We’re looking forward to introducing you to Karen Elizabeth Torres. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Karen Elizabeth, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
What a great question. I think a struggle for many is sharing struggles. I believe that some feel that sharing hard times, frustrations, or moments of defeat is a sign of failure. I think sharing struggles are admirable and brave. An easy example is being a parent. As a mom, I am one of the first people to say how annoying my wonderful children are. Raising children is not all cupcakes and rainbows. Raising humans to be their best selves is tough. So yes, sometimes you’re not going to like your kids, but it doesn’t mean your child isn’t sweet, smart, and awesome. I believe sharing struggles opens up possibilities internally. Hearing how you feel can bring a new prospective. Another great one about sharing is if you are around the right person, you might get some pretty good advice or someone that can make you feel understood.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Karen Elizabeth Torres. I am a fifth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and the proud owner of Better Families Through Tae Kwon Do. I have many interests. I love dancing, music, food, staring at the moon, and the list continues. I have had many wonderful experiences as a stunt double, semiprofessional dancer, and traveling the parts of the country to teach martial arts.
One of my greatest accomplishments is my wild family. I have two daughters that love to push my buttons. My eldest is currently in the Fire Academy and my youngest is a Figure Skater. My husband is the owner of Miami Freerunning & Parkour Academy and partners with our sister gym Mission Parkour in Oakland Park. I probably should count him in as the third child. You cannot take him anywhere without climbing or jumping on or over something.
Tae Kwon Do has been a huge part of my life. I literally learned how to walk in a dojo. My Mom founded Better Families back in 1988, I was born in 1987, as a single mother of two toddlers. Her vision was for families to train together and to build a stronger and happy community. “Families that train together, stay together.”. A few years later she met my father, gave me a baby brother, and took the studio to a new level.
I became an instructor at 13 years old and began managing the studio at a young age. I got to fire my younger brother which was pretty awesome. He was back at work the next week. Early on in my life I knew I wanted to be a part of the Better Families mission. Growing up in an environment where everyone was welcomed and your abilities were embraced was a major gift and a huge part of who I am today. People walk in our door as guest and leave family. What we do is beyond special. Through martial arts we get to become a part of student’s journey in and out of the studio. My favorite experiences are when families come to us needing help for reasons other than kicking and punching. Watching students learn to channel their emotions and grow into their special abilities is indescribable and very precious to me. Best part being, we got to do it through martial arts.
With the absurd amount of support from my husband, my dream became my reality. As of February 2024, I purchased the business from my parents who then became my landlords. I am proud of the legacy we continue to grow through our “girl strong” energy, ASD embraced classes, and many more awesome programs we can fit in 24 hours. My team is the only reason all of these precious programs are possible. I am eternally grateful for their time, energy, and most importantly putting up with my crazy self.
In the end. I’m just a girl who loves her monkey family and gently kicking people for a living.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
A deep and powerful share. Before I share, I am aware that this is a serious and sensitive subject and understand if this portion of the interview is removed. Somehow life challenged me with series of events that no one should ever have to go through. As a very young girl I found myself at the wrong place and with the wrong caretakers. Sadly this became my normal starting from the age of 3. When I was thirteen I opened up to my friend about these “normal” events and he empowered me to speak up. My earliest memory of feeling powerful was the day I spoke up and was removed from those who had been hurting me. I felt powerful and it came at a cost that I do not regret. What happened to me for so many years by several different people did not break me. If anything, it was making me unknowingly stronger AND most importantly, I was going to be able to help others who felt like a victim and alone. Helping people through my stories, speaking up is a scary but very powerful feeling.
If I need to answer another question I understand.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one thing to that little bubbly, blonde haired, and green eyed girl, I would say, “It’s going to be okay.”.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
Unicorns.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
“Do what you love so you don’t have to work a day in your life.”
People are my passion. My mission is to do my best to make those in my presence know how special and capable they are. It’s not always easy and can be emotionally draining, but I get to go home and recharge myself for the next day. My family makes me crazy but they are my safe charging station.
Yep, I tap dance into work even on the hard days I’m wearing my tap shoes.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.betterfamilies.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterfamiliestaekwondo?igsh=dzVjdDhjcXNwYmFl&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19dWpadGeY/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@betterfamiliestkd?si=N_0njXmOO4qVzK4t
