Meet Denice Lastra

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Denice Lastra. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Denice below.

Denice, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

When I struggled with imposter syndrome, I developed a newfound awareness by embracing the concept of ‘the chamber of reflection.’ This allowed me to identify the specific situations and scenarios in which those feelings of inadequacy emerged. Through self-reflection, I realized that many of these feelings stemmed from my status as a Deferred Action for Early Childhood Arrived (DACA) in the United States. I had internalized unconscious labels and beliefs from my upbringing that I wasn’t even aware of, which contributed to my feelings of inadequacy. By acknowledging and understanding the root causes of these feelings, I was able to overcome imposter syndrome and develop a greater sense of confidence and self-acceptance.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’ve had the privilege of splitting my career between two industries that I’m passionate about: the food industry and real estate. My journey began in the food truck culture of Northern Colorado, where I’ve had the opportunity to establish an network of over 40 partnerships over the past 12 years. One of the most exciting aspects of my work is the chance to share and integrate my cultural heritage through food. There’s something truly special about bringing people together through the universal language of cuisine, and I feel grateful to be able to do so. Whether it’s hosting events, catering, or simply sharing a meal with friends and strangers alike, I believe that food has the power to break down barriers and bring people together in meaningful ways. As I continue to navigate both the food and real estate industries, I’m excited to see where my experiences will take me next and how I can continue to use my passions to make a positive impact on my community.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I believe that three key qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey are:

-Willingness to learn from others: I’ve found that being open to understanding and learning from the people around me has been crucial in my growth. This includes seeking feedback, asking questions, and being receptive to new ideas and perspectives.

-Self-compassion and reflection: Developing self-awareness and practicing self-compassion has allowed me to recognize my strengths and weaknesses, and to reflect on my actions and decisions. This has helped me to learn from my mistakes and improve over time.

-Seeking help when needed: I’ve learned the importance of acknowledging when I don’t know something or need assistance in a particular area. This has allowed me to seek out resources, guidance, and support when needed, which has helped me to stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed.

My advice to those early in their journey would be to focus on developing these skills as well. Specifically:

-Take time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and actions regularly. Writing things out can be a helpful way to process your experiences and gain clarity.

-Practice asking for help when you need it, rather than trying to go it alone. This will not only help you learn faster, but also build stronger relationships with others.

-Learn the difference between your logistical perspective (your rational thoughts) and your emotional needs (your feelings). Integrating these two aspects will help you make more informed decisions that align with your values and passions.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success – Deepak Chopra

“Take time each day to be silent, to connect with your spirit, to just be” (Page 25)

“Practice present-moment awareness in all your actions. Refuse to allow obstacles to consume your attention in the present moment ” (Page 68)

“Accept people, circumstance, and events as the are in this moment. When it confronted with any challenge, remind yourself, “This moment is as it should be,” because the entire universe is as it should be.” (Page 57)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @lacampechanafortcollins

Image Credits

Food Images – @dlmediapro
Head Shot Images – @jaypeg_raw_shots