Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Laura Espinoza of Van Nuys

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Laura Espinoza. Check out our conversation below.

Laura , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, hiking has brought me a deep sense of joy. Being out in nature and stepping away from the daily stress and routines both from work and life has been incredibly healing. Since I started hiking, I’ve noticed a growing sense of peace within myself. It’s as if, for the first time in a long while, I can truly breathe.

I’ve had the chance to witness the changing seasons and really take in the beauty around me. It’s helped me slow down, be present, and reconnect with the world in a way I hadn’t realized I needed.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name is Laura Celeste Espinoza. I bring over ten years of experience across both the entertainment and pharmaceutical industries. I earned my degree in Television Production from California State University, and I’m excited to soon begin my journey toward a Master’s in Regulatory Science.

While these two fields may seem worlds apart, they share key values—quality, safety, and delivering the best possible outcomes. That overlap made it surprisingly smooth to transition from one to the other. And of course, both industries understand the importance of driving results and making an impact.

By day, I work in the pharmaceutical world, but I stay connected to my creative roots through production gigs with my favorite director, Jose Renee Bolanos. We’ve collaborated on several short films—check out Flor and Juana on YouTube! I also work part-time in retail, keeping life dynamic and full of variety.

I truly believe that anything is possible when you set your mind to it. Everyone’s path is unique, and the most important thing is to be happy with the life you’re living—regardless of what others may think. Your journey is yours alone, and embracing it fully is the most powerful choice you can make.

A few months ago, I had the honor of being featured on Emilie Devillet’s inspiring podcast So, You Work in Film?, where professionals share their stories and experiences in the entertainment industry. I can’t wait for you all to hear it—available wherever you listen to podcasts!

In my free time, I love hiking, spending time with friends and loved ones, and staying active in my current role by producing and editing training videos that showcase our pharmaceutical procedures. I also help create a joyful workplace by organizing events and inviting guest speakers to share their professional journeys.

At the end of the day, working with others and doing what brings you joy is what makes it all worthwhile.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A couple of months ago, I lost someone very dear to me to stomach cancer. She wasn’t my aunt by blood, but my siblings and I always called her “Tía Elena.” Watching her slowly fade before my eyes was one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever had. For the first time, I truly began to understand how aging affects us—not just physically, but emotionally as well.

I’ve always known that death is inevitable, but now I feel it in a much deeper way. Time moves forward, with or without us, and that realization has made it even more important to pursue the things I’ve always wanted to do. The people I once saw as strong, youthful, and full of life are now aging, slowing down, and passing away. Each loss, each story of someone gone, hits harder than before.

It’s a sobering reminder that life is fragile—and that we must live it fully, while we still can.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most has always been the fear of failure. I know I’m not alone in that—many of us carry it. But I’ve come to realize that with age, that fear begins to lose its grip. You start to see it differently, and eventually, it stops holding you hostage. What becomes clearer is that not trying is far worse than failing.

When you don’t take the leap, you rob yourself of the experience—and the possibility of success. You’ll never know what could’ve been, simply because you didn’t try. I’ve learned that regret is one of the heaviest emotions a person can carry. It lingers, and it’s unforgettable. That’s why fear isn’t worth giving power to.

Instead, I’ve learned to face my fears head-on. I ask myself: What’s the worst that could happen? And more often than not, the answer isn’t life-ending. It’s just a bump, a lesson, a moment. So really, there’s nothing to lose. You just have to take a breath, put on your brave face, and go for it.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I’ve always deeply admired Martin Luther King Jr.—his dedication, strength, and unwavering determination made him one of the most influential figures in American history. He was raised in a family rooted in love and respect, and that foundation helped shape the powerful leader he became.

Despite the countless “no’s” he faced and the prejudice he endured, he never gave up on his beliefs. He continued to fight for justice, equality, and human dignity with relentless courage. What began in a small community in Atlanta, Georgia grew into a global movement. His voice became so powerful that even those who opposed him couldn’t ignore it—it shook the foundations of injustice and gave strength to the silenced.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I believe one of the things we often forget as humans is that our actions shouldn’t be driven by the desire for praise. The choices we make should come from within—guided by our values, our well-being, and the love we have for those closest to us. Of course, our decisions can sometimes affect others, but at the end of the day, they must be rooted in what brings us peace and happiness.

Everything we do should come from the heart—from a place of sincerity and soul. When actions are taken with the expectation of something in return, they lose their beauty. They become flawed and unsatisfying because they aren’t genuine.

True fulfillment comes from giving your best, wholeheartedly, without expecting anything back. That kind of authenticity is something no one can take from you—it’s yours to give, and it’s powerful.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ laura-espinoza-8a10506
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Jos%C3%A9Ren%C3%A9Bola%C3%B1osProjectLotus/videos

Image Credits
Nayree Tanossian (+5 Box), Lulu Munoz (Professional pictures)