Laura Penaloza is not like most 22-year-olds you will meet. Where others are partying hard, and still figuring out what they want to do with their lives, Laura is a go-getter who’s already hard at work. She is a fashion and lifestyle influencer, as well as a hobby model. To date, she has achieved some of her (many) dreams by working with some of her favorite brands, like Tranquila Swimwear, and Zaful. Not only that, but she is also a recent graduate in UX Design. But most importantly, she is a mother to her two-year-old.
Originally from Germany, Laura currently lives in Oahu, Hawaii, together with her husband, and their child.
For Laura, every day is a blessing, but also a reminder that the hustle is real. Crediting social media for much of her success, Laura confesses to not expecting such a hugely positive reaction to her content, when she first started posting.
“I didn’t know that my pictures would reach so many people all over the world because I mostly started with social media just because I liked to dress up and take pictures but surprisingly people seemed to like it and my account was growing and I was able to get to know so many kind and amazing people.”
On the subject of how she got her start in the fashion industry, we wanted to know what, if anything, Laura wishes she’d done differently in regards to her blossoming career. “Starting sooner,” she says, although to be where Laura is at only 22 is as impressive as it gets.
“Not listening to the people that throw a lot of negativity your way,” she adds, on the topic of things she’d do differently. “And taking more of the opportunities that were offered to me, instead of being scared of what others might think about it.”
Laura began sharing content after her son (whom she credits as her biggest inspiration) was born, in 2020. Aside from her son, she credits her family, friends and community for the daily love and support that’s helped her grow. She confides Instagram continues to be her “safe space”, and a lot of inspiration comes from other creators. For Laura, an important aspect of her work is working with other female professionals.
“I love that there’s so many other amazing women out there that support you and inspire you with their own content.”
Of course, it’s not always easy, balancing personal life and work, especially as the mother of a toddler.
“I plan ahead, I have days that I strictly spend with family and friends without working or checking my phone often and other days where I create a lot of content for brands or plan future collaborations etc.”
In the next few years, Laura’s setting her sights on reaching her fitness goals (as a motorcycle enthusiast and fitness lover, we’ve no doubt she’ll succeed), traveling more, supporting more women in the business, and spending time with her number one priority – her family.
A beautiful creator both inside and out, Laura’s focus professionally is on inspiring and spreading joy. To her audience, as well as to young creators just starting out, she says:
“Never give up! It sounds really cliche, but it really is important to never stop despite what some people might think or say! Do what fills your heart and soul with fire! Life’s too short to worry about the what ifs and should be more about loving yourself and those close around you and love a life that fulfills you and going after your dreams and goals!”
