Meet Karen Larrea

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

Hi Karen, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
My heart is really in helping people over 40 rediscover themselves, especially when it comes to love be it self or in a relationship, emotional healing, and mental health and wellness. By the end of my career, I see myself as a powerful voice and guide for this community. I want my brand to grow into something that not only educates, but truly uplifts, through my podcast Reinvention Real Talk (distributed on iHeart Media, Spotify, Apple Podcast), through public speaking, and by being part of meaningful conversations on panels and stages. My deepest goal is to create a legacy that helps people realize it’s never too late to reinvent your life, heal your heart, mind, soul, and experience the kind of love—within and with others—that you truly deserve.

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?
I’m a Transformational Coach devoted to helping people—especially those over 40—rewrite their story and reconnect with their inner power, and create the kind of life they may have once thought was out of reach. My work blends emotional wellness, relationship reinvention, and real-life healing. I hold space for those in midlife who are ready to rise, not just recover.

What makes my brand unique is the lived experience behind it. I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to coach, this journey chose me. If it weren’t for a personal heartbreak and the unexpected opportunity to be part of a reality show, I might’ve never stepped into this calling. That chapter was the turning point that set everything in motion.

Was it easy? No. There were plenty of moments filled with uncertainty, but I moved forward with grace, faith, and a deep sense of responsibility to serve others navigating similar seasons. What I’m most proud of is the way I’ve turned pain into purpose and how my work now helps others do the same.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know, it’s this: Reinvention doesn’t have an expiration date. Whether you’re 40, 50, or beyond, it’s never too late to heal, to grow, or to fall in love with yourself and your life again. In fact, it’s when you start to do the work that’s often where the real magic begins.

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?
If my best friend was visiting Miami for a week, especially someone over 40 who appreciates culture, great food, connection, and a little luxury we’d make it an unforgettable experience. Miami has this magical ability to blend relaxation, energy, and soul all in one place. Here’s what our week would look like…….

Day 1: Welcome to the 305 Vibe
We’d start with a welcome brunch at GreenStreet Café in Coconut Grove one of my local favorite with great people watching, mimosas, and a laid back, chic vibe. Then, we’d take a stroll through the Shops at Merrick Park in Coral Gables for some retail therapy, who doesn’t love that type of therapy?! In the evening, we’d dress up and head to Bellini at Mr. C’s for rooftop cocktails and dinner with a view. Elegant, cozy, and perfect for grown-up conversations.

Day 2: Culture + Class
I love to explore the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and take in the art, architecture, and Biscayne Bay views, there is something magical in that view no matter how many times I’ve seen it. For lunch, we’d head over to Mandolin Aegean Bistro in the Design District a favorite with Mediterranean charm. Later, we’d walk through the Wynwood Walls, followed by sunset cocktails at The Citadel rooftop, great music, food vendors, and a cool local crowd.

Day 3: Spa + Soul Time (My favorite time to spend)
Time to unwind! We’d spend the day at The Spa St. Regis in Bal Harbour. it’s serene, and perfect for over-40 self-care. A massage and facials, followed by a healthy lunch served beach side while we lounge and soak up the Miami sun. In the evening, we’d head to Casa Tua in Miami Beach which is romantic, lush, and full of candlelight. It’s perfect for long dinners and meaningful connection.

Day 4: Island Escape
We’d take a mini escape to Key Biscayne for the day bike riding through Crandon Park, relaxing at the beach, and enjoying lunch at Rusty Pelican, a Miami classic, where the views of the skyline are unbeatable. At night, we’d head to Lagniappe—a charming wine garden with live music and a cozy backyard feel.

Day 5: Latin Flavor & Live Music
No Miami trip is complete without the Cuban flavor. We’d start the night at Ball & Chain in Little Havana for live salsa, mojitos, and Cuban bites. Before that, dinner at Versailles, a true Miami classic. For a late-night vibe, we might stop by Casa Neo which is close by with a cool vibe for some drinks and views of The Miami River at night.

Day 6: Brunch, Beach & Boutique Vibes
We’d do brunch at The Surf Club at Four Seasons Surfside, luxurious and relaxed, with the best service in town. Afterward, a walk along Surfside Beach, followed by shopping at Bal Harbour Shops. For dinner we would head to Carbone in South of 5th Miami Beach for Italian food (the Bronzino & Spicy Rigatoni are so yummy) and of course it has a beautiful crowd.

Day 7: Full Circle Moment
To wrap up the week, we’d have an early lunch at Joe’s Stone Crab, the only other thing more iconic than Joe’s in Miami is Miami its self. After lunch we would walk to South Pointe Park and watch the cruise ships sail by. It’s peaceful, reflective, and the perfect close to an unforgettable Miami experience. For a final night out and dinner, we’d close the week fully at The Faena Hotel, first we would catch one of their amazing Cabaret Performances followed by dinner at El Secreto Omakase an ultra-exclusive speakeasy style Omakase experience then close the final night in The Living room.

Miami is more than nightlife, there’s depth, culture, elegance, and heart here. And for those of us over 40 who still want to feel inspired, connected, and alive The Magic City delivers, every single time.

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?
Absolutely. I truly believe that no one rises alone, and my journey has been shaped by both the support of others and the unexpected twists life brings. If I hadn’t gone through a deep heartbreak and if I hadn’t taken the leap to be part of a reality show “My Mom, Your Dad” with my daughter Breana I wouldn’t have discovered the path I’m on today. That experience cracked me open and pushed me further towards healing, reinvention, and purpose which I had started like so many others during the 2020 pandemic but was not fully immersed. So first, I want to shout out that version of me who was brave enough to say yes to the unknown and jump fully in. I also want to honor my children, who inspire me daily to lead with love and authenticity. And of course, I’m deeply grateful for the mentors, my family, clients and the Univision executive that came to me with the idea of having a “Dating Over 40” segment on the networks talk show “El News Cafe”. These are who believed in my message even before I fully stepped into it. Their encouragement gave me the strength to become a voice for others who are still finding their way.”

Website: https://karenlarrea.com

Instagram: kmlm21

Linkedin: Karen Larrea

Youtube: Karen Larrea

Other: TikTok – karenlarrea_1

Image Credits
Credit: Graciela Laurent Photography & Karen Marie Coaching