Meet Laura Varona-Headley Claudia Soto | Small Business Owner and Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Varona-Headley Claudia Soto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura Varona-Headley, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
We are from Cali, Colombia and we moved to Miami in 1999.

Laura’s Answer: I think my upbringing has a lot to do with my work ethic today. For as long as I can remember my mom, Claudia, and Grandmother, Rosalba, working hard. My mom started her clothing business when we were back in Cali, Colombia. Once she got back from studying fashion design in Milan, she started designing workout clothes as a hobby for her friends, never thinking it would still be a business today. When I was younger I got job at a hotel where I learned a lot by working for a large, successful company . I also realized that I would probably be happiest working on something that I have a passion for while being my own boss. Now, we have 2 businesses made for women and run by women.

Claudia’s Answer: When I was little I was exposed to my mom and grandmother sewing wedding dresses as a small business. This made me fall in love with fabrics, colors, and fashion by seeing the way a dress could make someone feel beautiful and empowering. I made the decision to go to fashion school in Italy, which remains an inspiration for me to this day. I started with a few stores in Cali, Colombia, then opened our own factory and private showroom where today ,we have 18 women working on our team. It’s been a crazy road, but it’s been a complete and wonderful adventure to be able to live it with my daughter and mother.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We are a mother and daughter owned business. We share the same passion for fashion, wellness and entrepreneurship. We always have known that we wanted to create something together that we could call our own, and inspire other women all ages to do the same.

Business-wise, we have learned that there is nothing more important than being organized and to always know your numbers. It was not easy, but it was something that we overcame and work through together.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, I would have them book my favorite AirBnb in Miami called The Tangleleaf, in a cute neighborhood called Tresulee between Miami Shores and Biscayne Park.

To start our day, I would take them to workout at V3P in Miami Shores, it’s my favorite way of starting my day feeling energized and having a little sweat session.

Breakfast at La Social on Biscayne and 76th st. It’s the cutest local business that is consistent with their delicious breakfast selection, friendly service, and very cozy.

Visit and lunch in Upper Buena Vista, which it always surprises people because not everyone knows where it is. Lunch at El Turco and we would order to share El Turco Salad, Simit Avocado, Roasted Beet Hummus, Doner Wrap, and the Shrimp Casserole. For dessert we would walk across from El Turco to Amazonica, where they have the most delicious Colombian Cholados, Obleas, Pandebonos and Mango Biche lemonade.

For dinner, my other go to place in case we have a big group and we cant decide on a single restaurant is The Citadel. They have a beautiful rooftop where you can order from any of the food spots in the food court, from Italian to Asian and almost anything in between.

For drinks, the speakeasy neighborhood cocktail bar inside The Citadel called Kaiju. They have great mixologists and it makes you feel like you are not in Miami.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We would love to shout out all of our strong women friends that inspire us everyday without even realizing it!

We must mention all of our fellow gym friends and coaches, as this is such an important part of our day, that it creates the mental clarity which we both need to work and live each day. It’s amazing how you do not need to be close friends with someone to be able to get amazing energy from them which pushes you to be better. A huge thank you to our V3P community.

I (Laura) would also like to shout out my husband for being so annoying 😉 about organization and knowing my numbers that I have finally made this a part of my personal and professional life and I hate to admit, it’s paid off.

Website: www.sottoyoung.com

Instagram: @sottocouture @sottoforeveryoung

Other: @claudiasotto @lalavarona