for a well known brand called ALL SAINTS, still one of my favorite brands till this day. Working for this company not only exposed me to what consumers are looking for from a brand but also what it is like working with a diverse team and being able to understand the needs and wants not just from your consumers but also the people who work for you. I am blessed to have this knowledge and background because I find myself applying the same tools with in my own company. I do however believe ONE big reason as to how I got to where I am today professionally and with LA’ F.E.M. is being KIND to everyone no matter what position they played in my journey because without even realizing it I began to build my network and when I launched LA’ F.E.M. I had so much love and support from many people including my customers. I want the world to know that when you shop LA’ F.E.M. you are supporting a Latina who just wants to spread love and kindness not just to the Mother Earth but YOU (moms, dads, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, friends, neighbors) and your homes.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would eat at one of my favorite restaurants in Melrose, LA called Gracias Madres for some delicious plant based Mexican food. Then we would stop by Urth Cafe in Newport Beach, California for their delicious chai tea and then go for a walk at the beach to watch the sunset and share moments of laughter, tears of joy and of course reminisce embarrassing stories. I would also bring her around my family for a night in of dancing in the living room and having endless staple Mexican and Salvadorian dishes not to mention my mother is the LIFE of the party let me tell you.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents Maria Idalia Rodriguez and Mario Rodriguez are my MUSE…They are what keep me going on this journey of Entrepreneurship and there continuous support is admirable. I also have to give thanks to a good friend of mine named Rohan Malik who offered his guidance and support when I was first developing LA’ F.E.M. and last but not least my mentor and dear friend Antoine Cason, as I continue to grow and scale LA’ F.E.M. your knowledge and wisdom in the world of business that you teach me is something I am forever grateful for.

Website: https://lafemcandles.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com

Image Credits
Teylor Caesar Philip Garcia Abby Oh

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