Meet Leilani Rodriguez of Living La Vie en Rose and Kona Ice of Culver City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leilani Rodriguez.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Leilani Rodriguez and I am a certified Wellness Coach and Sound Practitioner, co-Franchise Owner and Proud Mom to 2 teenage boys. I have my Masters in Health Administration and currently in a program to add Neuroscience to my coaching credentials. My business is called Living La Vie en Rose where I host sound bath events, workshops and passion exhibits showcasing other vendors and their talent/passions. My family and I also started a business as owners of Kona Ice of Culver City, a mobile shaved ice truck. My Mother, Divina Rodiguez is my business partner. We service Culver City, most of West Los Angeles, and all of our neighboring towns.

When I think of how I started I seem to want to go back to my childhood. I have always had an ambitious spirit and inquisitive mind. My capacity and skill-set was developed at an early age working jobs throughout high school and college. Raising kids of my own I do not know how I did it back then, but was somehow able to keep all of my balls in the air and balance everything- very similar to how I live my life today. When I decided to pursue my Masters, my boys were still very young and I was working a full-time job. It’s been a mental game, but have proven to myself time and time again that if I really want to do anything in life and want it bad enough, I can and will make it happen.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road but feel that Living La Vie en Rose or Kona Ice would have not been born or brought into our lives if it wasn’t for some bumps along the way. 100% would not change anything from my past including the struggles because it was all meant to happen in order to appreciate what we have today. We have so many blessings to thank God for!

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kona Ice of Culver City?
Kona Ice of Culver City is a mobile shaved ice truck. Through the vibrant colors, delicious flavors, cheerful music, and sparkling lights of our truck we bring life and magic into every environment. What sets us apart from others is that we bring a family vibe everywhere we go. We, Divina and Leilani are a mother-daughter duo and my sons, Miles and Mason work the truck with us. We enjoy making others happy. It’s really hard not to be happy and excited when you see a Kona Ice truck up close. Both my older brother John Rodriguez and niece Nohea Rodriguez are also independent Kona Ice franchise owners servicing the San Diego area. We have been fortunate to be connected with amazing people through our businesses. Mariners Village is one of them located in Marina Del Rey where we often visit, serve shaved ice and host sound baths overlooking the harbor. It has been a magical experience.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters to me most are my sons. My family. My Mom is my best friend. They are my inspiration in everything I do and the decisions I make revolve around them. I am very intentional in my moves so that I can provide the proper love and care to them, and those around me. My daily routines of self-care are important in keeping me sharp, grounded and focused.

Voyage LA, thank you for the opportunity to share my story!

To my Guardian Angel in heaven, Francis Rodriguez, there’s not a day that I don’t think about you. I love you, Dad. 🌹

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kona-ice.com/local-site/kona-ice-of-culver-city/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leilanirodrgz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KonaIceofCulverCity/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilanirodriguez
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kona-ice-culver-city

Image Credits
Allison Stevens