Gentlewoman, Alex Ramirez

When I had my daughter at the age of 23, I can honestly say, I wasn’t ready. I think even if you think you are ready, you really have no idea what is in store for you when you become a mother.  It’s a 24/7 responsibility that never goes away.  Along with all the joys that motherhood brings, I have to admit, it’s HARD.  Physically, mentally, and financially – a child takes over your world.  Even at the age of 23, it was a learning process and an adjustment.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s amazing, but it’s also very hard.  I wanted to feature my next Gentlewoman of the week for many reasons.  Alex Ramirez had her first born at the tender age of 14.  I’ll never forget the day she told me.  I was in shock.  I couldn’t believe it.  We were just babies. 

Alex had her daughter and remarkably beat so many statistics.  She graduated and she married her baby’s dad.  That doesn’t happen regularly; in fact it’s pretty shocking if it does happen.  15 years later, Alex and her husband have a beautiful family of four and have surpassed so many obstacles that most people don’t experience until they are in their late twenties or thirties. This year her oldest Brittany is 14 years old and entering high school, the same age and school year her mother became pregnant.

For me Alex is such a remarkable Gentlewoman.  She kept her priorities straight and kept her daughter first.  I can’t even imagine how hard it was to have such a large commitment and responsibility at that age, sacrificing parties, fun and friends. Some girls choose abortion, others adoption and some become absentee mothers, but not Alex.  I admire her for sticking through and being a mother, even through the difficulty. If no one has told, you are a great example that you CAN be a mother, finish school and be involved in your child’s life.   Thank you for that!

Interview with Alex Ramirez

1. For those people that don’t know you, can you tell me a little bit about yourself? Wow, where do I start?  I'm that short gal with the loud laugh. What can I say I laugh hard just like I love hard! I'm a devoted mother to my two beautiful daughters, to the end type of wife to my best friend and husband and unconditional love type of daughter to my blessing of parents. I am a devoted sister of six siblings and I love with all my heart to all my family and friends. I do what I say and I'm as blunt as they come though I have learned over the years to keep my straight-forwardness as nice as possible. I'm me and I'm not perfect. I accept it, embrace it and always try to do better.

2. You had your oldest daughter at 14. Can you tell me the biggest struggle you encountered by getting pregnant so young? Yes, I had my baby, Brittany at the age of fourteen years old. I was a baby who had a baby and it has been as hard as you can imagine for Daniel and me. My husband has always stuck by my side since day one. Carrying Brittany for nine months through freshmen year in high school wasn't easy. Obviously the physical aspect was high risk, my body being so tiny at that age; it was a daily painful struggle of not knowing whether I would be able to actually hold her in my arms alive and healthy. The psychological part was even harder for me. I know I had to step up to the plate and do my part to raise a child while being a child myself - that was the hardest.

3. You and your husband Daniel have maintained your relationship for 15 plus years. How did you manage to beat statistics that show teen couples never end up staying together? I still remember the first day I met my husband, in Junior High (sigh). I thought to myself, "What does this foo want and why does he keep bugging me?!" Lmao! What can I say he has been making me laugh since the first day I've met him. Of course we argue, annoy each other, drive each other crazy but no matter what we tough it out. Trust me we've been through some very rough patches in our marriage. We’ve experienced the highs and lows, but we always end up needing one another to be complete.

We grew up together while raising a child, now that's tough! But no matter what happens we have each other to rely on. I honestly can say that if we didn't pray together like we've always done we wouldn't be with each other right now. Yes we promised to love each other till death do us part, but most importantly we both promised to God. That promise we can't and will not break. We love and accept each other as we are.

4. What would you like to tell teenage girls about sex and having kids too young? My advice and what I tell my daughter everyday is this:  I don't sugarcoat anything to my daughter, I tell her even if it makes me a hypocrite by saying not to do what I've already done, sex before marriage is wrong and having a baby when you're not even old enough to vote is wrong. I teach her about virginity and what it means to be pure from the heart and body. Everything in our life has moments for itself and there's no need to hurry what God has planned for us.  There is no need to try to be or act grown when you should be worried about school, college and a career. I've raised my daughters to be kids as long as possible -  responsible of course, but to enjoy their childhood for as long as possible. I tell my daughter to look at my life and learn from it. It’s not easy to have responsibilities as a grown up, much less as a teenager. To the parents: be honest with your teenagers and pre-teens, give them the info they need to make their own right choices, to use common sense because if YOU don't they'll learn it from some other source.

5. After I had Mia, I only had about a handful of girlfriends who I felt could relate to me. The diapers, the unavailability of going out, the strain on finances – to me only other mothers can truly relate to how difficult but joyous the road of motherhood can be. How did you overcome being a mother in high school and being committed to your family without losing yourself and your friendships in the meantime? I had a beautiful little girl while in high school while most of my friends talked about the latest styles of clothing or shoes, etc. I worried about her 24/7 while at school and during practice and drill team games. I worried about her safety - eventually she was in the best hands possible, my mother who pretty much raised her so I can graduate. I guess I can say it was a lonely road for me. I only knew a few other teenage mothers that I could relate to but other than that, I had my wonderful mother to thank for helping me keep my sanity. School was school and I did what I had to do to earn my diploma, but once I got home I was a mother. I didn't have time to be out and about with friends. I was okay with that, it didn't bother me. My parents would occasionally tell my husband and I to go ahead and go out and have some time for ourselves every once in a while but that wasn't something we really cared too much for.

6. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? My parents have always taught my husband and me that a family who prays together stays together and that has always stuck with me because it's true.  My daughters will not even start their day without our morning prayers together. I'm grateful my parents passed that beautiful piece of advice to us because it's something that now my daughters take very seriously and I hope and pray they keep it going when they grow up as well.

7. What do you think women in our generation need to hear? I think the women in our generation need to hear and learn to accept ourselves and each other as we are. We cannot all be thin, pretty, gorgeous, models, with great skin and all the vanity that the media puts out there. Nobody is perfect.  I've made many mistakes in my life, I accept them and have apologized for them and learned to let my pride go. I've had a rough life at my early age but I don't go nor do I want to go through life as a bitter, judgmental and negative person. Life is too short, we live and we learn and we have to learn to accept each other as we are.

8. Who inspires you and why? My biggest inspiration has always been my mother. She has gone through so much turmoil in her life but her perseverance is relentless. Her unconditional love for God and her family, friends and even strangers is so big. I admire her faith and patience. Her "never give up" attitude has helped me throughout my life in every aspect. I love my mother she's one of my biggest blessings in life.

9. What are you most proud of? I'd have to say I'm most proud of my little family. We've had our share of struggles but no matter what life throws at us we stick closer to each other and we beat the odds. I'm very proud of us.

10. What are your dreams? So many dreams to talk about but to narrow it down right now one of our dreams as a couple is to become homeowners.  We are almost there. I would like to go back to school and earn my degree, be self-employed, have a business I can pass down to my daughters when they're read and to take care of my parents now at their age. I dream of watching my daughters, Brittany and Nataly, graduate from high school, college and be successful. Pardon my French but I want them to be "mujeres con huevos" that are independent and strong willed, with a heart to give back to those in need. Lastly, my dream is to grow old with my best friend, the boy I first met in Junior High, my husband Daniel Ramirez.

Gentlewoman, Vanessa Santana

One of the hardest jobs any woman can partake in is becoming a mother. It’s a job that you don’t get paid financially for, it’s a job that is overlooked from people who are not mothers and honestly it’s so hard trying to juggle being a mom and having a full time job.  I know the struggle, but like my next featured Gentlewoman, I’m up for the challenge.  Vanessa Santana is a long time friend of mine.  We went to high school together and we were in Drill Team together.  Vanessa experienced having children at a fairly young age, with no direct help from the kids father.  She managed to go to school, get an apartment and raise her kids all by herself.  Like I have mentioned before, my hat goes off to all single moms out there. There is such a greater challenge is raising kids all by yourself – it is basically a superhuman power that women contain to reach in themselves to pull out all the strength to continue moving forward for their children. 

I love happy endings and I love that Vanessa has found true love in a man who I know loves her unconditionally.  Their love at times reminds me of my husband and me, because I know Vanessa has T.J.’s back and likewise, he has hers.  Both T.J. and Vanessa came into their relationship with children and are now a blended family.  Amazingly, I think God knows why he put these two and their children together.  The kids have accepted the change and each other and their family is now one.

Vanessa and her family are attending my church, Fellowship and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me.  Church is the foundation to a healthy relationship and marriage as well as a healthy relationship with your children.  Putting God first in your family is the true key to everything.  I also would like to say that I am very proud of Vanessa and for the rolemodel she is to her kids.  As a stepmom to my 14 year old, I know that accepting another child as your own is one of life’s biggest blessings and challenges.  I admire that you love all your kids equally and always represent them as yours.  You are a wonderful mom and a ride or die for your husband and I think that makes you a suburb Gentlewoman!

Interview with Vanessa Santana

1. For those that don’t know you, can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

My name is Vanessa, but I'm used to everyone calling me Nessa. I am about to turn the big 3 0 in a few weeks; on 9/11 to be exact. I have the most amazing fiancé and kiddos. I am allergic to shellfish, and I have had surgery every year since I was 21 years old.

2. You became a mother at a fairly young age. What was the hardest part of being a young mom? The hardest part of being a young mom for me was that I was a single young mom. It was never my kids that made things hard.  It was the absence and lack of help.

3. What are you most proud of? I am so proud of my children; all individually.

4. I once heard you say that your children were your favorite people. Can you tell me about your kids? My children are my absolute favorite people in my life! I cannot go a day without hearing their voices. I have 5 children total. There's Angelina, Sarina, Makayla, Jr., and J.T. This school year my two oldest daughters will be in middle school, Makayla and Jr. will both be in the 4th grade, and J.T. is going to the second grade. Angie is more to herself. Sarina and Makayla are into playing dolls and painting their nails, and as for my boys.... well they're boys. They enjoy everything that goes boom, bam, splat! I admire each one of them. They are my everything.

5. You have recently become engaged. Congratulations again. Can you tell me how you met your fiancé, how long you have dated and a little recap of your love story? Thank you! Yes, I did recently become engaged. T.J. asked me to marry him on March 26, 2013 on our 3 year anniversary. I was getting ready to go out for dinner and all of a sudden my kids come running and shouting for me to come out into the hallway for something important, so I stepped out into the hall and my daughter Angelina covered my eyes and turned me to the front door to our home. My boys opened the door and there he was on one knee. T.J. proposed to me and had the kids help him coordinate it. I love him more than words can describe. He has made me forget how it feels to regret. He's the most motivating person I know--- I LOVE that about him! He's intelligent, handsome, caring, and honest. I truly believe that he brings out the best in me.

6. You and your fiancé have become the modern day Brady Brunch. How did you adjust from being a single mom to growing to such a big family? Before I met T.J., Angelina, Sarina, and Jr., it use to just be Makayla, J.T., and myself in a small two bedroom apartment. It wasn't long after T.J. and I started talking when I gave T.J. a key to my place. I remember the happy feeling I use to get when Friday came around because he use to come over with the kids and stay for the weekend.  I knew I wanted that forever. When we decided to move in together my kids were beyond happy! They asked T.J. if they could start calling him Daddy. Our children got along so well and we grew into a family in no time.

7. How do you feel you have changed over the last 10 years? Over the past ten years I would say that I've matured a lot.

8. What do you think women in our generation need to hear? We are "The Generation of Working Women." My hat goes off to those who are strong and independent. We do not need a man to take care of us; we need a man who cares about us.

9. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Be the change that you want to see in the world.

10. What are your dreams? My dream is to grow old and in good health with my family. I have other dreams of bettering myself professionally but that is a distant second next to T.J. & our kids.

11. Who inspires you and why? My children inspire me to be who I am x10! All five kids have stories of what they have been through in their short lives... they are my inspiration for happiness & my faith.

Gentlewoman, Michelle Morton

In celebration of back to school, I wanted to feature a fellow friend who is a teacher. Her name is Michelle and she’s a teacher in Houston.  Michelle always seems to amaze me with each accomplishment that she achieves.  I’m always in awe and honestly quite inspired by her “get it done” attitude. There are people who live life the same way their parents and grandparents did.  Michelle didn’t do that.  She stepped outside the box and jumped over obstacles of life and made a commitment to not be like everyone else.  Michelle lives life!  I think she has lived her life greater than most people twice her age.  I love her passion for life – it’s quite beautiful. 

As a woman, I’m proud to see other women like Michelle who live life and are beautiful inside and out.  She doesn’t take twenty “selfies” in a bathroom with her butt sticking out; instead, she posts pictures of her graduating, her physical accomplishments (marathons, triathlons, etc.) and pictures with her family. I think women need to remember that our outer beauty doesn’t need to be shown through millions of self portraits in raunchy positions.  Michelle – you are definitely a Gentlewoman.  You show so much strength and so much passion for life.  I am so inspired by that.  Thank you for taking on one of life’s most challenging jobs.  As a parent, and on behalf of all my readers, I would like to say Thank you.  It is people like you that truly make a difference in our world.

Interview with Michelle Morton

1. For those people that don’t know you, can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I’m 28 years old and I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I've been teaching in the Houston area in low income communities for a little over 5 years now. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Mathematics from the University of Texas at Arlington. I bake cakes from time to time, I love teaching, and I love to physically test myself. I have a 9 year old son that’s a miniature pinscher named Memorandum. That's me in a nutshell.

2. You have one of the hardest, but most underpaid jobs in the world. What made you decide you were going to be a teacher?

I have to say I didn't grow up wanting to be a teacher. I originally wanted to work in the medical field so I entered college as a pre-med major. As time went on, I realized I no longer wanted to be what I thought I should be. So, I changed my major and became undecided. As a member of my sorority, it was a requirement that we tutored and mentored students. Through this community service opportunity I grew to love teaching and realized I was really good at explaining things. I then decided to become an education major and I’ve never regretted that decision.

3. What has been the most unforgettable travel destination and why?

I would definitely have to say my trip to China this summer. The nature of the China trip overwhelmed me with emotions. I did not know what to expect or what God had in store for me. The trip turned out to be unbelievable. Being able to see the beauty of the many people, cultures, and landscape God has created; those experiences will live within me for eternity.

4. As a teacher, what do parents need to do to make their children more successful?

In order for a child to be more successful parents definitely have to be involved but not too involved. Make sure your child knows the importance of education. Discipline and respect are also keys to a child’s success. Teach your child other non-cognitive skills such as self-control, how to bounce back from setbacks, and social skills.

5. You have defeated the odds and you broke barriers of the statistic world. What motivated you to do everything that you have done and/or accomplished?

Growing up the way I did and watching my mom struggle to support us I knew I didn't want the same thing for me and my family. I didn't want to be just another statistic. I never bought into the idea that just because of circumstances that were out of my control, my future had already been predetermined. To quote Robert Frost’s, The Road Not Taken, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”

6. What do you think women in our generation need to hear?

Wow! Is it ok if I create a list? LOL. 

• You can’t love someone else until you love and accepted yourself. (No matter how cliché that sounds, it’s the truth.) 

• Take care of your mental and spiritual needs before you worry about your physical needs.

• You are perfect just the way you are. (Because God made you.)

• Never drink to feel better; only drink to feel even better. 

• Figure out what you want and learn how to ask for it.

7. Who inspires you and why?

That’s easy. Jesus. He was the only perfect person to ever walk this earth. He died because he loved. He was slow to anger and he always forgave. I know I’m not perfect but knowing the way he lived his life here on earth pushes me to grow, evolve, and become better every single day. I may never be perfect but I can always shoot for perfection.

8. What are you most proud of?

I don’t think that at this point in my life there’s anything that really sticks out to me. Sure, I have accomplishments. I’ve ran marathons. I’ve earned degrees. But, I’ve always known I was capable of doing all of those things and so much more. I’m still young and there are many other things I want to accomplish like advancing in my career and having/supporting a family of my own. I’m content knowing that I’m laying the foundation right now. I’m just happy that I can stand on my own two feet and live a life worth living.

9. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

When you’re wrong, admit it. When you’re right, be quiet. Figure out what you love to do, then figure out how to get someone to pay you to do it.

10. What are your dreams?

As a professional, I dream of advancing my career.

As a teacher, I dream of a better education system as well as students/parents realizing the importance of education.

As a single woman, I dream of my family and future family.

As a future mother, I dream of nurturing and loving my children.

As a future wife, I dream of supporting, loving, and growing with my husband.

As I student, I always dream of learning.

As Michelle, I dream of races, triathlons, and continuously evolving into a better version of me every single day.

For all the things I've done though, I have to thank my family and friends for continuously supporting my every adventure. My family is always there to celebrate every accomplishment and pick me up when I fall. I have an awesome support system that never let's me settle and always pushes me. Last but not least I have to thank God. When my feet are failing he's always there to give me strength and guide me. When I'm stressing about work he takes my worries away. I really do all things through Him.

Watch Michelle's teaching skills here.

Gentlewomen, Yadira and Celia Hernandez

As a Friday treat, I’m featuring a duo for today’s Gentlewoman interview.  I am featuring the Hernandez girls!  While these women share the same last name, they are not family, although the bond these gals have is like family.  I met Yadira and Celia way back when Toni & Guy was the place to be to get your hair cut.  I begged my mom to let me professionally color my hair and so Celia colored my hair when I was about 18 years old.  Later down the road, my sister referred me to Yadira for haircuts.  These women have been the reason behind my “Don’t Talk to Me Hair” – they always keep me in style and keep me looking fabulous.  I can always count on these women to work their magic on my hair and it never fails, I am always left feeling super good.

I think what makes these ladies so successful is their genuine spirit.  You go in, they fix your hair and they not only make you look good but they make you feel good.  From jokes, to keeping it real on issues all around, these girls make it a double dose of feel good, look good status.  I admire these ladies for empowering each other and having a businesses that has been so successful.  They are at full capacity that they hardly have any time to accept any new clients. I think what keeps them so successful is their work ethic, the relationship they have between the two and the passion to make other women feel and look good. The Hernandez girls are proud Latinas and truly Gentlewomen with fabulous hair!

Interview with Yadira and Celia

Yadira Hernandez

Celia Hernandez

            

1.    For those people that don’t know you, can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

         Yadira - I've been a hairdresser for the last 15yrs. I love my job! What I love the most is to see my clients feel good and look good. I'm a single mother of two girls (14 & 5) and with that I feel like they've made me who I am now – a strong and independent person. I'm a positive person who likes to surround myself around a positive environment. I love to set personal goals for myself, that way I will always have things to look forward to. I try to live life to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised.

Celia – I have been a hair colorist for 12 years. I love to work out and make my clients feel good.

2.   You both worked at Toni & Guy and eventually decided to get your own studio, how did you come to that decision?

Yadira - I worked at Toni & Guy for 7 yrs. I established a huge client and went through 7 yrs of extensive education. After a while I felt like they needed me more then I needed them. So I knew it was time to move on to bigger and better things.

Celia - I loved Toni & Guy. The training I received there has helped me be very successful. I am forever grateful for my time spent there. I was ready to leave the company and go out on my own. I was working long hours with no flexibility.

3.    “Don’t Talk to Me Hair” has been your saying. What does that mean to you?

Yadira - "Don't talk to me" hair means that you have been to Salons Elite ll Room #17 and have received outstanding color and cut that brings a tremendous amount of confidence within you. You feel above everyone else because your hair looks great that nobody is good enough to talk to you. LOL

Celia - Don't talk to me hair is the attitude you get when your hair looks so good that you don't want anyone to talk to you.! I’m from a small town, years ago, Yadira gave me wild, edgy haircut. Well I went to my local bank and everyone was staring at me, looking at me crazy! Well I thought my hair looked soooo good that I didn’t want anyone talking to me! So my brattiness is what made me say, my hair looks sooo good, I don’t want anyone talking to me. Ha ha!

4.    How does your friendship and business relationship work out in this day in age where women compete against each and can never get along?

Yadira - For one we are both there to help each other out. I do haircuts and Celia does all the chemical services. We both have great communication with each other. We both have the same work ethics and we were raised with the same morals and values. We keep our personal life out of our business to keep things professional.

Celia - Yadi and I have worked together and been friends for years. I have never had any issues with her. She has been there for me, without me having to ask. It’s nice to have support from a good friend that I admire. We both don’t like drama and we don't bring any into the salon. So that makes it very easy for us to get along and work well as a team

5.    Yadira, you are a mother, can you tell me how you balance work life, social life, fitness and motherhood?

Yadira - I revolve my schedule around my children. I have a set schedule that I stick with. During the week it's strictly about my children and working out one hour a day. The weekends are my time to do things with my significant other. I always find time to do things for myself that make me happy because if I'm happy so is everyone else.

6.    Celia, do you think people judge you, especially women, when it comes down to you not having children yet?

Celia – Yes, I do believe I get judged alot because I don't have children, especially from women. Some assume I’m a lesbian. LOL I am a very free spirit and I don't like anything complicated in life. If God wants me to have children then I will. But I’ve never pictured myself having kids, but never say never.

7.   I think you both are very successful women. What or who helped you on this        journey of success?

Yadira - I have a great support system. My parents and sister have always been there for my children and I, whether it was financially or child care while going to school. I have great mentors at Toni & Guy that molded me to who I am and what I know. Celia was a big help in venturing out and partnering up with me and making this happen. She also understands and works with my schedule because I have children. That helps a lot. My boyfriend Joe supports me in every decision I make for my business.

Celia - Keeping a positive attitude and having God in my life helps me a lot.

8.   What do you think women in our generation need to hear?

Yadira - Woman in our generation need to hear how much they are appreciated for everything they do. How beautiful they are inside and out. Also, they need to hear that their significant other supports them to continue to strive to do better in life no matter what it is.

          Celia - Women need to keep fighting for our rights in every way. Society needs to change and be able to handle women in charge. I think women would be great leaders, probably giving changes this country needs to improve.

9.   Who inspires you and why?

Yadira - I'm inspired by many people, but mostly by those who have started from the bottom and worked their way up, as well as those who are passionate about what they do.

Celia - I’m inspired a lot by loved ones I have lost, that I will never forget. I try to live for them, be a better person, overall. Sometimes if I’m feeling lazy, or lost, I think about them to keep moving forward.

10.   What are your dreams?

Yadira - My dream is to live a healthy life as long as possible and to see my children and their children become successful one day.

Celia - My dream is to travel to many beautiful places in the world and experience new cultures.

Gentlewoman, Tania Cuadra

Tania is one of my very best friends.  I honestly think she is the one person who is most identical to me.  We share similar life stories – especially from our 20’s.  We share a love of fashion and everything girly (shopping, shoes, make up, etc.) We love music and we love to dance.  Unfortunately, we probably spent way too much money on clothing (that no longer fits us) in our early twenties, but we had fun strutting around in our Marciano dresses. No regrets. We have a passion for reading and writing.  We have preschoolers that are only two weeks apart and they are just as good friends as we are. We share similar values and we both attend the same church.  Although we go through periods where we don’t see each other as much, we always pick back up where we left off.  We have had arguments and stopped talking, but then we find ourselves back to each other apologizing for being such a bone head.  I honestly think that helped our friendship, don’t you Tania?

Tania encountered being a single mom.  She put her social life on hold and became super mom 24/7.  I know things got tough, but you know what she never showed defeat.  She kept pressing forward and I think she infuses the qualities of a Gentlewoman for the loyal friend that she is, the dedicated mother and hardworking individual that she has always been.  Tania was knocked down over and over the last few years, but this girl got up, dusted her shoulders and skipped to the next obstacle, taunting the negativity. She is truly the model person for the saying, “that which doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger.”

Tania is also such a woman supporter.  This girl has been one of my biggest fans, always complimenting me, encouraging me and helping me.  She is a like a diamond, precious and rare.  It is not very common to find women who actually want other women to advance.  Tania is one of those women and I’m glad I have her as a friend. Tania has recently taken her life on a different path by becoming a licensed Makeup Artist and building dreams of one day having her own make up line.  You can visit her website here to see her recent work.  Also, please “like” her FB page “Makeup Artistry by Tania”.

 Interview with Tania Cuadra

1.          For those that don’t know you, can you tell me a little bit about yourself? In a nutshell, my full name is Tania Olivia Cuadra-Damian. Yeah, I know. Hehe. Born in D.F., Mexico and raised in N Oak Cliff by a single mother. I am 28, Christ follower and the youngest of five siblings. I have a degree in Paralegal Studies, work as a Credit Analyst for the mortgage industry, I'm also a Certified freelance MUA (Make-Up Artist) and mommy to a handsome 5 yr old boy, Gael-Sebastian. I have a wild interest for all things artsy. I paint canvas' - both paper and flesh. Have an addiction to makeup, a passion for travel and curiosity for exploring new foods. I am a big ball of energy and most days you will see me acting a goof. Love to laugh! I'd like to say I'm multi-faceted; however, I basically draw no barriers. Love it all, everyone and its variety

2.         We both experienced pregnancy at the same time (our little ones are only two weeks apart).  Can you tell me how motherhood changed you?    You're right, we have that in common our winter babies. Gael was born on Monday, December 3, 2007 at 7:10am. I remember the details because it's tattooed on my wrist. Haha. I recall holding little pumpkin for the first time and feeling a burst of emotions. I was always the dedicated aunt who returned the kiddos after a weekend of fun auntie time. What now? It's true that no amount of research, reading or advice could amount to what experience will teach you. I would stare at little man as he slept, most nights sleeping with one eye open as if in attack mode. I did it alone for the majority of his newborn baby stage since dad was often absent. Gael became the inspiration for all the good that would come our way. Months before his 2nd birthday his father and I went our separate ways. It was overwhelming. I became a single mom - Super mom! It was during this time that my life took a positive turn for the best. Although at that moment I felt my life come to its end. Gael did not allow it - he became the man of the house. I picked myself up and treaded forward with him as my most prized accessory. God blessed me with a beautiful baby boy.

3.         I’ve seen you through highs and lows.  One of the things I love about you is that you always bounce back up every time an obstacle comes your way.  Tell me, where did you get your strength from? This leads to your third question. My faith was tested plenty. I dared to question God, "why me?" I found myself digging deeper into the mountain of abyss. Together we struggled financially, suffered sickness and there were days we walked in winter storms to buy groceries. Gael never complained. He would look up at me and smile a big cheesy smile. It tugged at my heart strings. His independence, genuine love and compassion molded me into the mother I am. It was then that I vowed to give him the life he deserved because through his tiny hugs, butterfly kisses and "it's okay mommy" whispers, I regained my strength. I went back to school, acquired a work-at-home salary job and put Gael thorough private Pre-school. With my most recent blessing of starting my own business. My life is still changing. God is so good!

4.         You took a big risk leaving the Corporate world to become a professional makeup artist?  What made you make that decision? Ay, Vicke. I am not that lucky just yet. I am still fully employed by corporate world sitting behind my office cube. How I manage to juggle both professions and motherhood is a mystery to me. Haha. My goal is to freelance full-time in the next year or so. Baby steps while I build my clientele. As a Professional MUA about 95% of the products we use and additional training we obtain are purchased out of pocket. So working two jobs in the beginning is not a rarity. I don't mind.

5.          Looking back, how do you think you have changed – for the better? I used to love the nightlife. Spending my entire paycheck on cute dresses and shoes, partying every night and drinking irresponsibly with friends. I was dating the wrong men that hurt me and took advantage of my forgiving personality. That changed when Gael was born. Afterall, he is the motive behind my hunger for success. The daily social life became a thing of the past. I taught myself to budget and save. Couponing is my next project. Don't want to be mediocre but still maintain my humility, you know. I'm focused. It's all very lucid to me now. If you want to be a good example for your children give them something to look up to. I want my son to be proud of the woman he helped mold and in turn mold himself into a God fearing, well-mannered, successful young man. I don't doubt that is exactly who he will be and more.

6.         What do you think women in our generation need to hear? That they are beautiful, valuable, to dream big and they will change the world, appearance is not everything and that God loves them.

7.          What are your dreams? I'm a dreamer. As a little girl, I dreamed of being everything. A marine, dancer, Selena, news anchor, movie star etc. I wanted to be everything! Hehe. My ultimate endeavor is to own my own cosmetics line. I want to be my own boss and give free beauty makeovers to women at retirement homes, shelters or new moms at hospitals.

8.         Who inspires you and why? All the GW women you have featured on this blog inspire me. Latinas on the prowl. ;)

9.         What are you most proud of? I'm proud of my brothers and sisters. We did not have an ideal childhood. Dysfunctional to say the least. Our parents divorced when I was a toddler. Raised by a single mom working three jobs came with many life lessons. Together we overcame countless hurdles. Considering the absence of our parents we all managed to graduate from high school and some even college. We could have chosen the dark road. Instead, we challenged the adversity and pulled forward. We have careers, homes and beautiful families. We work hard everyday to give our children the childhood we were robbed of. I love them so much.

10.      You love to work and I share that passion with you.  How do you balance work life, love life, mommyhood and friendships? Wine. A big bottle of red wine. Hehe. I don't have a ritual, certain method or routine that I adhere to. I just do. Simple. Anything is achievable if it is important to you. I'm methodical in nature so it comes easy to me to balance it all. Can we say OCD? Yeah, that's what it is. I'm OCD.  

Our Babies (Mia and Gael)