Cara Alwill Leyva is a speaker and life coach who encourages women to celebrate themselves and make their happiness a priority. She is the author of five self-published books, runs a popular blog called The Champagne Diet and a podcast called Style Your Mind. We caught up with Cara to chat all things books, business and GIRLCODE!
Cara, you are an incredible inspiration to many women. When you were growing up who was your inspiration?
Thank you so much! My mother has always been my inspiration. She raised my brother and I alone, and we had no money growing up. She worked 2 jobs and put herself through college at 40 years old. Watching her hustle to make our lives as normal as possible was amazing. Although we struggled financially, she gave us an incredible amount of emotional support and love and taught us that we could do whatever we wanted. She always told us, “If you want something, you have to go out and get it for yourself. I can’t give you a house, or a car, or money. I just don’t have it.” She is a strong, brilliant, loving, independent woman who has always been my biggest cheerleader and the one person who made me believe that everything was possible for me.
You’re a speaker, a life coach AND an author? How do balance it all?
I actually don’t believe in the word balance. I have seasons where I’ll focus on one thing more than the others, and that’s just the way it has to be for me. I try to make peace with my priorities and drop the guilt around what I can’t do at the moment.
What is your number one ‘GIRLCODE’ mantra?
You will evolve. Not everyone will get it. Evolve anyway.
If you could give every woman in the world one superpower, what would it be?
The belief that she has everything she needs, and nobody is better than her.
What one book would you take with you to a desert island?
I’d probably rather write a book on that island rather than read one, ha! But if I had to pick, I’d probably take The Secret.
Print or Ebook?
Print! By far.
Of the books you’ve written, what makes ‘GIRL CODE’ different from the rest?
I think GIRL CODE started a conversation that women were ready for. There are so many business books out there, but nothing that really tackles the “pink elephant” in the room, so to speak. Yes, women are amazing, talented, driven, creative creatures with the ability to be highly successful. But we have got to get out of our own way. We have got to stop being catty, jealous, and downright nasty to one another. I think we’re over it and GIRL CODE offers a fresh perspective.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I have no idea! I don’t believe in 5-year plans. I believe in living your passion, always being true to yourself, and working hard. When you do all of those 3 things, the Universe delivers exactly what it should, exactly when it should.
What other authors do you enjoy?
I really love Elizabeth Gilbert. I just read Big Magic and thought it was brilliant.
What 5 words of advice do you have for any aspiring female author?
You already know the answer.