Karina Guardiola-Lopez on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Karina Guardiola-Lopez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Karina, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think many people secretly struggle with self-acceptance. In a world that constantly measures success through comparison, whether on social media, through career milestones, or personal achievements, it can be difficult to feel “enough” just as we are. Society also sets narrow standards around beauty, body image, and age, and it imposes deadlines for marriage, childbirth, and other goals and achievements. I’ve noticed that even the most confident people often wrestle with internal doubts or feelings of inadequacy. This is a reflection of society’s so-called self-made standards.

For me, self-acceptance means acknowledging both our strengths and imperfections with honesty and compassion. When we’re able to do that, it becomes easier to grow authentically, connect more deeply with others, and lead with empathy. I believe fostering that kind of mindset in ourselves and those around us helps create healthier, more genuine environments both personally and professionally.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Karina Guardiola-Lopez, and I’m a writer, poet, and educator from New York City and New Jersey. My work explores identity, the human condition, and the power of storytelling. My poems have been mentioned in or appeared in publications such as Acentos Review, Press Pause Press, Platform Review, and Palette Poetry.

I created the Writing Wednesday Series, where I teach poetic forms, share writing prompts, offer creative tools, and highlight literary holidays. I also co-manage and create content for the National Association for Poetry Therapy and the Live Big Movement’s A Year Into You Writing Series with Vanessa Chica and Rebeca Lois Lucret, where I helped develop guided prompt journals and writing workshops, that support writers in turning personal reflections into meaningful written work.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a child with a vivid imagination who loved homework assignments that let me be creative, whether writing short stories on holiday themes or transforming cereal boxes into book covers for my book reports.

In middle school, I didn’t fit in with my peers, and I began exploring poetry, music, and visual art. By the time I reached high school, I was using those creative outlets to express myself.
Writing became my way of understanding myself and the world, and it was during that time that I realized I could finally experiment with expressing who I truly was on paper.
I wasn’t the best student, but I excelled in English class and in any class that allowed space for creativity. My teachers encouraged me to read poetry and continue writing. I eventually attended my first open mic event, which opened the door for me to explore spoken word and performance poetry.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
A significant challenge came while completing my bachelor’s degree. I had almost dropped out of school while obtaining my associate’s degree and I wasn’t sure if I should continue with my studies. My boyfriend at the time, now my husband, encouraged me to keep going, and I eventually did.

I got married and continued attending college part-time while working two jobs, Monday through Friday as a teacher’s assistant and on weekends cleaning houses. I also sold merchandise on eBay to make ends meet. I eventually obtained my second degree but I was eventually laid off and things became more challenging.

My husband, the primary breadwinner, had his paycheck garnished, and despite our efforts, we eventually faced eviction years later. I felt helpless and unstable during this time, and I prayed for a solution. Within a few months, I was hired as an education director by Mr. Michael Roberts, to whom I will forever be grateful to.

These experiences taught me resilience, the value of hard work, and perseverance, and they strengthened my determination to keep pursuing my goals, no matter how difficult the circumstances.

People often see success but rarely understand the full journey behind it. Achieving anything worthwhile requires effort, sacrifice, and faith. With God, all things are possible.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me shares my poetry, travels, favorite quotes, and the people and things I love. Most people only see the highlights on social media, not the full journey.

Few know my full story, growing up with a parent struggling with addiction, facing eviction, losing friends, receiving rejection letters, navigating health scares, and overcoming countless challenges along the way. Every part of that journey has shaped who I am.

The public me is real, even if I only share certain pieces of my life. It reflects who I am, not the sum total of everything I’ve experienced. Many of these experiences, however, come through in my poetry.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing? 
I used to regret giving people the benefit of the doubt. I was often told that I offered too many chances and let my kindness be taken for granted. Even though those moments were painful, they taught me resilience and deepened my appreciation for trust.

Showing people that I cared was incredibly difficult for me, so when I did, it meant far more than most ever realized. I grew up believing that showing emotion, especially crying, was a sign of weakness, and that real strength meant staying composed at all times. Over the years, I realized these beliefs were merely defense mechanisms. Now I understand that true strength comes from vulnerability, empathy, and speaking the truth with care.

For a long time, I regretted revealing that side of myself. But as I grow older, I’ve learned that kindness is never something to regret. Even in a world that can be harsh and guarded, kindness remains a quiet revolution, showing us we don’t have to harden our hearts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kglopez.com
• Instagram: @kglopez_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kglopez11/
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kglopez
• Other: https://linktr.ee/kglopez

Image Credits
Last photo, performance in Cultural Carribean Center for the Evelina 100 event, taken by Ms. Maria Aponte-Gonzalez