If Cupcakes are bad why do they make organic cute ones?

Where are my cupcake lova lovas?

I'm writing on today's blog my favorite cupcake spot in our town San Pedro called "With Love Bakery!"  Happen to pay a visit this past week at the farmer's market in our town. There are many things I loved about this really cute place from the decor to the creamy fluffy organic cupcakes but what I loved most was getting to know the owner of the place. 


She is really down to earth, humble and friendly. As I entered her cupcake shop just as any curious person would be I looked around and asked her questions. We had a sweet conversation how her business began and it all started from working at the farmer's market. Now she has her own business and sells cakes, cupcakes and pastries. 

Chocolate Salted Caramel Cupcake <3

 I bought this yummy cupcake and in all honesty I'm not really a salty person I'm very into sweet cupcakes but as my mouth devoured into this luscious chocolateeee creamy organic cupcake I was sold! It was fluffy not really too sweet just perfect! The cream gave me a mustache and had fun licking it and laughing! I kept telling Chef Alyssa Van De Vort the owner how amazing these cupcakes were! You just know when it's a great cupcake and when it's not! :)

Cute Pink Decor 

Loved the cute pink decor from chandeliers to LOVE signs everywhere inside the shop. From a branding perspective I would classify her cupcake business a PASSION business. It's warm, friendly, welcoming, smells yummy, fashionable, happy and loving. At a young age Alyssa fell in love with baking and spent lots of quality time with her parents in the kitchen. She experienced the loss of her father and baking became her grieved outlet. She is very open and super friendly. Love that! <3

As we chatted I asked her if it's busy and just as any new business it starts slow and picks up as time goes by. Many people stop by while shopping at the farmer's market and today is 1st Thursday Art Walk in DTSP (Downtown San Pedro) and for those that are curious in tasting yummy cupcakes they are open from 9-8pm! Food trucks arrive at 6pm however her shop is open earlier for business. 

I feel really confident her business will do well. The cakes are soo cute and baked with the finest organic ingredients of highest quality. As I got to know more about her business and clientele she mentioned while hollywood was filming "Live By Night" with Ben Affleck, Sienna Miller, Zoe Saldana and crew they were busy as they were filming across from the bakery shop. One of the crews bought dozens and dozens of cupcakes especially after he found out Alyssa's father worked in the entertainment industry as an employee. 

I thought that was cool! :)  

Last pic of Minnie Mouse Baby Shower Cake... Vanilla Cake, Italian Butter Cream and Fresh Strawberries inside!  Take a Look! :)  Is it cute or what?!

Minnie Mouse Baby Cake 

So, there ya have it! Give some love to her shop if your in the area of San Pedro. To know more about her cupcakes, pastries, breads, cakes....  Click Here For Cupcake Love

XOXO! 

To your sweetness

Laura Ramos <3

What Do Stars Do To Be Happy... :)

Wikipedia defines "Celebrities"  as fame and public attention in the media, usually applied to a person, group of people (celebrity couple, family, etc.), or, occasionally, to animals. 

Celebrity status is often associated with wealth (commonly referred to as fame and fortune) and fame can often provide opportunities to make money.

Successful careers in sports and entertainment are commonly associated with celebrity status; political leaders often become celebrities. People may also become celebrities due to media attention for their lifestyle, wealth, or controversial actions, or for their connection to a famous person.

I began to research what celebrities do to stay happy as they are like all of us only difference is they have more chi-ching! And this is what I found and you will see your not any different. We are all people and next time you see one... don't be star-struck (note to self) ha! 

• 1) THEY FOLLOW THEIR PASSION - it takes nerve to do what you love! They’ve done just that and show what can happen when you commit to a dream the rest of the world thinks your crazy. They don't quit or let others get in the way of their goals
• 2) THEY DEFINE THEIR OWN SIGNATURE STYLE - forget the trend du jouivez. Enduring icons develop their own unique style and identity. Think of your all time idol. Chances are she can claim a signature look or defining fashion statement.
• 3) THEY TAKE RISKS- Whatever its playing an unexpected role, experimenting with a new hairstyle or speaking up about controversial issues, trendsetters have the courage to put themselves out there
• 4) THEY ARE GREATFUL - The benefits of cultivating gratitude are endless.  Being thankful opens doors, enhances self-esteem and improves emotional mental and physical states.
• 5) THEY FIND INSPIRATION IN OTHERS-Why go it alone? Mentors offer guidance and support professionally and personally. Models are admired because they recognize the importance of asking for help.
• 6) THEY KEEP IT POSITIVE - They are optomistic, root for themselves, live in the present and understand the importance of self-care, our most admired stars approach their goals holistically from all angles and find balance in work, family and play (One star comes to mind: Gwyneth Paltrow)

These are pretty good traits we can also follow as our self-care matters and should be a priority in our lives. When we inspire others, take risks, define our own style, keep it positive and most importantly follow our passions we can be unstoppable! 

Have a great one! 

XO

How To Make Leadership The Ferrari Of The Film Industry

If you can make a controversial film yet bring change you have succeeded.

There are  many great films that have sparked change in people's lives and have provided a different  type of perspective. One example was the film "Precious" based on the movie "Push" by Sapphire. This film ignited a controversy a year after the release. At that time New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg had a strong reaction watching "Precious" as it centered in the fizzy soft drinks we all have grown to love!

The Mayor wanted to push a limit size of soft drink in NYC due to seeing the film. The plan was to stop selling the sugar rush drinks no more than half a liter in cinemas, restaurants, sports stadiums. In 2012 The NYC Health board accepted the limit yet due to objections and appeals and not acting quick it was dismissed before it could pass law.  This is just a prime example of what can happen when great films are made and it inspires authorities, people in Leadership to step up and take action! 

This blog is not about Hollywood or film it's just an example as to what can happen when great Leadership is in place. The changes one can make around the world, the influence, the transformations... When I think of great Leadership I see people in power taking action for the greater good. It's not stepping on others to achieve what you desire but in being a servant to others, it's knowing the great need and inspiring others to be at their best. One of my favorite quotes:

"If you can inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more you are a Leader"

 We don't need more leaders. But Great Leaders not only in Government (Politics) but in Business. Reputation is everything. How are you perceived. This is why when political figures are candidates for presidency the first thing that is revealed is their dirty laundry, it gets exposed from what they've done, where they've been and what impact have they've done in society. But, then again you had Bill Clinton and although he had an affair with Monica Lewinsky and declared he never had an affair with that woman people didn't care they just wanted him to make things happen in the white house and I'm not talking about secret affairs :) 

So what defines Great Leadership? It's simply inspiring others to become better but you must Lead first. See when I worked at the west coast ports and we were assigned jobs to lead it didn't mean waiting on others. We had to take action or else someone would get hurt or die. It was that serious. Most of these jobs were called ,"signaling" Lots of people hated these type of jobs because you were always on alert and your eyes were not only a crane operator but all others working with you in the team. I already knew when taking those type of jobs I needed a redbull, strong coffee or sweets. Why? I needed to be on alert. 

Those were the days that stay with me and humble me because I don't have it like that anymore however doesn't mean my Leadership skills are void. Running a business takes Leadership Action! We impact people's lives. We can lead them astray or lead them in the right path. So which path are you leading? What changes can you make just as the film industry that makes a person in power change as well or get inspired? 

Just some questions to think about as I end this blog because it really does matter how you lead today. 

To Leadership! 

Make Your Opportunities A Reality

Merriam-Webster defines the word: "OPPORTUNITY" as a good chance for advancement or progress. 

When  I hear of opportunities to me it just means an opportune time to make something a reality however it doesn't always pan out that way. Truth is you need to align yourself with people who want to see you succeed!  We often hear lots of opportunities... yet you need to do your diligence and research or you can be a risk-taker and not be afraid of the circumstance but make that leap!

I've ventured in several opportunities and from my previous blog posts I'm here to say I have not been a millionaire just yet. It does take determination, perseverance and integrity. Don’t be a one hit-wonder otherwise other will want to be one as well. We are here to set examples of who we are. It's our responsibility to let others know truth is this is what is required:

1. Investment needed
2. Social Media tools / guidance / branding 
3. Hours applied
4. Skills set
5. Mentorship needed

Upon taking a leadership/coaching class I was clueless as to what I just signed up for!  I am a life- long learner (student for life) and a risk-taker and have leaped into several businesses and don't regret not one of them. They've all taught me something it's called Growth. When I encountered the opportunity that would change my life it didn't come in a gift with a big giant red bow. It came disguised as an obstacle.

And so I think are we able to discern an opportunity when it's concealed as an obstacle?

Many times we go for the easy route and decline opportunities that seem hard. The way I see opportunities is that no matter where you go, what you do there will be challenges you will need to encounter. What's easy is sleazy. (As I've heard Leaders quote this awesome quote!)

I had just left my 1st networking marketing company as many changes were happening with the company and felt it was in my best interest to do something else. I also was not passionate about the service and had to be real. Being that I am a volunteer for The City Of San Pedro and was volunteering at the local mental health center a couple of hours was recommended to work for the city.

Upon recommendation from Doctors at the clinic was asked If I'd be interested in taking credits for a course in which I can use the education to apply for the city job. I needed a job and therefore it wouldn't hurt to get some education.  I received lots of breakthroughs not only was I learning about myself but also learning about the brain, depression, anxiety and mindsets. The class was taught by Harvard PHD's and was fascinated in learning more. To say the least I learned what I needed to learn and mastered the logic that I once heard a Successful Leader say "When a woman has mastered logic, men and done".

See in order to influence women, it's not through logic, it's through the heart. In order to influence men it's through logic. And when women have mastered the logic, more women can take over leaderboard room meetings, speaking venues and make hard choices. Our emotions can lead us astray and can be very deceiving. You decide! 

Everytime we use see a male receiving lots of attention  from the opposite sex it's because they use their heart. And males who are philosophical, who teach, who are worldly-known (think attorneys, engineers, professors,  architects) use their brain. I'd like to think of myself as both but can be a little more logical as I question everything. My curiosity get me everytime! 

In order to find a solution... Key is asking a question. Your brain will answer.

I didn't plan to become a Life Coach. It was not in my radar. As a matter of fact upon graduation I couldn't even get in the door to get hired at the clinic. I can still volunteer but not have a city job as additional education was required. Another year of clinical school besides a college degree. I was not too excited of having a job as I had just left a business working from home in which I had control of. I was making the decisions not a boss.

So, because I didn't get the job a light bulb appeared and decided to take it online because that is where all the eyeballs are at and to be an Enterpreneur you must find the need and fill it. Many people suffer from depression and often take medicine and although I am not a PHD I do believe it's all about mindset. Mindset is just a "SET-MIND" 

This is how I birth my career as a Life Coach unexpectedly. Through a connection that lead to nowhere after I graduated however it was a blessing in disguise. See we don't know where God will lead us. We may see it as an obstacle however what it has taught me was the necessary skills needed to dive in the infested water of sharks. Forewarn is forearmed. Am I able to use it for business? Definitely.  Do I need to use it? No. My services are not for intimidation purposes. It's simply to help people overcome their addictions, problems, mindsets ect….

As I end this blog think of opportunities as blessings in disguise.  Are some risky? Yes. Are you guarantee to succeed? Of course not. Can you succeed? Of course. Life is a risk itself but will it matter 10 years from now? No unless you become a wealthy person then it will be inspiring however if you didn't succeed your still a bad-ass as you don't think like everyone else. Your different.

To know more about my coaching services go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2LZJXXB and fill out questionnaire. Will contact you and we will go from there. 

Have a great day! :)

The Science Behind The Past And Why It Matters Today

I once heard Steve Jobs quote about connecting the dots in his commencement speech to Stanford University students and never heard this concept. He mentioned only by looking at your past you can connect the dots forward. I so agree with this because until you clear up the past, review it, ponder, meditate or pray is when you understand it was all meant for your good. 

My past has been like a rollercoaster. I've had my share of ups and downs and I don't regret those times as it's made me who I am now. I am a strong sexy female. Sometimes we have to experience it so we appreciate the present and I'm very greatful believe me! Because I'm a risk-taker I've taken many risks in life and all I can do is look back and say had I not took a risk I'd probably be living a boring life and not experience it! 

Ever since I can remember I've always tried something new to learn in choosing my ultimate career. While attending school I've always worked it was just something that I needed to do to make extra money. My most memorable experience was working as a telemarketer for "ERA" Real Estate in which my boss was the CEO. He was looking for someone without experience to sell homes. When I heard real estate it was like Oh, wow how prestigious! When I got hired on the spot I thought I was going to an office and it was the total opposite. I was going to his home. He was a christian family man very nice to me and so I worked out of his garage that was built into a cute office. 

He gave me MLS listings and a fat book like a bible. I said What in the world?! My job was to call every number and cold call to get leads. I had no idea what I was doing but I had a script and then tweeked it to my liking. I needed to be myself and sound like myself even back then. I needed to understand what I was doing and why. I always prepared myself for everything. So I learned by experience. Lo and behold I sold 2 homes. My job entailed of getting the leads and giving the information to my boss, then would set up appointment to meet up at his office. He did the rest which was showing the house and if it sold, it sold and I got paid! Chi-Ching! $$$ 

This is how I learned cold calling. Tele-marketing is not such a prestigious job but what kept me going was the money. When I would see the money coming in I was getting addicted however knew I couldn't do this forever. I needed to get back to school and was only doing it part-time. My boss said I would be a good real estate agent and mentioned if I was interested I could let him know and he'd help me get the license. Because back then others opinions mattered and was told real estate salespeople lie and trick people and they didn't see me in that business I didn't pursue it. 

I then held other corporate jobs in logistics and transportation and had some great times and other times they were not so great. I was not fullfilled. The last company I was in merged with another company when I lived in Arizona and although through a connection I was offered a new position in Scottsdale, AZ in same industry I declined. Decided to return to Cali and the beaches. Was missing my family and friends and that is when I heard of hiring of Longshoremen's at the port of Los Angeles/Long beach through a lottery pool.

I applied because my father said I should do it. I was not too excited about it but said heck I need to get back to work. 10 years of hard work! Hustle! One thing I realized was money can be addicting and I was in bondage. I worked weekends, holidays, rain or shine and whenever there was work. Missed birthday parties, weddings, celebrations all to make money. It was crazy now that I think about it. What is the point of making money if your not enjoying it as you are working 24/7 around the clock?

Best experienced I received was here at the ports. Learned how to lead, be a leader, work safe and be alert. The responsibility was huge and if someone died at work it would be due to unsafe practices or because someone didn't watch their back. It was very united just as are all unions. My strength was challenged at this job and will power sometimes I'd surprise myself but lots of prayer worked. I was very close to God as without him working out there would be foolish.

Decided to end working there after giving it lots of thought I didn't want to be a slave to the money and needed to work at a safer environment where it's fun. Where I'm learning, traveling and that is when I returned back to Network Marketing. It was hard to leave the job as a longshoreman very hard! I was addicted to making that money even at the expense of my freedom! I know sounds ridiculous..! So what happened next changed my life for the better.... Got into a car accident!

After my car accident I couldn't go back to work and said well, I guess God decided for me then.... I continued my network marketing business at home since I had no car and it didn't pan out as I thought as the the business was centered in having home parties and without a vehicle there is not much you can do! Did my best what I can however the rest left it to God. I've learned many valuable experiences in Network Marketing with personal development even though money not soo much. 

Since I'm a volunteer for The City Of San Pedro a door opened to learn how to have leadership skills in order to work for  a city job within the area of mental and health. Studied for 6 months and got certified by teachers from Harvard. It was an incredible experience and learned soo much. That is when I found out I needed additional education besides my college and credits from this school. Lots of requirements and that is when I said well, at least I learned how to coach and took it online. Lightbulb turned on and said eyeballs are on social media and many need help in how to overcome obstables, mindsets, etc.... 

And now I'm here as a certified life coach, blogger and getting eyeballs to my work by hollywood by simply putting myself out there and learning from  famous Sally Hogshead CEO of How To Fascinate she teaches how to brand and market online and offline. Copywriter for Mini Cooper, Godiva Chocolates, Coca-Cola, Harry Winston Jagermeister ect.... and speaker for many other companies. Just purchased her book "Fascinate" new edition 2016 coming out mid April. 

Truly obsessed with marketing and branding.  As a catalyst this is what gives me passion. And so I ask myself must I of went through all of this to get here? Yes. See in life we have many choices and must do our diligence however if we are blind and not sure where we are heading this can happen but I had no regrets. I do what I want and can take my business anywhere in the world. I blog as I travel and that is pretty sweet! :) 

I don't know what the future holds and the more I think of it the more anxious I can get so I'm not even going to think about it. I'm just moving forward by connecting the dots and greatful I am in this position to call the shots. I decide whether it's good or not. Whether I need more education or skills. Life is interesting i tell ya! :) 

So appreciate the detours because you are where you are suppose to be! :)

XO! 

Have You Heard? Taking Action Is Your Best Bet To Succeed?

April 1st! April Fools! :) There is something about spring that brings joy, happiness, sunshine yet it can also bring in showers but now that spring is upon us we can look forward to brighter and warmer days. Often a change of season can be a time to reflect the year is moving ahead and time to think about problems or situations remained unsolved. 

Yes I know...to some this bites! 

Great time to think about holiday plans for summer or what changes you would like to make for the middle of 2016! Is it to publish written work? Get additional education? Learn something new? Look your best? Start a new workout routine? Attend festivals (Coachella)?  A new makeover? Eat healthier? A new career? New love interest?

These are times when the unknown can be pretty scary for some and for others they take it with a grain a salt. Whatever comes is their motto. You can't control everything and therefore you must let go and release for what may come. We could only control what we can and what we can't just let go. 

When I think of April I think Spring! Flowers, sunshine, hiking, photography, sight-seeing, people watching, traveling, sport games, networking, making friends. It's the 1st month of the 2nd quarter of 2016. The first 3 months equals one quarter and as march ended (last month of 1st quarter) it was a time of planting seeds. Now we are in 2nd quarter of the season and we need to water it and nurture it. 

Think about what plans you made and took action on in the first 3 months (Jan-March) Now we can water the seed for growth. It's in it's baby stages maybe one leaf trying to bloom out of the ground and as you water it and talk to it sweet things (nurturing) it will grow in love. Treat your business idea, project, love relationship as if it were your baby. As time goes by you will see it expand and grow.....

So, now as we enter the 2nd quarter (April-June) it's your chance to make things happen! Don't wait till it's November and then try to hurry and make things happen before the year ends to accomplish your goals or what your working on.... Life doesn't work that way. It's best to start early and watch (what your working on) grow just as a baby grows. 

It's time to get serious about your life and empower others with your gifts and talents.  It's selfish to have these abilities and not do anything with them. It's your responsibility to use your God-given talents. Focus on your work and just look ahead. Don't look back, right or left just as a marathon runner... He/She moves forward till they reach the finish line.  

Friends we are in our 4th mile of the marathon of life. We have just passed 3 miles and got 9 more miles to go! GO GO GO!!! (Especially right now) it's crunch time! 

Cheers to Action! 
Laura :)

Being A Rockstar In Your Industry Is A Matter Of Giving

FOR TICKETS:  www.classy.org/cdvgolf2016

Was doing some research on the meaning of giving and stumbled upon a video from Tony Robbins on giving and how transformation happens when you give. Also read prior to becoming a multi-millionaire, speaker, coach, motivator.... he experienced major setbacks such as living with scarcity of food and reason why now he gives to food banks to help the needy.

What can Tony Robbins teach us today?  When you focus on just what you are getting and not giving is when you need to change. He challenges you to make your life a masterpiece. He challenges you to join the ranks of those people who live what they teach, who walk their talk.

I love to get inspired and reading these stories get me fired up because they show you in life you don't have to be born with a silver spoon but the opposite. See many times we see successful people and think they were born into it when in fact in order to get where they are at it took lots of sacrifice, strength, perseverance and a ton of passion which Tony Robbins doesn't lack I might add! :)

The more you give the more you receive. Some of the most wealthiest people have one thing in common they GIVE. Why? Because they are always giving. Think Bill Gates. Some may lose businesses or fail in business but as soon as it was lost they gain it back one way or other and then you wonder how did they do that? How were they able to purchase a large home? a luxurious car? A nice expensive watch? Nice alligator shoes or red bottom heels? Yes these are all material things however the point is there is seldom lack.

From what I can remember I've always been giving due to my upbringing. Was I always like this or did I have a generous gene? No. As a kid I was sort of selfish and as I grew up my mom raised me to be selfless, giving and that is when it was ingrained in me and wanted to give to people. I noticed the more I gave the more I got. Charity does not always come in the form of money but advice, value, time etc... :)

And so now that I am older (as the oldest child in my family) I've always been responsible for helping my peers and siblings and neighbors. This is why I volunteered in my community, politics, became a philantropist, give back to charities and desire to one day open my own non-profit sometime in the future. (God willing) There is nothing more full filling then to give but you must have it in you to give.

I love to promote charity events as it's a form of giving. 3 years ago I ran the L.A. Marathon (26.5 miles) from Los Angeles to Santa Monica Pier. It was challenging however I did it with passion and a happy heart for the kids. What kept me going was my WHY!  Had I not been running for a charity and know kids were depending on me I must say I'd probably would not of ran unless I wanted to challenge myself but in this case it was not about me but about the kids

There is a special charity coming up and reason why I am writing this blog post as well. It's our 1st Annual Corazon De Vida Golf Charity Tournament in partnership with Kingdom Coalition for Kids. Take a look at the video below of the event and anyone interested in attending, avid golfers, athletes can attend and have dinner. Tickets are available at: www.classy.org/cdvgolf2016

Check Out Corazon De Vida Golf Video! By the way just received news celebrities will be attending. If you enjoy networking this is an event not to miss! You never know what one person can lead you to another and another and another.... Connections! :)




Have a great day! :)

You Are Your Brand, How Are You Seen?

How To Fascinate By Being More... :)

Do you run a business from home? from the beach? wherever? whenever? 

Then you know it's all about marketing and getting your products in the hands of your right audience. Many times we market to everyone without knowing what their needs are and we are seen as salespeople and that is not what we need to be seen as.

Times have definitely changed in this new era in technology. From magazine writers v's bloggers, from reading the newspaper to getting your news online, from blockbusters videos to netflix. 

As the growth in millennials rapidly advance it's all about trust what your selling and can you be trusted. Millennials do more research, are into technology & want to be part of something bigger then themselves. 

It's safe to say if your not branding yourself, not your company nobody will know about you or your services. People do business with people that is why we are in the relationship business. If you brand only your company there is not a mutual trust as they don't know much about you!  

How are you being perceived? Do you feel the way to sell is by changing how you are to please your audience? Must you sacrifice yourself to sell? Must you be looked upon as desperate?

Prior to branding myself had no clue as to how others perceive me and I've tried to be everything to everyone. I call it the people's pleasing syndrome! It was draining and tiring and felt as I was chasing down my customers like a dangling carrot haha :)

Here are examples of 7 advantages of fascination...






Have a great day! :)

Laura Ramos
@TheBuzzingCatalyst