Meet Laurinda Andujar

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

Hi Laurinda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I know this sounds weird. Initially, I was not looking to start a business. I was merely attempting to use my voice to help others who were struggling with mental health challenges while trying to overcome tumultuous challenges. I saw a need in the community and thought it was beneficial to put those skill sets to use. Honestly, I had worked a nine-to-five all of my adult life, and the idea of owning my own business never crossed my mind. And because of that, I viewed myself more as an advocate for others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a creative through and through. I believe art is what makes life bearable. I love music, writing, and painting. Having the ability to connect with so many other creatives has made me the well-rounded individual I am today.

What sets me apart from other creatives is my ability to pull others out of their comfort zone. I help others realize the beauty they bring to the world while developing actionable items to bring their dreams to reality, by providing tangible resources and a safe space to be their true, authentic selves. I can heal tender hearts through the arts.

I have many accomplishments I am proud of. I am a serial author. I am working on my eighth book project. I have hosted many conferences and have spoken both nationally and internationally. I was recently accepted into the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, which is a prestigious achievement. I am a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, a Certified John Maxwell Team Speaker, and a Leadership Coach. I am a Certified Youth Mental Health First Aider. I have recently become certified by a NAMI instructor in Trauma Insight; those are a few of my accomplishments. In April of this year, I launched the Books and Brunch Book Club, which highlights local authors and helps aspiring authors become published.

I will not say that my journey has been easy. It has been well worth it. I have faced many sleepless nights. As an entrepreneur, it seems just as you lay your head on your pillow, your brain becomes overstimulated, thinking about what you have left on the table. It can be exhausting at times. You must learn to shut it all down and rest. I have yet to master this challenge, yet I am actively working towards that goal.

I have learned to extend grace to myself and others. I have learned that many cannot support you because they are unaware of how to support themselves, and that it is okay to walk the journey alone, because at the right moment, the support will come.

I want the world to know that I am not perfect, and to build your dreams, you do not have to be perfect. You only need to keep going. I have overcome challenges such as suicidal ideations, sexual trauma, bullying, rejection, and more. Those things did not make me weak; they made me compassionate towards others. I want the world to know that we can overcome anything with the awareness of who we are and the understanding that we are not our past.

I am extremely proud of my community partnerships, especially with Be a Champion for HIV/ AIDS Inc., founded by Mr. Melvin Wright.

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.
If a friend were visiting me in South Florida, we would head straight to the beach. That is where I find peace. A nice ocean view, allowing us to wake up to a beautiful golden sunrise, is always top tier. During the night, we would definitely hit up a poetry spot. There is no shortage of amazing talent in South Florida. I was recently introduced to Chocolate City in Wilton Manors, and the poets there were exquisite.

Believe it or not, the NW Branch Library in Pompano, located at 1580 NW 3rd Ave, has some amazing programs. You may enjoy a paint and sip, a books and brunch, an author night, or a community event. There is always something great happening there.

Since I love local restaurants, we would dine at Kaluz, Just Spoons, Luka, or Spice and Vibes; those are a few of my faves. Or we would venture down to Las Olas to one of the many rooftop restaurants. Downtown Hollywood is great, too. You can never go wrong attending the Hollywood artwalk.

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?
I have been fortunate to have received a great deal of support throughout my journey. First and foremost, I want to acknowledge my spiritual mentor. Dr. Nartasha Jackson-Walker. Dr. Walker has been instrumental in both my personal and professional development. Everyone needs a moral compass, and she has been that and more.

I would also like to acknowledge three of my brand partners, Francheska Felder and Jarmel Roberson of SwagHer Magazine, as well as Pilar Scratch of Fashion Gxd Magazine. Last but not least, I would like to shout out Dr. Cassandra Parks Evans, of Let’s Learn Love Magazine. Dr. Evans is not only an amazing mentor, but she is also my leadership coach. They have been with me since the inception of my brand. I am eternally grateful for them all.

I would also like to acknowledge some amazing creatives who have stood up for many causes that were important to me. They are as follows: Black Dada aka Davidson Pierre, Authenticitee, LiCi Soul, Dj Six Millz, Real Gabi McKoy, Gabriela Milner, Dj Flash McElmore, David Brunson, Mecca “Grimo’ Marcelin, Ian Ramdial, Dj Kevin Stewart, Dj Tito Luv, Lisa Heider and my event partner Karen Williams of the NW Branch Library in Pompano, Florida for their support during my Inaugural Visions and Vibes event in honor of mental health awareness and suicide prevention efforts.

There are so many others that I could name, but we would be here forever. I have been blessed with a great support system; however, I cannot close this conversation without thanking the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center and the Milestone Circle program sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank for providing invaluable resources enabling me to be successful on my entrepreneurial journey.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_am_laurinda_andujar

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurinda-andujar-6ba12920

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurinda.andujar

Youtube: @candidconvoswithfriends

Other: Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/9855799016
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0B6S1QKHF
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/confessions-of-a-serial-dater-laurinda-andujar/1142254819

Image Credits
Eaize Photography ( last 2 shots)

Lee “Shooter” Green
Personal photo and red skirt