Meet Betsy Rosenfeld Vargas

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Betsy Rosenfeld Vargas again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Betsy , always such a pleasure connecting with you and thank you for sharing your stories, insights and inspiring messages with our community. We’re looking forward to getting the download and what you have been up to since our last interview, but first can you briefly introduce yourself to folks who might have missed the prior conversation.
My name is Betsy Rosenfeld Vargas, and I wear a lot of hats—mom, wife, daughter, communications coach, dog rescuer, podcaster, and writer—but at the heart of it all, I’m a connector.

I help businesses and individuals express themselves with clarity and confidence so they can reach their goals. But my work isn’t limited to coaching—I also host a podcast about dogs (Dear Dog), write a blog about Lima, Peru, (OhlaLima.com) and consult on communications strategy for companies and individuals.

My life is a bit of a juggling act (there’s probably some ADD at play!), but I thrive on variety. Whether it’s helping someone find the right words, rescuing dogs, or sharing stories that inspire, everything I do comes back to being of service and fostering meaningful connections—between people, ideas, and even our four-legged best friends.

I got to where I am by building relationships, staying curious, and saying yes to unexpected opportunities—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Awesome, so we reached out because we wanted to hear all about what you have been up to since we last connected.

It feels like a lifetime ago since we last connected! A lot has happened, but at my core, my work remains the same: helping people express themselves powerfully and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

Whether through coaching, communications consulting, dog rescue, my podcast *Dear Dog, It’s Us, Ali & Betsy*, or my latest venture, *OhLaLima*—an insider’s guide to exploring and loving Lima, Peru—I thrive on using my skills to support and connect with others.

My background in communications and television has always shaped my approach, particularly in coaching. I focus on empowering people to articulate their needs, goals, and aspirations—because knowing what you want is one thing, but being able to communicate it effectively is what truly opens doors.

During the pandemic, I took this mission a step further with *LOOP*, a groundbreaking platform offering live classes and events for seniors—helping them stay engaged and connected from the safety of home. What started as a weekly coaching session soon evolved into an expanded role, supporting the founders with national presentations, investor outreach, and strategic growth.

The startup space was exhilarating—there’s no rulebook, so you have to trust yourself, take risks, and stretch beyond your comfort zone. It was an incredible opportunity to apply my expertise in a new way, and because it was for seniors, it aligned with my deep belief in connection, purpose, and lifelong learning.

More recently, my own life took a turn when my senior parents needed more support. Balancing raising my son, coaching clients, and caregiving meant I had to make the difficult decision to step back from *LOOP*. Thankfully, I still get to cheer them on and step in when needed as they continue their incredible journey.

At the heart of everything I do—whether coaching clients, advocating for rescue dogs, or sharing the magic of Lima through *OhLaLima*—is a deep sense of empathy, storytelling, and connection. I’m excited for what’s ahead, and I can’t wait to share more of Lima’s vibrant stories with the world.

We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?

Favorite Movie: Valley Girl

Favorite Book: The Midnight Library

Favorite TV Show: Bosch or Lincoln Lawyer- Love Seeing LA on Film

Favorite Band or Artist: Don’t have one-

Sweet or Savory: Both

Mountains or Beach: Both

Favorite Sport (to watch): Show Jumping

Favorite Sport (to play): Show Jumping

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Show Jumping

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Veterinarian or Weather Girl- That was in fact my nickname Wonderful Weather Girl

French Fries or Onion Rings: Fries

Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Bobby

Favorite Cartoon growing up: Josie & The PussyCats

Favorite Childhood movie: ET

Favorite Breakfast Food: John O’Groats Biscuits

What do you want people to remember about you and your brand? What are some of things that you feel are most important, unique, special, etc?
At the heart of everything I do—whether coaching, rescuing dogs, podcasting, or writing—is connection. I help people express themselves, navigate challenges, and ultimately find joy in unexpected places.

I’ve always thrived on variety, and my life has been a continuous thread of saying yes to things that inspire me, even when the “right” path isn’t obvious. That’s exactly how OhLaLima was born. What started as a way to share my love for Lima has become something much bigger—an insider’s guide for those who want to experience the city’s incredible food, shopping, and culture beyond the usual tourist stops.

Trusting my instincts has been a theme throughout my life. Back in 2015/16, when exactly no one was saying, “Yes, buy a house in Peru,” that’s exactly what my husband and I did. We wanted to give our son a unique cultural experience, deepen our connection to my husband’s Peruvian roots, and create a home that felt truly ours. Our house in the tiny coastal town of Acapulco, Peru, started as little more than a frame, but over the years, we’ve built it—literally and figuratively—with love and hard work.

Through our time in Peru, Lima went from being a place everyone told me to avoid to a city that completely stole my heart. The world-class restaurants, boutique hotels, amazing self-care experiences (hello, massages and hair treatments that don’t cost a fortune!)—it all became part of our family’s happy place. And at a time when so much of my life is focused on caregiving, OhLaLima is both an escape and an inspiration. Writing about a place I love keeps me connected to its energy, no matter where I am.

Every trip to Lima is a treasure hunt. I make it a point to discover new places—not just for myself, but for my readers. Helping people find joy, whether through travel, coaching, or even a dog rescue story, has always been my purpose. OhLaLima is an extension of that—giving people an inside look at a city that deserves to be explored and adored.

And just as I found my voice writing for TV—realizing I write the way people actually speak—I’ve now embraced AI as a tool to enhance what I do. No one is saying, “Yes, use AI to build something new.” But I am. I recently became certified in AI content creation, and I love using it (without relying on it entirely) to bring OhLaLima to life in bigger, better ways. It’s another example of trusting my instincts, carving my own path, and creating something meaningful.

At the end of the day, what I want people to remember about me—and OhLaLima—is that I go all in on what I love. I take risks, build connections, and bring people along for the journey. Whether it’s a coaching client finding their voice, a rescue dog finding a home or a traveler finding their new favorite city, my goal is always the same: to help people experience joy in ways they never expected.

Website: https://ohlalima.com

Instagram: @ohlalima

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsy-rosenfeld-vargas-4a39952/