Unleash Your Light w/ Luz

Are you walking into rooms looking for validation… or for leverage?

In this episode of Unleash Your Light w/ Luz, we’re shifting the way you think about networking. Because it’s not about collecting business cards, being liked, or proving your worth. It’s about making intentional, aligned connections that actually move your life and business forward.

Lea White is sharing her own evolution from seeking approval in rooms to stepping into spaces with clarity, confidence, and purpose. When you know who you are and what you want, every conversation becomes an opportunity not just socially, but strategically.

This is your reminder: networking isn’t surface-level… it’s a powerful tool for growth when done with intention.

In This Episode, we discuss:

• The difference between seeking validation vs. creating leverage
• Why “just being social” is holding you back
• How to approach networking with intention and confidence
• The mindset shift that changes how you show up in every room
• Why clarity about who you are is your greatest networking asset

💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:
What’s one way you can shift your mindset when it comes to networking?
Share this episode with a woman who needs this reminder: networking is strategic, not just social.

Share This Episode:
If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who’s ready to stop shrinking and start owning every room she walks into.

Connect with Lea White:

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bossldy_/

Connect with Luz on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitreporter

Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: JOIN NEWSLETTER HERE

Need help with what's next? I created a simple but powerful tool to help you reconnect with who you are now, what you actually want in this season and where you're being called next? 🔗 Check out my CLARITY COMPASS HERE

Host/Producer: Luz Plasencia

#LeverageOverValidation #StrategicNetworking #WomenInBusiness #OwnYourRoom #UnleashYourLight

In this episode, Luz discusses the challenges and transformations that women experience in midlife. She explores the confidence shift, awakening of consciousness, navigating perimenopause, identity recalibration, refining lives, embracing midlife, and the potential for the best season yet.

Takeaways

• Midlife is a time of confidence shift
• Self-awareness and alignment are key in midlife

Questions to Journal:

1. WHAT NO LONGER FITS THE WOMAN YOU ARE TODAY?
2. WHAT ARE YOU HOLDING ONTO BECAUSE IT ONCE DEFINED YOU?
3. IF YOU WEREN’T WORRIED ABOUT YOUR AGE, WHAT WOULD YOU GO AFTER?

Connect with Luz on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitreporter

Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: JOIN NEWSLETTER HERE

Need help with what's next? I created a simple but powerful tool to help you reconnect with who you are now, what you actually want in this season and where you're being called next? 🔗 Check out my CLARITY COMPASS HERE

Host/Producer: Luz Plasencia

midlife women, women over 40, midlife transformation, midlife reinvention, confidence in midlife, loss of confidence in your 40s, perimenopause symptoms, perimenopause anxiety, hormonal changes women 40s, navigating midlife changes, women’s empowerment podcast, personal growth for women, self discovery journey, reinventing yourself at 40, it’s not too late, finding purpose in midlife, career pivot in your 40s, midlife motivation, mindset shift for women, overcoming fear of aging, visibility in midlife, women supporting women, self confidence for women, mental and emotional wellness for women, living with intention, midlife awakening, Unleash Your Light podcast, Luz Plasencia podcast

In this episode, Luz discusses the challenges and transformations that women experience in midlife. She explores the confidence shift, awakening of consciousness, navigating perimenopause, identity recalibration, refining lives, embracing midlife, and the potential for the best season yet.

Takeaways

• Midlife is a time of confidence shift
• Self-awareness and alignment are key in midlife

Questions to Journal:

1. WHAT NO LONGER FITS THE WOMAN YOU ARE TODAY?
2. WHAT ARE YOU HOLDING ONTO BECAUSE IT ONCE DEFINED YOU?
3. IF YOU WEREN’T WORRIED ABOUT YOUR AGE, WHAT WOULD YOU GO AFTER?

Connect with Luz on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitreporter

Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: JOIN NEWSLETTER HERE

Need help with what's next? I created a simple but powerful tool to help you reconnect with who you are now, what you actually want in this season and where you're being called next? 🔗 Check out my CLARITY COMPASS HERE

Host/Producer: Luz Plasencia

midlife women, women over 40, midlife transformation, midlife reinvention, confidence in midlife, loss of confidence in your 40s, perimenopause symptoms, perimenopause anxiety, hormonal changes women 40s, navigating midlife changes, women’s empowerment podcast, personal growth for women, self discovery journey, reinventing yourself at 40, it’s not too late, finding purpose in midlife, career pivot in your 40s, midlife motivation, mindset shift for women, overcoming fear of aging, visibility in midlife, women supporting women, self confidence for women, mental and emotional wellness for women, living with intention, midlife awakening, Unleash Your Light podcast, Luz Plasencia podcast

What if every photo you take is a form of time travel?

In this heartfelt conversation, Luz sits down with photographer, mom, and entrepreneur Natalia Acevedo to talk about the deeper meaning behind photography and why it’s so much more than just “capturing a moment.”

Natalia shares how losing her grandmother reinforced the priceless value of printed photos, how images can help us heal during grief, and why being intentional about documenting everyday life matters more than we realize. From capturing “imperfect” teenage bedrooms to preserving generational lineage, this episode is a powerful reminder to stop waiting for the perfect moment and just take the darn picture!!

They also discuss balancing motherhood and purpose, trusting God during seasons of stillness, and why your future self will thank you for the memories you preserve today.

If you’ve ever avoided being in photos, lost precious images to technology, or needed a reminder that your story matters this episode is for you.

Take the picture. Print the picture. Be intentional.

Connect with Natalia Acevedo: https://www.instagram.com/nphotography/

Website: nphotographystudio.mypixieset.com

Connect with Luz on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitreporter

Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: JOIN NEWSLETTER HERE

Need help achieving your goals this year? 🔗 Check out my CLARITY COMPASS HERE

Host/Producer: Luz Plasencia

Keywords: photography as healing, power of printed photos, preserving family legacy, motherhood and purpose, time travel through photos, generational storytelling, Dominican family traditions, grief and healing through photography, importance of printing pictures, documenting everyday life, balancing motherhood and business, women entrepreneurs, faith and purpose, preserving memories, family photo legacy, emotional healing tools, pandemic photography stories, intentional living for moms, overcoming mom guilt, legacy building for families

Kayelani Vasquez, CEO and founder of Boss Babes and Brunch, shares her journey with Luz, from corporate life to entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges, lessons learned, and the power of community. Her story inspires women to overcome fears, take risks, and leave a legacy, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and support. Don't miss this inspiring episode of Unleash Your Light w/ Luz.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, LIKE AND COMMENT. It helps our podcast grow and reach people that can benefit from what we have to share. Thank you!

Connect with Kayelani: https://www.instagram.com/bossbabesandbrunch

BossBabesandBrunch.com

Connect with Luz on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitreporter

Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: JOIN NEWSLETTER HERE

Need help achieving your goals this year? 🔗 Check out my CLARITY COMPASS HERE

Host/Producer: Luz Plasencia

Keywords: women entrepreneurship, leaving corporate job, starting a business, female founder journey, overcoming fear in business, entrepreneur mindset, women supporting women, business community building, women in leadership, taking risks in entrepreneurship, building a legacy, business growth strategies, personal development for entrepreneurs, female business networking, entrepreneurship motivation, transitioning from 9 to 5, confidence for women entrepreneurs, women empowerment in business, founder success stories, community driven business

In this conversation with Luz, Kim Decena shares her inspiring journey as an entrepreneur and mother, detailing her experiences growing up as the daughter of immigrants and the impact of losing her mother at a young age. She discusses how these challenges shaped her resilience and approach to business, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in marketing. Kim also highlights her passion for helping women service providers succeed in their businesses by connecting their purpose with their marketing strategies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kim Decena's Journey

04:11 Overcoming Adversity: The Impact of Loss

09:20 Building Resilience Through Trauma

16:50 The Role of Faith in Business

17:10 The Evolution of Kim's Business

22:32 The Importance of Effective Communication

28:09 Marketing with Purpose and Authenticity

Connect with Kim: https://www.instagram.com/kimdecenaofficial/

Check out her website: https://kimdecena.com/

Connect with Luz on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitreporter

Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: JOIN NEWSLETTER HERE

Need help achieving your goals this year? 🔗 Check out my CLARITY COMPASS HERE

Host/Producer: Luz Plasencia

Keywords: entrepreneurship, women in business, marketing, communication, personal growth, Latina leaders, overcoming challenges, faith-driven success, losing your mother at a young age

In today’s episode, I’m joined by someone who has been a mentor, friend, and guiding light in my life: Maritza Puello. Maritza is a senior media consultant, communications strategist, and mindfulness, wellness, and leadership coach who helps people connect mind, body, and spirit in both life and work.

We dive into an honest conversation about navigating stress, uncertainty, and overwhelm in today’s world — without disconnecting, numbing out, or feeling guilty for experiencing joy. Maritza shares practical, approachable tools to help you find stability even when everything around you feels unpredictable.

• Why so many people are questioning hustle culture after the pandemic
• How collective stress impacts our personal well-being
• The guilt many of us feel for experiencing joy during hard times
• Why predictability feels safe — and how it can also limit us
• How small, intentional changes can create calm and clarity
• The importance of acknowledging small daily wins
• How to find the “eye of the storm” when life feels overwhelming

• Making one tiny, consistent change (like drinking water before coffee)
• Pausing to ask: How am I feeling right now?
• Building awareness instead of forcing productivity
• Creating space for ease, grace, and joy — even in chaos

Maritza reminds us that we don’t have to put our dreams on hold because the world feels unstable. We’re all living at the intersection of our individual needs and the collective experience and both deserve care and attention.

• Website: tikalife.net
• Instagram: @tikalifewellness

If this episode resonated with you, take on the challenge Maritza shares: choose one small thing and commit to it for 21–28 days. You might be surprised how much shifts.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave me a 5-star review if you're loving this podcast as it helps the podcast grow and reach more women! Thank you!

Connect with Luz on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitreporter

Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: JOIN NEWSLETTER HERE

Need help achieving your goals this year? 🔗 Check out my CLARITY COMPASS HERE

Host/Producer: Luz Plasencia

mindfulness during uncertain times, stress management tools, holistic wellness podcast, finding calm in chaos, mental health and mindfulness, personal growth podcast for women, self care without guilt, navigating burnout, post pandemic mindset, hustle culture recovery, emotional well being tools, staying present during stress, mindfulness for busy women, leadership and wellness, mind body connection, grounding practices for anxiety, coping with overwhelm, creating balance in life, small habits big impact, awareness and presence, joy during hard times, wellness routines for mental clarity, mindfulness coaching insights, stress relief practices

In this engaging conversation, Luz interviews Giselle Velasquez, a dynamic entrepreneur who transitioned from a decade-long teaching career to owning multiple businesses in the event industry. Giselle shares her journey of self-discovery, the challenges of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, and the cultural significance of Quinceañeras. She emphasizes the importance of delegating responsibilities, the evolution of family traditions, and the power of faith in guiding her decisions. The discussion highlights the modern woman's experience of navigating career and family life while staying true to personal values and cultural heritage.

Takeaways

Giselle transitioned from teaching to entrepreneurship during COVID.

She started her first business, a photo booth, in 2021.

Balancing motherhood and business is a priority for her.

Cultural traditions like Quinceañeras are evolving and still very popular.

Giselle emphasizes the importance of delegation in business and in family life.

She learned that busyness is not a badge of honor.

Faith plays a crucial role in her entrepreneurial journey.

Giselle's upbringing influenced her views on work and family.

She encourages women to embrace their unique paths.

A prayer of surrender can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Connect with Gisselle Velasquez:

https://www.instagram.com/quinces.by.maritzas/

https://www.instagram.com/gisselle.heavenly_joy/

https://www.instagram.com/cafecitoshopllc/

Connect with Luz on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitreporter

Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: JOIN NEWSLETTER HERE

Need help achieving your goals this year? 🔗 Check out my CLARITY COMPASS HERE

Host/Producer: Luz Plasencia

Keywords:

entrepreneurship, motherhood, cultural traditions, business, personal growth, women empowerment, Quinceañeras, faith, family, balance, teacher entrepreneur, Christian, event business

Happy New Year, friends!
In this first episode of 2026, we’re diving into a topic so many of us are feeling right now: courage — not the loud, dramatic kind the world loves to celebrate, but the quiet, everyday, deeply personal courage it takes to grow into the next version of yourself.

This episode explores how to recognize the season you’re in, how to know when God is asking you to rest vs when He’s nudging you to move, and why courage often looks like taking small, uncomfortable steps… even when you’re scared.

I’m also sharing a very personal story from the last few years of my life — a season of rest, healing, identity shifts, and finally… courageous action. My hope is that my journey helps you understand your own more clearly.

If you’re starting this year feeling restless, ready for change, or simply tired of staying in the same place… this episode will speak to you.

Use these to reconnect with yourself, with your season, and with what courageous action might look like for you:

• Where in your life are you staying because it feels familiar — not because it feels aligned?
• What feels heavier right now: staying where you are, or imagining yourself taking the next step?
• What small step could you take that would build your courage, even if it feels uncomfortable?

• What season do I say I’m in right now?
• What does this season actually require of me — rest, healing, preparation, or movement?
• Am I honoring this season honestly, or am I using it to avoid a decision I already know I need to make?

• What am I afraid will happen if I take this step?
• What am I afraid will happen if I don’t?
• Where might God be asking me to trust Him instead of waiting to “feel ready”?

• Who am I becoming in this season of my life?
• What would the courageous, aligned version of me stop tolerating?
• What courageous action would she take, even if it feels uncomfortable?

• What is one small step I can take this week that aligns with growth, not comfort?
• What support, boundary, or prayer would help me take that step?

It would mean so much if you:
⭐️ Leave a rating & review
📲 Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement
🔔 Follow or Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a new episode

Your support means the world to me and allows me to keep bringing you conversations that inspire clarity, growth, and confidence.

🔗 Check out the CLARITY COMPASS HERE

Connect with me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitreporter

Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: JOIN NEWSLETTER HERE

Host/Producer: Luz Plasencia

Thank you for starting the year with me.
Here’s to becoming the courageous version of ourselves we were called to be.

If traditional goal setting feels overwhelming, exhausting, or no longer fits your life, this episode is for you.

In this solo episode of Unleash Your Light w/ Luz, we’re rethinking goal setting for women who still want to achieve big dreams but without burnout, hustle culture, or sacrificing what matters most. I’m sharing three powerful mindset shifts that are changing the way I’m planning for 2026, rooted in identity, alignment, and real-life capacity.

This episode is especially for women navigating midlife, motherhood, business, career growth, or personal evolution who are ready to set goals in a more peaceful, sustainable way.

🎧 Grab a pen, save this episode, and give yourself space to reflect—this one is meant to be revisited.

✨ The Identity Shift: Be → Do → Have
Why starting with who you’re becoming (instead of what you want to achieve) makes goals feel lighter, clearer, and more attainable.

✨ Planning for Your Reality, Not Your Fantasy
How to set goals that actually fit your current season of life—your energy, responsibilities, and priorities—so they don’t fall apart by February.

✨ Stop Writing Goals, Start Writing Visions
Why vision-based planning activates motivation, clarity, and alignment—and how to write a vision that naturally reveals your true goals.

✨ Practical reflection questions
To help you evaluate what’s draining you, what’s supporting you, and where your energy is best spent as you move into the new year.

If you were listening and thought, “I don’t want to set goals the old way anymore,” I created something to help you take this work further.

The Clarity Compass is my 5-day self-paced program designed to help you:
✨ Create a clear personal vision
✨ Understand your current season of life
✨ Design aligned, realistic goals that actually feel doable

Limited-time bonus:
When you enroll in The Clarity Compass, you’ll receive a free 30-minute 1:1 session with me, where we’ll walk through your vision, goals, and next steps together.

Start here: 🔗 Check out the CLARITY COMPASS HERE

If this episode resonated with you, here are a few simple ways to support Unleash Your Light w/ Luz and help the podcast grow:

⭐ Like & Subscribe / Follow the show so you never miss an episode
⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify, it truly helps more listeners find the show
⭐ Share this episode with a friend who’s ready for a more aligned way of setting goals

Your support means the world to me and allows me to keep bringing you conversations that inspire clarity, growth, and confidence.

Until next time friend! Go out there and shine your light!!

Connect with me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitreporter

Join my email list to get info on future episodes, wellness & life coaching tips, and more: JOIN NEWSLETTER HERE

Host/Producer: Luz Plasencia

Goal setting for women • Goal setting without burnout • Identity-based habits • Be Do Have mindset • Aligned goal setting • Vision planning • Midlife growth • Personal development • Sustainable success • Planning for 2026 • Atomic Habits mindset • Self-alignment