LOOKING BACK, I’M DEEPLY APPRECIATIVE OF HOW HARD MY PARENTS WORKED FOR MY BROTHER AND ME.
Karina was given a strong foundation by her loving family, which prepared her for the challenge of learning a different language while living overseas.
MORE THAN WORDS
In childhood, while my grandparents taught me the importance of support, resilience, and keeping our cultural traditions alive, my parents imparted the value of hard work and showed me that love isn’t always expressed through words—it’s often shown through action, responsibility, and sacrifice.
OH LÀ LÀ
I chose to study French in 7th grade because I was completely obsessed with Amélie and Les Choristes. Later, I became an au pair in Tours, France, where I was fully immersed in the language and culture, and eventually pursued my master’s degree in hospitality there.
My early experience working in my parents’ restaurant did a lot for me—it pulled me out of my shell and strengthened my work ethic."
TO START, CAN YOU SHARE AN EXPERIENCE FROM CHILDHOOD THAT SHAPED WHO YOU ARE TODAY?
I grew up in the two restaurants my parents owned, so helping with the family business felt inevitable. In high school, every Saturday and most school vacations, my brother and I worked at the restaurant in a bowling alley.
FUN!
Actually, I absolutely hated it and was mortified whenever I saw someone I knew! But looking back, those shifts did a lot for me. They pulled me out of my shell, built my confidence, strengthened my work ethic, and sharpened my communication and people skills. More than anything, they made me deeply appreciative of how hard my parents worked for our family.
SOUNDS LIKE THEY BOTH HAD A STRONG INFLUENCE ON YOU.
They did. So did my grandparents. While my parents worked tirelessly to support my brother and me, my grandparents were a constant presence.
TALK MORE ABOUT THAT.
My parents taught me the value of a strong work ethic and showed me that love isn’t always expressed through words—it’s often shown through action, responsibility, and sacrifice. My grandparents taught me the importance of support and resilience by showing up, teaching us responsibility through chores, and keeping our cultural traditions alive.
AMAZING. ON A DIFFERENT NOTE, IS THERE A PERSONAL CHALLENGE YOU’VE TAKEN ON THAT YOU’RE ESPECIALLY PROUD OF?
I studied French in college as part of my B.A. The summer before my senior year, I spent three months interning in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I met friends from all over the world, including many French friends, which made me realize that I didn’t just want to study French—I wanted to actually speak it. I became an au pair for one year in Tours, France, where I took weekly French courses and was fully immersed in the language and culture. And later I returned to France to pursue my master’s degree in hospitality.
ET MAINTENANT, VOUS PARLEZ PARFAITEMENT?
Well, I’m happy to report my French is advanced intermediate (on a great day)!
OKAY, LASTLY, IF YOU COULD HAVE A LIFETIME OF FREE ACCESS TO A PRODUCT FROM ONE OF OUR PAST OR PRESENT COMPANIES, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Hands down—Cocolab Cocofloss. My dental hygienist got me hooked, and I’ve never looked back. A tiny habit can have a big impact on overall health. Pirates Booty is a close second!
THOSE PUFFS CAN GET STUCK BETWEEN THE TEETH…
There you go…the perfect brand partnership!
