Born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Lara is of British, Belgian and Scottish descent. Her parents are both first generation immigrants, as well as established film & TV industry professionals. She began her professional career working in advertising as a freelance copywriter, while running an online magazine dedicated to mavericks through her writing and photography, as well as directing comedic and socially inclusive content. In 2016, she moved to Toronto to pursue acting and launched Riveride Pictures in 2023.