Kia’s Vision for the Road Ahead

Jan 6, 2026 | Autos • Motion • Mobility

Kia’s Vision for the Road Ahead

Exclusive photos and article by Richard Sandoval | Hispanic Lifestyle

Eric Watson, Vice President of Sales Operations at Kia America, Inc., shares insights on design, innovation, and the 2027 Telluride.

At the Los Angeles Automobility Show, Kia signaled a confident next chapter one shaped by bold design, evolving technology, and a clear understanding of today’s consumer. In a conversation with HL, Eric Watson, Vice President of Sales Operations at Kia America, Inc., shared how the brand continues to build momentum while staying grounded in value, accessibility, and long-term ownership confidence.

Against the backdrop of one of the auto industry’s most influential stages, Watson outlined how Kia’s flagship vehicles, expanding hybrid strategy, and reimagined customer experience are positioning the brand for a strong 2026 and beyond.

A Decade of Growth

Over the last decade, Kia has steadily transformed its identity in the U.S. market. Once known primarily for affordability, the brand has earned recognition for design leadership, product quality, and a lineup that spans sedans, SUVs, electric vehicles, and increasingly, hybrids.

According to Watson, this evolution has been intentional and customer driven. Kia’s current momentum reflects years of consistent investment in product development, retail experience, and listening to how drivers’ needs are changing particularly as families, first-time buyers, and multi-generational households seek versatility without sacrificing style.

Design has become one of Kia’s strongest differentiators. Watson emphasized that today’s Kia vehicles are engineered to look and feel premium while remaining attainable.

“We’re very thoughtful about how we package our vehicles,” Watson noted. “We bring a lot of safety features and technology to market, but we’re careful not to overdo it in ways that make vehicles unaffordable.”

Innovation, for Kia, is less about novelty and more about relevance technology that improves everyday driving, safety that builds confidence, and design that resonates across lifestyles.

THE 2027 KIA TELLURIDE

One of the most anticipated moments for Kia at this year’s show was the introduction of the all-new 2027 Kia Telluride. As the flagship of the brand, the Telluride has played a pivotal role in reshaping public perception of Kia. Since its debut, Kia has sold nearly 600,000 Telluride models an achievement Watson credits to the vehicle’s balance of capability, design, and family-friendly practicality. The next-generation Telluride builds on that foundation, arriving larger, bolder, and more refined than its predecessor.

“The Telluride has really changed the image of our company,” Watson shared. “This new generation is going to elevate our game even further.”

As vehicle research and purchasing habits continue to shift online, Kia has adapted its approach to meet customers where they are. Today’s buyers often complete the majority of their research digitally before stepping into a dealership.

To support this behavior, Kia introduced Kia EasyBuy, a platform that allows customers to complete part or all of the purchasing process online, with the flexibility to finalize their transaction at a dealership.

At the same time, Kia is reimagining its physical retail spaces. The brand is rebuilding and rebranding dealerships nationwide, elevating both exterior design and interior customer areas to create more comfortable, premium environments for sales and service.

While design and innovation have become hallmarks of the brand, value remains central to Kia’s identity. Watson highlighted the importance of long-term ownership confidence, reinforced by Kia’s industry-leading 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

“That warranty gives customers real peace of mind,” he said. “It’s about confidence not just on the day of purchase, but for years afterward.”

Kia’s approach to affordable luxury centers on delivering meaningful features, strong reliability, and competitive pricing ensuring accessibility without compromise.

Quality, Confidence, and Value

Looking toward 2026, Watson pointed to hybrid vehicles as a major focus for Kia’s future lineup. As consumer demand for efficiency and flexibility grows, hybrids offer a practical bridge between traditional combustion engines and full electrification.

With a diversified product portfolio, continued investment in customer experience, and a strong pipeline of new vehicles, Kia enters the coming years with confidence and clarity.

“I think the future of the Kia brand is bright,” Watson said. “We’ve got a lot of momentum, and we’re looking forward to a great 2026.”

Kia’s presence at LA Mobility reflects more than a single product launch it represents a brand in motion. Through thoughtful design, accessible innovation, and a commitment to meeting real-world needs, Kia continues to shape how mobility fits into modern lifestyles.

As part of HL Autos • Motion • Mobility series, this conversation underscores how vehicles are more than transportation they are extensions of culture, family, and the way communities move forward together.

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS

by Richard Sandoval

Stephanie Beatriz | Culture, Community, Representation

Dec 23, 2025 | Entertainment

Stephanie Beatriz | Culture, Community, Representation

A Creative Conversation on the Red Carpet.

Context and perspective from actress Stephanie Beatriz.

Photos by Richard Sandoval | Production by ReWork Media Group

Once again, Stephanie Beatriz made time for the media by greeting everyone with the same warmth, generosity, and thoughtfulness that have defined her career. A familiar and welcome presence at the event, Beatriz reflected on the importance of celebrating Latino talent, supporting one another, and continuing to show up in an industry that is still evolving.

For Beatriz, attending the 40th Imagen Foundation Awards are more than a ceremony they are a reunion and a reaffirmation of community.

“There are so many Latinos in Hollywood, and this particular night is really special to a lot of us,” she shared. “We’re all gathering to celebrate each other celebrate the work, and celebrate the work that’s coming.”

She spoke candidly about how rare it can be for actors to pause and acknowledge one another amid demanding schedules. Nights like Imagen, she explained, create space for reflection and encouragement.

“We’re all so busy thankfully that when we do get to see each other, we get to celebrate what’s coming next. That’s one of the most exciting things about being here.”

A Career Built on Range and Repetition

Audiences know Beatriz for her standout performances across television, film, and theater from the iconic role of Rosa Diaz on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, to her work on Modern Family, to her acclaimed turn in In the Heights, and more recently in the Netflix series A Man on the Inside. Beatriz credits her foundation in theater for shaping her approach to acting.

“I’ve been very lucky that my career in film and television has reflected my career in theater,” she explained. “I was part of a repertory company doing two or three roles every season.”

She recalled her formative years at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where versatility and discipline were essential.

“We did all kinds of stuff. And my favorite thing is really just trying to disappear into the role to make it about the character and not about me.”

That philosophy prioritizing craft over celebrity has allowed Beatriz to move seamlessly between comedy, drama, voice work, and stage performance, consistently surprising audiences while remaining grounded in her artistry.

Representation, Resistance, and Resilience

The conversation also turned serious as Beatriz addressed the broader cultural and political climate impacting Latino communities. Speaking with honesty and conviction, she emphasized why events like the Imagen Foundation Awards matter now more than ever.

“We’re in a climate right now globally that is, for lack of a better word, shitting on the Latino community,” she said. “That’s why nights like this are important.”

For Beatriz, the power of the evening lies in visibility and unity.

“We’re all here together, and we’re not going anywhere. We’re part of the fabric of the United States. We’re part of the fabric of entertainment and we always have been.”

She pointed out that Latino artists have been contributing to American entertainment since its earliest days.

“From the very first sitcoms we’ve been here forever and we’re not going anywhere.”

Beyond the Screen: Conversation and Connection

In addition to her on-screen work, Beatriz continues to create space for honest dialogue off-camera. Alongside fellow actress and longtime friend Melissa Fumero, she co-hosts the podcast More Better with Stephanie & Melissa, where the two explore friendship, careers, culture, and personal growth with humor and heart.

The project reflects much of what Beatriz spoke about on the red carpet connection, authenticity, and the importance of shared experiences.

A Lasting Presence

As the night continued and the red carpet buzzed with celebration, Stephanie Beatriz remained what she has always been at Imagen: present, thoughtful, and deeply connected to her community. Her words served as both a reminder and a rallying cry Latino voices matter, Latino stories endure, and collective celebration is itself an act of resilience.

For audiences and fellow creatives alike, Beatriz’s message was clear: keep showing up, keep doing the work, and keep celebrating one another.

Flour, Faith, and Sugar: Sweet Tooth 909 Bakery

Dec 17, 2025 | Business

Flour, Faith, and Sugar: Sweet Tooth 909 Bakery

Exclusive photos and article by Richard Sandoval | Hispanic Lifestyle

Sometimes the best stories begin with a scroll

After watching an Instagram post by Michelle Valles of NBC4 Los Angeles, curiosity and a serious sweet tooth led us east to Rialto, California, in the heart of the Inland Empire. What we discovered was more than a bakery. We found a family-owned business built on flour, faith, and sugar and a story that reflects the spirit of small business growth in the region.

Located on South Riverside Avenue, Sweet Tooth 909 Bakery has quickly become one of Rialto’s most talked-about local spots. Known for selling out early and drawing customers from across the Inland Empire, the bakery is the realization of a dream that began at home.

From Home Kitchen to Community Favorite

Founded in 2012 by Maribel Diaz, Sweet Tooth 909 started as a home-based baking operation. Word spread fast. What began with friends, neighbors, and social media posts soon turned into growing demand—and eventually the leap into a brick-and-mortar location.

Today, Maribel runs the bakery alongside her sister, Araceli Rodriguez, keeping the business rooted in family, culture, and community. Sweet Tooth 909 is often described as a Mexican family-owned bakery, a point of pride reflected in both its flavors and the way customers are welcomed through the door.

We arrived unannounced, cameras in hand, during the holiday season. Despite the busy pace, Maribel and Araceli took time to greet us, share their journey, and walk us through the space an interaction that says a lot about why customers keep coming back.

Faith in the Foundation

One of the most striking moments of our visit came during a conversation about the bakery’s construction. Maribel shared that while building out the space, she inscribed Bible quotations directly onto the wall studs placing her faith into the foundation long before the first pastry was sold.

Those words may be hidden behind drywall, but they remain central to the bakery’s purpose. It’s a reminder that for many small business owners, faith and perseverance are inseparable from entrepreneurship.

A Box Full of Favorites

Of course, no visit to Sweet Tooth 909 would be complete without tasting the offerings that have earned it a loyal following. We walked away with a box of treats that perfectly captured the bakery’s appeal:

Almond Croissant — flaky, buttery, and delicately sweet
Chocolate Chip Cookie — classic, comforting, and generously loaded
Strawberry Pastry — bright, balanced, and beautifully crafted
Cinnamon Roll — rich, warm, and perfect for the holiday season

Each item reflected care, consistency, and pride in craft qualities that define successful neighborhood bakeries.

A Growing Presence in the Inland Empire

Sweet Tooth 909’s popularity has been fueled not only by quality baking but also by strong community support and social media visibility. A viral moment in recent years helped expand its reach, drawing visitors from neighboring cities and reinforcing Rialto’s growing reputation as a destination for locally owned businesses.

Open limited days and often selling out by early afternoon, the bakery has become a reminder of what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

As the holiday season comes to a close, we extend our best wishes to Maribel Diaz, Araceli Rodriguez, and the entire Sweet Tooth 909 team for a prosperous and sweet 2026.

Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story

Dec 15, 2025 | Entertainment

Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story

Actress Jearnest Corchado on Honoring a Living Legend in Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story

Photos by Richard Sandoval | Production by ReWork Media Group

At the 2025 Imagen Foundation Awards, held at the iconic Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Hispanic Lifestyle spoke with actress Jearnest Corchado and legendary singer Lisa Lisa (Lisa Vélez) on the red carpet about the emotional and creative journey behind the biopic Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story.

The film tells the powerful story of Lisa Lisa, the trailblazing Puerto Rican singer who rose to fame in the 1980s as the front woman of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, becoming one of the first Latina artists to achieve mainstream success in pop, freestyle, and R&B music.

For Corchado, stepping into the role of a living legend came with both gratitude and pressure.

“It was crazy because I was lucky to do a biopic of someone who’s a living legend,” Corchado shared. “It was really hard, but I’m very grateful that I got to have her after every scene… just having her there telling me, ‘You did a good job.’”

Portraying a real person especially one whose music defined an era was a demanding experience. Corchado acknowledged the emotional weight of wanting to honor Lisa Lisa’s legacy with authenticity and respect.

“It’s so hard because you want to do the best job you can. You want to make them happy,” she said. “So I’m glad that you’re happy.”

Lisa Lisa herself admitted she was initially hesitant to share her life story on screen.

“I really wasn’t ready for it,” she said. “About eight years ago, I got a call asking if they could put my movie out, and I said, ‘Does anybody want to know about my life?’ But they convinced me and here it is.”

For Lisa Lisa, choosing Corchado to portray her proved to be a meaningful decision one that resonated deeply with audiences and with the artist herself.

Corchado reflected on how telling Lisa Lisa’s story changed her personally.

“Lisa is an inspiration to so many women, and especially me now,” she said. “I feel like I came to the film set as one person, and I left as a completely different person.”

The role also gave Corchado a chance to connect across generations especially with her mother, an avid fan who grew up during Lisa Lisa’s rise in the 1980s.

“My mom is her number one fan,” Corchado shared with a smile. “To be able to play her in the film and experience even a glimpse of what it was like to be in the ’80s was a dream come true.”

Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story is now streaming on Prime Video, bringing Lisa Lisa’s groundbreaking journey to a new generation of viewers.

“It’s streaming now,” Lisa Lisa said. “Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story is on Prime—so watch us.”

Bio Information

Jearnest Corchado is an award-winning Puerto Rican actress known for her dynamic performances in television and film. She gained widespread recognition for her roles in Little America, Sneaky Pete, and The Blacklist. Corchado is celebrated for bringing depth, authenticity, and emotional range to stories that spotlight culture, identity, and resilience.

Lisa Lisa (Lisa Vélez) is a pioneering Puerto Rican singer and cultural icon who rose to fame in the 1980s as the lead singer of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam. With chart-topping hits such as “Can You Feel the Beat,” “All Cried Out,” and “I Wonder If I Take You Home,” she became one of the first Latina artists to achieve crossover success in mainstream pop music. Her influence continues to shape music and culture today.

About the Film
Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story is a biographical film chronicling the life, career, and cultural impact of Lisa Lisa from her early beginnings to her rise as a groundbreaking Latina voice in the music industry. The film highlights themes of perseverance, identity, and the power of representation.

Hispanic Lifestyle Relaunches as HL: A Reimagined Platform Celebrating Culture & Influence

Dec 3, 2025 | Community

Hispanic Lifestyle Relaunches as HL: A Reimagined Platform Celebrating Culture & Influence

The climate of our country and the media industry has changed drastically over the last 11 months. To stay relevant, to remain useful, and to continue honoring our community, it became necessary to rebrand, reimagine, and completely rework how we show up and serve.
Through my travels, conversations with colleagues, advertisers, creators, and community leaders and by watching the trends shaping our world I came to one undeniable conclusion: the Latino community continues to be underserved, undervalued, and underrepresented across far too many sectors.

Hispanic Lifestyle now known as “HL | Culture & Influence”

Our community has earned the right to be respected, acknowledged, and celebrated. And while we do not speak with a single voice, we represent a powerful spectrum of perspectives, cultures, and lived experiences. We must do a better job of telling our stories, highlighting our achievements, and being consistent, diligent, and unapologetic about showcasing our excellence.

After 30 years of producing content and events, I remain driven to do better—to go deeper, expand our reach, and collaborate with partners who share our commitment to elevating the voices that deserve to be heard.

At HL, our purpose is simple:
to capture the culture and influence of the community and ensure our stories are seen, valued, and remembered.

With our relaunch, Hispanic Lifestyle now known as HL | Culture & Influence enters a bold new chapter in our evolution as a media company. In our corner of the internet, our editorial focus remains clear: to raise, amplify, and honor the voices and stories shaping our community’s future.

In the months ahead, you will see expanded editorial categories, new online series, renewed storytelling, and fresh opportunities for engagement and collaboration. I invite you to explore the new HispanicLifestyle.com and join us as we build the next chapter of community-centered media.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Buckle up friends, there is so much more we are ready to share with you.

Richard Sandoval,
President & Executive Producer, HL

Please support our efforts by joining HL Partner Network