Karina Fernandez is a physical and mental wellness lover whose mission is to encourage and empower other women to live their best and healthiest lives possible. She has lived both the ideal and not ideal ends of the mental/physical health spectrum, and sees the importance of cultivating and manifesting a healthy lifestyle in order to be the best for herself and for her loved ones. Read our interview with the lovely Karina below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I have always loved the idea of creating and building off of my passions in order to then turn it all into something that is much bigger than myself. I believe that I have ideas that will bring value to others, as well as develop inspiration in other people’s lives. Also, the older I get, I see more and more that I would like to work for myself, doing what I love while helping others, instead of slaving away in a cubicle for the rest of my life for someone else’s dream!
Tell us about your business.
Live Well Live Golden is a wellness community comprised of primarily women that is centered around the three areas that make us whole – mind, body, and spirit. I blog and share posts that cover these areas that get others to “think” and that I know they can relate to, but maybe they don’t feel comfortable discussing. I share pictures, blog posts, and videos that I use to connect with others in hopes of inspiring them to eat healthier, to communicate better, and to practice self love and find their strength from within.
Where is your business based?
My company is based out of beautiful Napa, California, home of delicious wine and world-renowned food. Although there is already a plethora of delicious food and fitness communities all around this valley, I was really feeling that it was lacking in the connection made between the mind and body and how our mental health affects how and what we eat, how we choose to grow as individuals, and a lack of emphasis on mental health specifically for women. I felt that starting this wellness community in Napa would be wonderful for any women (or men) that are craving a non-bias environment, where they would feel mentally and physically inspired to become healthier overall.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I went to Staples and bought a white poster board and drew out what I wanted to accomplish. I literally wrote what I love such as my favorite foods, people that inspire me, places I’d like to travel, what books I like, favorite colors, and basically all the things I could combine in order to start somewhere but also see the big picture right in front of me. The next thing I did was connect and partner up with people that knew more than me and who had more experience as far as getting my business out there. I think it is important to remain true to what you want to accomplish, but asking for and paying for assistance is sometimes necessary in order to propel ourselves forward in the best way possible. I also laid out my goals in reverse; I pictured and discussed what I envisioned for my company and who/what types of people would be a part of it, and worked backwards from the beginning to get there slowly but surely.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
This is where partnering up with experts in the area of social media helps to raise awareness, because I was not too keen on how to fully maximize social media to expose my business. Being consistent on putting content out there and knowing the different avenues of doing it; whether through video, pictures, and written content has been helpful.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
I have always been naturally more of an introvert and a reserved person, so putting myself out there and letting my voice be heard was initial biggest hurdle. Fear is naturally a biggie! As excited as I was and am to connect with other women and start a life-changing journey, getting out of my own way has been my biggest challenge.
How did you overcome these challenges?
For me, constantly seeking out positive messages and voices is helpful in staying on track. I really enjoy listening to podcasts that are focused around positivity, realness, healthy living and healthy food. I listen to them and make time for them when driving in my car and getting ready for my day. Negativity is everywhere and not hard to find, so actively feeding my mind with inspiring but real words and people has been helpful.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I am a believer in communicating our feelings and thoughts during difficult times, so I will either discuss with my boyfriend, my mother, or I will take time to read which helps to make me become reinvigorated and refreshed.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I think that everyone’s journey is different. Although you don’t see that once someone appears to be “successful” and thriving, I make it a point to acknowledge others’ successes and the work that got them to where they are, but to also be mindful of my own journey including my own challenges and difficulties that helped pave my path. I focus on my own journey in order to not get off track, and it helps to stay in my own lane so that I don’t become distracted with what doesn’t matter.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
“You’re going to die, so do something about it.”
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
If you are not well versed in a specific area (for example: photography, finances, etc) it is more than ok to partner up with others that do well in that area to assist you with your business. Double up on your strengths and focus on that, while others that you connect with and are willing to assist you focus on other areas that you are not strong in. And, don’t give up!
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
Books, podcasts, and personal development audibles! Choosing to feed our minds and bodies with knowledge and other perspectives is helpful. Hearing and learning from others that have walked the walk provides an insight that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to develop or understand.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @karina_jacqueline
Facebook www.facebook.com/karina.fernandez84
Email fernandezkarina00@gmail.com
Hashtags #livewell #livegolden
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“Crush It” by Gary Vaynerchuck. If you haven’t read one of his books or watched even one of his videos, make sure to start today.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am learning about the specific importance of video content rather than just the written word content in connecting with others. Having your voice be literally heard and connecting with others in that manner is helpful in building awareness and a thriving community.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My goals for the next few months are to create a podcast that features women and men that are living well and living golden! I am working on connecting with those that also see the importance of living healthy both mentally and physically in order to present to future listeners different perspectives on living healthy. I think my community could do something like this and I know they are excited about it. The support I have received so far has been encouraging and I cannot wait to crush this next milestone!