An Interview With Melissa Llarena

Ever notice how everyone picks the same predictable words for their New Year - peace, joy, freedom? What if your 2025 word of the year could be something totally unexpected that lights up everyone's face when you share it?   2025: The Year of Captivation Yep, that's MY word this year.   2025 is not just another year—it's the year of captivation for me. In the past, my time has been driven by business goals, from client acquisition to serving a growing audience predominantly of mothers. This year, however, my focus is on discovering and pursuing what truly captivates me—my word of the year.   ---   **Captivation: Inspired by Family and Stories**   Reflecting on memorable moments of captivation, I am reminded of summers spent with my grandmothers in Miami and Puerto Rico. My Cuban grandmother and her family were expert storytellers, captivating me with tales from their lives and adventures. These moments instilled in me a love for storytelling and a fascination with human expression.   ---   **Choosing a Word o