HOW DID YOU IDENTIFY YOUR PASSION AND THE WORK THAT SATISFIED YOU VERSUS WORK THAT JUST PAID THE BILLS?
I have always been passionate about helping people. All the companies I have been a part of have allowed me to help at some level. However, I knew I wanted to be able to reach people and motivate them on my own terms and in my own way which is why I decided to start blogging. I feel I connect more with people by telling them my story because they know it is authentic and it is not a corporate rehearsed kindness.
WHO WILL ETERNALLY BE A WOMAN YOU ADMIRE AND RESPECT, AND WHY?
My mother is someone I admire and respect. I will forever be grateful to everything she has given me whether in lessons or in motivation. She is someone that has shown me all aspects of a woman. From being a loving mother, to a supportive partner. Then after my father passed away she was able to show me the power of a strong women in life and in business. She put her life on the line to give us a better life. Her kindness and the seeds of love she plants in people of hope and love is reflected in how much people admire her. We like to joke around that she has adopted so many people but it is true. So many people consider her a second mother. She leads by example by following her passions. She has been able to give me wings and the ability to dream with her compliments and with her reminder that I can do anything. She always says, ” Tu eres mi cabrona, y puedes hacer lo que tu quieras.” meaning you are my badass, you can do anything you want. Her blind belief in me is why I push myself each day to prove her right.
IN LIGHT OF YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF OUR HASHTAG #WHYITRIBE, WHY DO YOU THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO CELEBRATE WHO WE ALREADY ARE TODAY?
Celebrating who we are today is important for women because the outside world is so eager to tell us how much we are not enough. It wants to tell us what our roles should be in society. So to have a space where women can come together and celebrate who we are is a reminder that we are enough. It is like getting an online hug from other amazing women. I think #WhyITribe comes in a time when women need to stand together, champion each other, and motivate one another. It comes in a time when we need beautiful reminders that we are smart, brave, loving, badass women. Our power lies in standing together.
NAME A TIME RECENTLY WHEN YOU SAID SOMETHING GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF/HOW DID THAT MAKE YOU FEEL?
Today I told myself I did amazing because I gave my best effort. My children and I make it a habit before bed to celebrate our accomplishments whether big or small. I made this part of our routine because I use to shy away from championing myself. However, I knew I did not want to pass on self criticism and low self- esteem to my children. So by doing this each night it forces me to really think and appreciate what I have accomplished. As well as show my kids that self love comes first. It boosts their confidence and mine. I always encourage people to list three things they accomplished in the week and to celebrate their wins.
WHY DO YOU THINK WOMEN SHY AWAY FROM CELEBRATING OR PRAISING THEMSELVES SO MUCH?
I think for so long women have been the nurtures, the back of the scene workers that to see ourselves in the spotlight it seems difficult for us. Not to mention society still has a difficult time seeing a confident woman without labeling her in negative way. Which is why I think it is imperative for us to start supporting each other. To remind ourselves that the top is more fun when we are surrounded by other amazing women. We have to start giving ourselves permission to shine and love ourselves.
HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THE TENDENCY TO DISCREDIT COMPLIMENTS YOU ARE GIVEN?
I think I started to have a different perspective to compliments. I am a strong believer of sharing positivity. So I started to remind myself that if I share it why would I not be okay with receiving it. It is as if I am putting an end to the flow of positivity and good vibes. By rejecting the positive things someone wants to share with me I am also rejecting their effort to be better and positive.
HOW DOES SOCIETY REINFORCE THE IDEA THAT WE, AS WOMEN, ARE NOT ENOUGH AND HOW CAN WE TAKE THAT POWER BACK?
Society as I said before has a difficult time seeing us in a powerful, confident, resilient light. We have been portraid as either cookie cutter home makers or objects for a man’s entertainment. Whenever we have the desire to step into meaningful work we get the ” this is a man’s word” response. We can start changing this by empowering one another. Standing together without judgement. The outside world will do enough of that for us.
WHY IS THE TRIBE MOVEMENT IMPORTANT?
I think the tribe movement is very important. We all need to have a community or tribe to find love and support. We are in a time where we can create real change and it is very important for us women to rally and support each other. If we want real change we need to do our part by championing each other. Having a safe space where we can celebrate our triumphs whether big or small with other amazing women is a great start.