The Many Faces of Lala Kent: Finding Strength in Identity
Lala Kent, star of Vanderpump Rules, is no stranger to reinvention. In a recent interview on Heal Squad with Maria Menounos, Lala opened up about the duality of her identity—how she had to become “Lala” for the public while remaining “Lauren” at home. This transformation, she explained, was not about creating a character but about putting on “body armor” to navigate the intensity of reality television.
“I live for this lifestyle,” she admitted. “It feeds my soul. I have a great time being in front of a camera… but with good comes a lot of bad. Lala is the body armor that is okay with the bad coming in with the good.”
The Power of Intentions and Reflections
One of the most inspiring takeaways from Lala’s conversation was her approach to self-awareness and emotional well-being. She shared a simple yet profound daily practice: starting the morning with intentions and ending the day with reflections.
“It can be as simple as saying, ‘I want to be grateful all day today,’” she explained. “At night, I reflect on that—did I accomplish it? Did I stay in gratitude?”
This exercise, she revealed, has helped her cultivate prosperity and stay centered, especially as she navigates motherhood and career pressures. Doing this practice with her former partner, Randall Emmett, also strengthened their bond, ensuring they remained aligned despite their hectic schedules.
Surviving Reality TV: The Lala vs. Lauren Dynamic
Reality television can be a pressure cooker, and Lala acknowledged that she needed a way to cope with the scrutiny, drama, and unexpected conflicts that arise on Vanderpump Rules.
“If I don’t have [Lala] on, I’m gonna run away and cry and go live in Utah with a nine-to-five job,” she admitted. “Which is a great life, but I was made for this.”
Her ability to separate “Lala” from “Lauren” has allowed her to thrive in an industry that can be both exhilarating and brutal. She likened the experience to putting on armor before stepping into battle.
Facing Hard Truths: Motherhood, Sobriety, and Self-Forgiveness
Lala also touched on deeply personal experiences that have shaped her, including her struggles with alcoholism, the passing of her father, and the complex emotions surrounding a past abortion. She bravely addressed the burden of guilt and shame, emphasizing the importance of releasing those emotions to live fully.
“We carry this guilt and shame, and it literally eats us alive,” she said. “It’s scientifically proven that guilt chips away at your brain.”
Writing her book, Give Them Lala, was a cathartic experience, allowing her to confront and ultimately release some of the emotional weight she had been carrying.
A New Chapter: Embracing Motherhood
Now a mother, Lala is navigating a new phase of life, one filled with love, responsibility, and self-discovery. She shared the emotional challenge of returning to work after the birth of her daughter, Ocean, admitting that she sobbed the night before her first day back on set.
“I’ve been with her all day, every day since she was born,” she said. “But I want her to see me at work. My mom worked full-time, and that’s what I saw growing up. It’s important.”
The Industry and Its Challenges
Lala also opened up about the darker side of Hollywood, recalling a chilling encounter with a predatory agent at just 14 years old. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for young women entering the industry, emphasizing the importance of trusting intuition and recognizing red flags.
“I had a pit in my stomach the whole time,” she said. “Your intuition is the only thing that won’t lie to you.”
Despite the challenges, she remains passionate about her career and optimistic about the future. “You can’t sleep your way to the top,” she stated. “You have to work for it.”
Finding Strength in Vulnerability
Through all of her transformations and trials, Lala has learned that resilience and vulnerability are not mutually exclusive. By embracing both, she continues to grow, evolve, and inspire others with her honesty.
“I reserve the right to evolve as a person,” she said. “We can discuss what I did two years ago, five years ago, five minutes ago, but I refuse to allow people to judge me as if I’m still that person today.”
Her journey is a testament to the power of self-acceptance, and as she continues to navigate fame, motherhood, and personal growth, one thing is certain—Lala Kent is always evolving.
For more insights from Lala Kent, watch her full interview on Heal Squad with Maria Menounos on YouTube and Apple Podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe for more empowering conversations!