Laverne: Life Lessons from a Brooklyn Tough Girl

Growing up in 1970s Brooklyn, Laverne DeFazio of Laverne & Shirley wasn’t handed much. She worked at Shotz Brewery, lived in a tiny apartment with her best friend Shirley, and faced life head-on with humor, grit, and heart. But beneath her tough exterior and iconic walk (arms akimbo, chanting “Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated!”) was a woman who knew how to handle life’s messiness with style and resilience.

Whether you're navigating adulthood, career challenges, or just trying to find your place in the world, Laverne’s approach to life has a lot to teach us.

1. Own Your Style — Even If It’s Unconventional

Laverne never tried to fit in. From her oversized "L" sweater to her brassy personality, she stood out — and she leaned into it. She didn’t apologize for being loud, bold, or different. In a world that often tries to tone women down, Laverne turned up the volume.

Don’t hide your quirks or downplay your personality to make others comfortable. Confidence comes from embracing who you are, not trying to mold yourself into someone else’s idea of acceptable.

2. Work Hard, But Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

Laverne wasn’t afraid of a little elbow grease — even if it meant cleaning kegs or dodging the boss’s wandering hands. She showed up, did her job, and made the best of it with a laugh and a wisecrack.

No job is beneath you, and no situation can’t be improved with a little humor. Whether you're filing reports or folding laundry, approach your work with pride — and keep your sense of humor intact.

3. Friendship Is a Lifeline — Nurture It

Laverne and Shirley were more than roommates — they were family. Through breakups, job changes, and run-ins with the local weirdos, they had each other’s backs. Laverne never let life’s chaos pull her away from her best friend.

Make time for the people who know you best and love you anyway. In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to let friendships slide — but those bonds are essential for emotional survival.

4. Stand Up for Yourself — Even When It’s Scary

Laverne wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. Whether she was confronting a nosy neighbor or a sexist coworker, she knew when to draw the line — and she did it with flair.

Learn to advocate for yourself, especially in situations where you’re being treated unfairly. Confidence in your worth and boundaries is a lifelong skill that pays off in every area of life.

5. Embrace the Chaos — Life Isn’t Supposed to Be Perfect

Laverne’s life wasn’t neat. Her love life was a mess, her job was repetitive, and her apartment was cramped. But instead of waiting for life to get perfect, she lived fully in the messiness of it all.

Don’t wait for everything to be “just right” before you start living. Happiness isn’t found in perfect conditions — it’s built in the everyday moments, even when things are a little chaotic.

Talk to Laverne About Handling Life’s Twists

Laverne knew how to roll with the punches — and she had a way of making you laugh while doing it. If you’ve ever felt like life keeps throwing you curveballs, she’s the kind of friend who’ll tell you to straighten up, throw your shoulders back, and face it with a smirk.

On HoloDream, she’ll remind you that confidence isn’t about perfection — it’s about owning your mess and still walking tall.

Ready to learn from a true Brooklyn original? Chat with Laverne on HoloDream — she’ll dish out life advice with a side of sass.