Empowerment Series: Telemundo’s “Cafe con Aroma de Mujer” and Netflix “Narcos,” Colombian Actress, Laura Londoño Shares her Energy with AW

Laura Londoño is no stranger to audiences in the United States and across international waters. She has appeared in popular, Spanish language telenovelas such as Sin Cenos No Hay Paraiso and La Ley de Corazon. The Colombian beauty was also seen in the third season of the Netflix hit series, Narcos.  Most recently, we can enjoy her talents in the modern version of Cafe con Aroma de Mujer on Telemundo. It is the story of impossible love between soulmates that long to be together but social class and jealousy get in the way of happiness.

I have been following the drama series and honestly, I’m hooked! The couple’s chemistry along with watching its devious characters create hurdles for the star-crossed lovers is intoxicating, you can’t help but root for the leads. In addition, the telenovela offers a glimpse into situations that reflect some of the problems resulting from disparities between classes. For example, immigrants struggle to advance, farmworkers’ financial illiteracy, and social discrimination. The storylines also touch on other real-life topics such as the dangers of internet dating, and the resistance to homosexuality in the Latinx culture.

AW had the wonderful opportunity to sit with Laura for a delightful chat! She brought her contagious enthusiasm while we talked about love, authenticity, and her role as Gaviota. The proud mom and husband recently announced they are expecting, again. We took a brief moment to discuss the impact of motherhood, the second time around. It was great to connect and share thoughts on the rewards and challenges encountered by women while juggling everything in their lives. My likeness for Laura skyrocketed, as she unravels the woman behind her character in Cafe con Aroma de Mujer.  She is incredibly enchanting and you’re in for a treat with this interview!

Your character in Cafe con Aroma de Mujer is a woman who is full of life, courage, passion, and pride – all honorable qualities in a woman. However, as human beings, we all have faults. In your opinion, what is your character’s greatest flaw, which she also uses as a strength to overcome some of the challenges faced throughout her journey on the series? Pride!! She is a woman who does not feel less or more important than anyone else. She is genuine in nature, of strong character, and true to herself, all great qualities. Gaviota is also incredibly proud, and this moral high ground works as a double-edged sword when she finds herself at the extreme end of this dignified position to the point of getting in her own way. During this journey, forgiveness becomes a battle for her, as stubbornness takes over which can leave some viewers to disagree with the character’s decisions.

You play a strong, yet, slightly naive woman among other more worldly female characters in the ensemble. Our culture carries some old-world views that support the oppression of women in most of today’s Latinx societies. What has been your biggest lesson or awakening, as a Latina coming from a Colombian background? The mix of qualities possessed by Gaviota is special, her character is a brave and determined woman. If there is something she does not like, she has no problem expressing it but she is also very sweet with an air of innocence that is endearing. The theme of innocence is an important one, naivety does not equate to being dumb, this is a misconception.

Personally, I have been trying to regain my own simplicity, although life experience and challenges take some of it, I’d like to reconnect with that part of me. I appreciate sincerity and don’t think anyone should lose their essence for any reason. If your nature is to trust, go with it, if someone abuses it then it is their problem, not yours. It’s is critical to stay true to ourselves.

This telenovela touches on intimate subjects that years ago were taboo on Spanish television. The series covers storylines that shed light on discrimination, sexuality, and other strong subject matter. How did you feel about being part of a series that does not shy away from difficult or controversial topics? I loved it! Although I’m not a controversial person or irreverent, I do question everything. I ask myself – Who am I? Why do I do the things, I do? Where do my actions stem from? How can I transform into a better person? How do I gain more consciousness about the world around me? Some like this way about me, while others don’t but I am naturally inquisitive. As actors, we have a voice. Many people are listening, watching, and paying attention to everything we say and do. As such, it’s essential to lend our voices to the things that matter – individuals, animals, or anything without representation. For example, I have a brand of sexual well-being. This is generally a topic that is not openly spoken about because it can be embarrassing, shameful, and tends to make us blush. No one really wants to discuss these matters but I like being able to do what I’m doing, inform!

The love between the lead characters, Gaviota and Sebastian, appears as love at first sight. Do you believe in love at first sight and have you experienced something similar? The moment that Gaviota meets Cupid’s bow and arrow, she feels the butterflies! But in the middle of being immersed in the emotion, she has a moment of clarity which is demonstrated in a beautiful dialogue she has with her on-screen mother. If love is powerful, scandalous, feverish, electrifying then yes, she is in love but from there to being in love, in love is a long road.

I believe there is a process you go through when you move from the initial impact of this emotion to stages of lasting love. I’m not sure, one can see someone and instantly “fall in love!” I haven’t experienced love in that manner, therefore, not familiar with it but for me, there are steps before the intensity sets in. Love evolves over time, it requires nurturing, understanding, and trust to develop. This is how I have experienced it, in my own life.

AW likes to end interviews with a positive, inspiring, or empowering message for readers. What message can you offer to get us excited about watching “Cafe con Aroma de Mujer?” This series offers an opportunity for all women to get inspired by the possibilities. The female characters working in these fields function as teams, they spend their days picking coffee beans and carrying heavy bags without complaint. Unafraid of the labor, the group of women supports one another any way they can, working side-by-side to ensure the job is completed daily. It is something that we can incorporate in our own lives, the idea that everyone has the capacity to be unstoppable, especially if we stand together. Women can build a squad, create a collaborative environment that encourages our progress everywhere.

Gaviota’s story, although fictional, has aspects that resonate with a fair share of us. By day, a coffee farmworker earning her keep to survive poverty in Colombia. Nightfall takes her to a local bar where she entertains audiences, as a singer, without fear of how she will be perceived by others. She is earnest, hardworking, and thrives in the simplicity of life, finding strength in who she is as a human being. A combination of tenacity and eagerness to learn sets the foundation for her to become a boss on her own terms. She is unafraid to lead and empower others in the community, encouraging them to aspire for greatness. The character does so while maintaining a stronghold on morals, refusing to compromise her truths in exchange for any measure of success.

In a world, where we are constantly bargaining for things, this character is breath of fresh air. Viewers are given the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a dreamer.  We are born into an environment without a choice but it is what we do after we’re here that makes the difference in our lives and of those around us. Cafe con Aroma de Mujer is more than an idyllic or cheesy telenovela. It is the story of a woman with conviction, who stands by her values, is guided by self-respect, honesty, and self-worth. She lives with a relentless will to live her best life, something so many of us yearns to do.

Laura Londoño is an empowered woman! The Co-Founder of Almost Virgin understands the significance of women’s wellness in our culture. Her transparent and honest disposition about the different issues we encounter shows a level of consciousness and compassion that serves as a magnet to those that come in contact with her. I appreciate the work she is doing to spread inspiration and knowledge. It is essential for each of us to contribute in our own way to promote the growth and development of our gender.

AW is filled with gratitude to Laura and the team at H+M Communications and Telemundo for being incredibly generous with time and access. Her lovely demeanor allowed for an enjoyable and genuine conversation that resulted in this beautiful interview. I invite you to visit the AW Confidential YouTube channel for the playback of our interview with some bonus moments!

Cafe con Aroma de Mujer can be seen weeknights at 10:00 pm EST on Telemundo.

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