Life & Work with Kristin Lopez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Lopez.

Hi Kristin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
What is Love Like Lenny? Well, it started as a stirring in my head and in my heart to make a difference. I hesitated to share this, not knowing what would come of it. But then my passion started to rise, the ongoing rush of heartache and sadness we see on the news began to weigh on me more heavily and I feel the call now more than ever to do my part in making this world a better place. All of the typical clichés started piling up and from all directions. Stop Dreaming, Start Planning-If not today then when?-Life’s too short-Lead by example- what have you got to lose?- and here’s a favorite—90% of succeeding is showing up. All that to be said, here is the real magic…

My Pop Pop, Lenny Ettinger, was the most generous human I have ever known. He is my inspiration. He made sure the people around him knew kindness, laughter, love and generosity even far after his soul left this earth. He made every person he came across, directly and indirectly feel respected and cared for. I want to do my part in my small little piece of this world to keep that going and make a difference. To lead by his example. I firmly believe that the generosity of kind words and actions is what people need more of. I feel it deep down that if we all reach just a little further, love harder, try better and help others that the precious lives that we share in our short time in this world would make us smile more.

It looks like this in my eyes… Encouraging others and setting an example of being intentional with your generosity towards everyone even perfect strangers. Kindness to those who need help and to those who don’t. Love the people we see every day, or only sometimes and honor the ones we will never see again on this side of heaven. It’s such a simple idea to help make your community better by breathing positivity in to it-even on the hard days. Life gets bigger than us sometimes but I say let’s make it better by making love a priority.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am creative, hard-working and ready to do what it takes to make others feel appreciated and lifted up. I am a positive and confident person for sure but has doubt creeped in? Absolutely. I think that has been my biggest obstacle. Here is a peek into my brain from one of my very first posts, “Oh my gosh, it’s happening isn’t it?! If you are reading this, I have put my heart out there for everyone to judge-I mean see. It’s scary but I feel like this could be the start of something powerful and I am excited and expectant to see how it grows.” Overall, the community has welcomed Love Like Lenny with open arms and just when I think I’m crazy or an idea won’t take off I somehow get confirmation that people are always accepting of love.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
You know that feeling of being noticed when you least expect it while at the same time knowing you are unconditionally loved?-not having worked to have either-yep, that’s how Lenny made everyone feel and that’s exactly what I’m trying to achieve here. No sales, no signing up, no ulterior motive, no pressure, no politics. Just Love. Love wins every time.

Love Like Lenny works hard at random acts of kindness, delivering meals to families in need, supporting small businesses, funding an after school club called Hands to Hearts, which focuses on community service and giving people an opportunity to take a heArt or leave a piece of heArt work in our heArt Gallery.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Love More. Covid-19 has given us all an amazing opportunity to be more intentional, to be helpful and to be more understanding. It’s true, you never know what others are going through so why not be a shining light in their life. Love Like Lenny exists to show how easy it is to love one another and be generous with what you have.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @lovelikelenny
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovelikelenny