Laura Hernandez is a network marketer, a sales coordinator, and the blogger behind Lake Nona Eats (@lakenonaeats). She is also a Nonahood resident. Read our interview with her below!
Nonahood News: What is your job?
Laura Hernandez: I believe it’s important that a person has multiple sources of income. It’s important to have a 9-5 job and a side hustle between 5-11 p.m. I have three jobs. I do direct selling for a network marketing company called Monat, selling beauty products for hair and skin. I’m also a sales coordinator for a company called PATLive. We provide customer service and receptionists to companies. My third job is running my blog, Lake Nona Eats. I [had] wished there was a page that could tell you what food is available in Lake Nona. I started searching and saw none, so I created it about a year and a half ago.
NHN: What does your day-to-day schedule look like?
LH: I wake up around 8 a.m. and start working at 9 a.m. By noon, I have lunch and try to schedule what my afternoon will look like. I finish working around 5 p.m., try to exercise a little bit. After that, I start meetings with my team at Monat from about 6:30 p.m. to midnight. I have pretty long days, but I like it.
NHN: What would you say are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job?
LH: Sometimes people aren’t used to or open-minded about [the network marketing] business and criticize before knowing it. Also, people don’t trust the process. We’re impatient and want results now. It requires time to be successful. My job is simple but not easy. The most rewarding thing is the growth you see in people and the “freedom” we get from this industry. We can do our job from everywhere at any time. You see how confident people become and how they’re able to project their energy to others.
NHN: What got you interested in doing your current jobs in this area?
LH: I work from home, so it doesn’t matter where I am. Lake Nona is a beautiful area that allows you to concentrate and perform your duties. I want everyone to know, especially after this pandemic, working from home is going to be the new norm. Please do your research when buying a home or renting. Lake Nona is and will be your best option!
NHN: Do you have any interesting hobbies, collections, or interests?
LH: I love to travel and eat. I also love to dance. I like salsa, merengue, and all my Colombian music. And I love dogs. I have one pug; his name is Simon.
NHN: Where do you see yourselves in the next five years?
LH: Personally, being a mom or ready to be one. Professionally, it’s hard to say. I just hope that, between now and then, I’m at the top of my company.
NHN: What brought you to Lake Nona, and when did you move here?
LH: I moved to Lake Nona in 2012. I used to live in Miami. Then, I applied for UCF and that’s why I moved to the Orlando area. One day, I just put “Orlando” in my GPS, and I saw the Reserve at Beachline apartments. So I went and looked in the area for places to live and it took me to Northlake Park. After two hours, I was out with my contract.
NHN: Where are you from originally?
LH: I’m from Colombia. I moved to the United States in 2006.
NHN: What would you say is your favorite part of Lake Nona?
LH: I love the people, and I love how fast everything is growing. Everyone is so proud of Lake Nona and takes care of the city.
NHN: What would you say to anyone who is considering a move to Lake Nona?
LH: It’s a family-oriented place where you’ll be able to raise your kids. We have amazing schools and places to go, where you’re able to not only have a meal but have entertainment. Everyone is so nice. It’s really easy to get anywhere.
Photos Courtesy of Laura Hernandez
