Lareina PK Liona, known legally as Peta-Kim Rodgers, is a distinguished entrepreneur and multimedia expert. As chairwoman of Lareina Liona LLC, she has built a diverse portfolio of ventures, including an online retail store, a book club, and a photography gallery. Her entrepreneurial journey began with creating “Shut Up & Listen,” which evolved from a blog into a podcast and radio show. This endeavor showcased her versatility and earned her a United States trademark for the brand.
Ms. Liona’s academic background includes computer and information technology administration and management coursework at Colorado Technical University. She also studied communication and media at Nova Southeastern University and pursued business management and marketing coursework at Miami Dade College. Her educational foundation began at William H. Turner Technical Arts High School, where she focused on information technology and entrepreneurship. These experiences have played a crucial role in shaping her career and business acumen.
In addition to leading Lareina Liona LLC, Ms. Liona has served as vice president of Ja’Von A. Dixon Essayons Corp. She also manages Lareina Liona’s Online Shoppe and facilitates her book club, both of which she founded. Her career in multimedia is further highlighted by her role as executive producer and host of “Shut Up & Listen.” Ms. Liona has also represented brands such as Torrid, Curvyy Queenz, and Just Strong, demonstrating her ability to engage diverse audiences.
Ms. Liona originally started her company as a personal venture after deciding to retire at 23. She wanted to take control of her life rather than waiting for a midlife crisis to make a change. Initially focused on media production, videography, and photography, she started a personal blog. She learned editing and camera angles with a business partner skilled in videography. What began as a column answering questions for her associates grew into a talk show. As investors took interest, her brand developed into a full-scale entity. Inspired by Oprah Winfrey’s empire, she built her business with the goal of informing and empowering people to overcome challenges and improve their lives.
Ms. Liona’s most notable achievement is “Shut Up & Listen.” She dedicated significant time and energy to developing this multimedia platform, watching it evolve alongside her journey. She values the creative flexibility the project has given her and takes pride in trademarking its logo. Her commitment to community service is evident through her involvement with the Ja’Von A. Dixon Essayons Foundation for PTSD awareness and her role as a governing board member of Milestones Community School. These affiliations reflect her dedication to social impact and raising awareness about important issues.
Looking ahead, Ms. Liona aims to expand her business ventures while helping others succeed. She envisions sharing her journey through public speaking engagements, inspiring individuals from all walks of life to pursue their dreams despite challenges. Her story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of hard work in achieving one’s goals.