Meet Karla Montalván

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

Hi Karla, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in Havana, Cuba, but grew up between Cuba, Ecuador, and the United States. My mom and I crossed the Mexican-American border when I was 10 years old, which had more of an effect on my life than I gave it credit for back then. I’ve lived away from my birth country for several decades now, but whenever someone asks me where I’m from, I never say “Miami,” I always say, “I’m Cuban.” Although my family left Cuba in search of better opportunities for us, they always kept our culture and customs at the forefront of everything. My grandparents especially created that connection through food, dancing, and music, and I also see that spirit in me.

Much of my love for storytelling comes from seeking refuge in writing and books from a young age, but also from a desire to connect to my origins. Because I come from a family of immigrants, I spent a lot of time alone as a child, so I’d make up stories and characters that would accompany me. It also made me very curious to explore the lives of people around me, ask them questions, and make friends as they say in Spanish “con la pared”. However, one thing I do see reflected in myself very boldly from my culture is perseverance and optimism. No matter how difficult the climb seems, I go for it, knowing that little by little, I’ll get to where I need to be. Cubans are resourceful and creative people. We’ve had to overcome so much, leave so much behind if we want to live differently. I always say that you can’t move forward or take the next step without believing in yourself and having a positive attitude, that comes 100% from a culture where people blossom wherever they’re planted.

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 am the Founder and Director of Editorial Strategy at KM Consulting, Inc., a certified life coach trained in Emotional Intelligence and PNL, and a professional writer and editor for several publications. I know it’s a mouthful, but trust me, they all work symbiotically.

Back in 2019, I was 25 and miserable. I had done everything society tells you will bring you joy: I graduated from two great universities, got a job at an international organization, was in a long-term relationship, and had a great apartment with furniture still on credit. But every day, I would drive to work and wonder, “Is this it? Is there nothing more?”

Ever since I was a child, my favorite thing to do was write stories, but growing up in a family that struggled to make ends meet, I always remembered their advice of being “practical” with my choices. But practicality only made me succumb to the perils of staying where I didn’t feel joy. Additionally, I had a boss around that time who made my life impossible. Like many Latinos, I translated for free, going above and beyond and using my skills—without extra payment—to support the company’s needs.

Eventually, I quit and gave myself a year to establish a communications consultancy to help people redefine storytelling. The first few months, I grappled with anxiety and depression, particularly because everyone around me kept asking me what I was doing. No one believed in me. You learn who your support system and real friends are when you no longer hold on to a fancy job title. At first, I got a job in catering to pay the rent and signed up for everything that could help me learn the ropes of having my own business as fast as possible. I won’t lie, it was a grueling time. I remember sometimes unloading the catering truck at 3 AM, being covered in food, smelling like alcohol from bartending, and wondering, “Will I ever move forward from this?” Eventually, the clients came and things gradually changed. That experience humbled me, turning me into a better leader and teaching me that I have the power to transform my life and change it whenever I want.

Six months later, COVID hit, and my business, surprisingly, soared. Suddenly, everyone who had called me crazy about establishing a business online asked me how I had done it. My writing also started garnering people’s attention, and for once, I realized that my voice, the voice of an immigrant Cubanita who grew up in Miami, needed to be heard. In 2021, I started writing for the Chica column at People en Español, wrote covers for PEOPLE featuring some of my favorite celebrities like Gina Rodriguez and Ariana Debose. Through my consultancy, I also collaborated with brands such as Univision, mitú, FIERCE, Cosmopolitan and more. Today, I’m also the host of the Detrás de Kama podcast; inspired by the lack of access to sexual education for Latinas, I fearlessly explore intimate topics, offering insight and empowerment to my audience.

I know there’s a lot of skepticism surrounding journalism and communications, but I’m optimistic about the future. One thing human beings need at a social level that technology and artificial intelligence will never achieve is connection. Storytelling is so powerful because stories bring us together. Our human experience is collective; no matter where you’re from, people can relate to struggling, succeeding, loving, feeling joy, sadness, and rage. So, while our industry continues to be plowed by tech companies gutting newsrooms, I believe all of us will rise with new projects, giving voice to new perspectives the world may not have seen before. It’s not failure; it’s redirection.

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?
Well, you can’t come to Miami without exploring the bustling Latin American culture that vibrates through the city. First, I’d probably take them out for a traditional Cuban breakfast at Versailles. You can’t come to Miami without trying their croquetas and pastelitos. I’d also introduce them to Cuban pizza and milkshakes from Polo Norte in Coral Way. You haven’t lived until you’ve had their shrimp pizza. For a fancier flare and a nice afternoon drink, we’d go to Cafe la Trova or Calle Dragones.

As a big foodie, I’d also take them around the city for Peruvian food. I’m a huge fan of Dr. Limón and Cvi Che 105. Recently I’ve also become a fan of the food hall at Julia & Henry’s. I’d also take them around the bay. One of my favorite things to do in Miami is head over to Key Biscayne and look over the city. While it’s packed on the weekends, during the week you can head over to the ocean, feel the breeze on your face, and just relax for a bit.

Finally, the trip wouldn’t be complete without going to Ball & Chain for a night out of salsa dancing joy. Plus next door is Azucar, where you can’t compete with the Abuela Maria and mantecado ice cream. Of course, a trip to Miami wouldn’t be complete without *enjoying* the frustrations of traffic.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be here today without the recommendation of my incredible work wife and friend, Mirtle Peña-Calderon, a woman I admire and look up to both in our friendship and professional life. The wonderfully brilliant Maria Teresa Aymerich, a friend who believed in me from the first time she read my writing, and one day told one of my editors “there’s someone you should meet.” Also, my incredible book editor, Yamily Habib, whose mentorship has encouraged me to pursue writing my first novel. I also had the honor of working with the wonderful Joaquin Badajoz, another mentor and editor at People en Español, who taught me that loving my craft is just as important as being good at it.

Of course, above all else, are the people in my life who have shaped the human I am today. First and foremost, my family. Particularly my grandparents, who left their entire life behind sacrificing all they knew to give us a better life. They taught me to be kind and grateful, but also to face life with passion and fearlessness. My mother, who always pushed me to pursue my dreams even when I figure having a daughter tell you “I want to be a writer” wasn’t ideal, but still believed in me and told me to go after my dreams. Landy, my tía Dayami, tío Jorge, and everyone else — you know who you are — who have always supported me. The Virgil in my life, Agustina de Belaustegui, whose sage advice guides me through life. And finally, many of the friends I consider family that have supported me and stood by me throughout every endeavor: Kris, Luis David, Erika, Vanessa, Gigi, and Emely.

Website: www.karlamontalvan.com

Instagram: @thekarlamontalvan

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-barrios-montalvan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGA55IIec_VKgK0z558M5fA 

Image Credits
Photos by Miguel Maza