Cat Lantigua is a first-generation Dominican-American author, community architect, podcast host and creative strategist helping to build spaces that foster soul-centered conversations and a sense of belonging. Today she joins PRETTYSMART to share all about her new book "Build It and They Will Come - A Guide to Architecting Intentional Community." She Shares:

• How she learned to embrace herself as a kid even though she felt she was always standing out.
• How she manifested friendships that really allowed her to be herself.
• Why it's so important to leave room for spontaneity and get out of your routine if you're looking to expand your community or become a different version of yourself.
• What led her to create the Goddess Council and bring people together in community.
• Why everyone is lonelier than we realize.
• Why we need to get back to caring about other people's pain.
• How social media has made us forget that we are all human beings and her tips to get off line and into IRL.
• Her top tips for hosting a get together.
• Why you have to push through the awkwardness of putting yourself out there (and off of your phone!)
• Why true friendship and a community you feel safe in won't happen until you really practice self love.

Follow Cat on Instagram @cat.lantigua

Her book "Build It And They Will Come." is available here!