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)

Gentlewoman, Angela Henriquez

A sister is a friend forever.  I was lucky enough to experience the past 29 years of my life with my sister by my side.  My sister and I have seen each other cry, seen each other happy, witnessed all of our life’s moments – there’s no question she has been one of the most important women in my life.  A few years ago my sister was in a very toxic relationship.  After several talks with her, there was no budging.  It would frustrate me and make me sad, but at the end of the day, she was going to make whatever decision she wanted.  I didn’t stop talking to her.  I didn’t ban her from my life.  I was just there for her even though I didn’t agree with her decision.
 

We lived together for a period of time where I saw her live the daily struggles of being a single mom.  I didn’t realize it at the time because I had no attachments to a relationship or children.  After I had Mia, I apologized to her for not being a better Aunt and Sister. I didn’t know better at the time.  Having kids is such a blessing, but the truth is it is so freakin’ hard.  I was blessed to have the help of my husband and even then adjusting to motherhood was a little cray cray.  I give major props to women who do it on their own. Fast forward a little later, my sister is now married and has two children.  Her daughter, Aliana, was born a little early and had to stay in the hospital for about six weeks.  That alone was a struggle not just for my family, but especially for my sister and her husband.  I have a whole blog entry dedicated to her story, but for now, I want you to get to know my sister a little better.  I think what makes her a Gentlewoman is her story – one that I know everyone can relate to: staying in a relationship for too damn long, losing yourself in that relationship and thinking that no one will ever want you and finding the strength to overcome all the negative and be reborn into a new woman who will never accept putting herself last ever again.  I remember telling her, with tears rolling down her face, “You will get married one day.  It just takes time.  I promise.”  And so it did, she got married to an amazing man, who not only accepted who for who she is, but also accepted her son as an added bonus.  My sister doesn’t have a blog, a fancy website or anything like that, but she did turn her negative situation into a positive when she raised over $1,000 for March for Babies, a charitable walking event benefiting research to prevent premature births, birth defects and infant mortality and I think all of that together makes her an amazing Gentlewoman.

Interview with Angela Henriquez

  

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

Haha this is funny introducing myself because you already know me but for everyone else…. Greetings! I’m Angela Henriquez but more commonly known as just Angie to all my family & friends. I’m 31 years old, happily married to a super hot Central American man named Erick. I’m also a tremendously proud mom of a handsome 8 year old son named Alex and a gorgeous 11 month old little doll named Aliana. I thoroughly enjoy good food, music, dancing, and comedy. Laughing is one of my favorite things to do and I’m like really, really good at

it. I enjoy great conversations and I love learning new things. Like most women, I take pleasure in shopping, make-up, chocolate, shoes and wine! I absolutely love attending Fellowship church and I’m a true believer in God and Jesus Christ.

2. You went through a severely toxic relationship a few years back that lasted a little too long. Why was it so hard for you to end that relationship?
I was so young when I started dating this person, I was only 21. Aside from my young age, to be honest the reason I stuck around for so long was simply due to the fact that this person was the father of my first born. I wanted so badly to create the perfect little family that I had always envisioned. I knew he was not good for me but I thought if I left the relationship, I was being selfish. Well that could not be farther from the truth. Not only was I unhappy but so was my son. Alex unfortunately was subject to an unhealthy environment for 4 years before I finally gained the balls to walk away. That was honestly my lowest point in my life. Walking away, starting over, and moving back in with my parents was all very humiliating, overwhelming and quite scary. For some reason I felt like I was a failure. Alex’s biological dad ended up voluntarily giving up his parental rights about a year ago. The last time he
saw Alex was the day that I moved out back in 2009.
 

3. I remember you once told me, “No one is going to want to marry me.” Why did you make that statement?
Girl why you bringing up old shit? LOL! Jokes aside, I just felt like I was not good enough for anyone. My self-esteem at the time was so unbelievably low. In my previous relationship so much cheating had occurred that I began believing that I wasn’t good enough. I actually thought something was wrong with ME. Was I not pretty enough? Skinny enough? The mind can be your own worst enemy if you allow it to be.
 

4. I knew you would get married, and you did. Can you tell my readers a little recap of your relationship with your husband?
Oh my Erick! We first met back in 2002. We briefly dated and then just went our separate ways. We reconnected in the summer of 2007 while I was on a“break” from Alex’s father. During this time my sister and I had our own apartment. I quickly fell head over heels for Erick. He was over my apartment everyday! We practically lived together. Well I guess my new found happiness didn’t settle well with Alex’s father. After some pretty awful threats on his behalf and poor decision making on mine, I let my love Erick go in an effort to reconcile and rebuild my relationship with Alex’s father. I will forever regret that decision. Fast forward to May of 2010. Erick and I reconnect through low and behold…. Facebook! After a few exchanged emails we decided to meet up for lunch. Our lunch date took place on May 30, 2010 and we were engaged by July 31, 2010. Erick brings out the best in me. He is such a kind, genuine soul. I truly believe that I have snagged a one-of-a-kind type of guy. He’s a
magnificent husband and father. We got married on 09/10/11 (I just love the uniqueness of our wedding date!) I couldn’t be any happier and I can’t imagine being with anyone else. He’s my best friend, my soul mate, my errthang! I guess the saying the 3rd time's the charm is true!
 

5. You recently had a baby girl who arrived to the world a little early. Can you let my readers know a little bit about that experience?
I found out I was pregnant on February 12, 2012. By May 3rd we found out we were expecting a little girl. We were so ecstatic! Throughout my pregnancy I found that this one was quite different from my pregnancy with Alex. My “morning” sickness lasted almost all day, every day for the first 5-6 months of my pregnancy. I noticed that I was gaining a lot of weight and I was swelling up really badly. I kid you not; my legs looked like tree trunks! One
day I wasn’t feeling good, my tummy was tightening up so much that I couldn’t sleep let alone get comfortable. I called my doctor and he immediately suggested I get admitted into the hospital. My urine showed high levels of protein and blood work performed showed high levels of liver enzymes. My blood pressure was really high as well. My doctor decided then to induce my labor. Basically the pregnancy was making me sick and the only way for me to get
better was to not be pregnant, thus making the decision to deliver baby girl early. I was 33 weeks along. I never realized the importance of a baby “baking” for the required 9 months. I simply thought “cool I get to meet her earlier”! I ended up having an emergency C-Section without the presence of my husband there. Apparently my organs were shutting down and Ali’s heart rate was steadily dropping at an alarming rate. Aliana Victoria Henriquez was born to only doctors and nurses in the room. I didn’t get to see her until the next day
and I didn’t get to hold her until about a week later. I missed out on so much because she ended up getting admitted into the NICU. Ali was born on September 4th and we were able to take her home on October 12th! Back in April of this year, I made it my mission to bring awareness by participating in the March for Babies walk. This is something that I hope to continue to partake in for many years to come. In my first year in March for Babies I was able to raise over $1,000!
 

6. What do you think women in our generation need to hear?
As stated before, we as women need to help one another. There’s too much gossiping, envy, and competing taking place. Let’s be classy, smart, goal-oriented, Godly women. Let’s not be these ditzy, materialistic, sex objects that we see every day. We need to strive to excel and surround ourselves with women who will challenge, inspire, and motivate us. We need women to be our cheerleaders when we are victorious and our support team when we are struggling.
 

7. Now that you have a daughter, how has that changed you?
I feel as though I need to be her role model. I realize that I need to learn to control my emotions and watch what I say about myself. I don’t want her to grow up with a ton of insecurities. I pray that God gives me knowledge and wisdom to raise my Ali into a Godly woman.
 

8. Who inspires you and why?
You, mom and the kids all inspire me in different ways. Mom because she is a strong woman! She always gives great advice, she is so wise. She has demonstrated that hard work, dedication, and faith all equal out to tremendous blessings. You have inspired me to try new things. You are the reason why I’m looking to strive higher in my career. You are the reason why I want to be an inspiration to others too. I’ve seen the changes you’ve made and I’m so happy for you. My kids of course are my inspiration because they give me purpose. I want them to be better than me when they grow up. They are the main reason why I chose to pursue an education and in time earn a degree. I want to have a better job to be able to provide more to both of them.
 

9. What are your dreams?
My dreams are to ultimately graduate and finally obtain my degree. I hope to one day be the top dog of a management company. I want to earn more money and have a bigger, nicer house. I want my children to grow up happy, healthy and successful. I dream of one day helping my husband start the business that he’s been dreaming of. I want to help others learn more about God and what he has to offer.
 

10. What is the best piece of advice that you have received?
Pray over everything! In the good and the bad just believe that God has it all worked out in your favor.

Gentlewoman, Rita Mireles

I’ve got double dose of Gentlewomen for you today.  My third Gentlewoman, Rita Mireles, is my sister in law – hence, the same last name. Rita is a furniture transformer extraordinaire.   She is also the genius behind the blog, "Curbside Creations". She is married to my husband’s brother and is by far one of my favorite people on this Earth.  Rita has been a BIG inspiration to me.  I have witnessed her journey of her blog, Curbside Creations, and her transformations from desks, chairs and other marvelous furniture pieces that have found a new light through her work.  Rita is one of the main reasons why I decided to start my blog.  As most of you know from reading my entries, I was very skeptical always finding reasons NOT to go through with my blog.  The moment I told Rita I wanted to start my blog, she took charge, took me to Starbucks and showed me the ropes of the blogging world.  She encouraged me and motivated me and for that I’m forever grateful. 

Rita’s story of having her grandparent’s raise her, becoming a mother at a fairly young age and experiencing the turbulence of young love is very inspiring.  She overcame the adversity and if you have the privilege to meet her, you would never think that her life at one point was not sprinkles and cupcakes.  She is VERY positive, very sweet and she made me cry on Christmas Day when she bought me my Joel Osteen “Everyday a Friday” journal.  (She plays close attention.)  I love her very much and I hope you find something you can relate to in her story. 

Interview with Rita Mireles

1.  For those that don’t know you, can you tell me a little bit about yourself? Hi, I’m Rita and I’m Vickie’s sister-in-law. I have a little blog called “Curbside Creations” about furniture I transform from its down trodden state to something spectacular! (at least in my eyes anyway) I’m also a mom to two teen age girls and I am married to my high school sweetheart.

2.  What was the hardest part of growing up? Oh gosh where do I start without writing a novel? I was raised by my grandparents. My mom had me when she was young and I met my dad when I was 16. I never saw anything as hard nor ever felt that we were broke because we weren’t. We got by on what we had and I learned later in life how hard it must have been for my grandparents. Don’t get me wrong, my mom lived with us too, but for the most part, my grandma raised me.   I never felt that I missed out on anything but the hardest moment that I can remember was meeting my dad for the first time and him coming in the house, saying hello and walking away for the second time in my life. I never knew the feeling of someone not caring about me until that moment.

3.  You became a mother at a fairly young age.  What was the hardest part of being a young mom? The hardest part for me being a young mom was growing up! I was nineteen when I had Ashley. I was so gung ho and knew this girl was going to be the best thing that ever happened to me. I didn’t know however that I had growing up to do, my husband had growing up to do, and all while watching our little girl grow up…ALL AT THE SAME TIME.  That was hard! In fact I told Sammy the other day after learning our friend is expecting his first child “can you imagine having a baby right now??!!” I think we both had a frightened look on our face! Then I said “it’s not like having a baby when you’re young, you think you can do it all when you don’t know any better, haha”

4.  How do you feel you have changed over the last 10 years? I’ve learned so much. I know the way I want to live, the person I want to be, the way I want my children to see me so they can live their lives knowing I’m always on their side. I think before, I was so intimidated by stupid obstacles and road bumps in life in general. After pushing through those road blocks, you learn quickly how tough you really are. I just told Ashley yesterday, the only one holding you back is you!

5.  You were the one that got me to start “couponing”.  Can you give my readers a recap of your couponing story? Ha, this is a funny one.  So, about seven years ago Sammy and I split for a year. It was the worst and best year of my life. I know people always say that, but it took me a few years to see it is true. I learned so much about myself and how to be a mom without having Sammy there. That was hard! I remember at one point within that year I realized “oh my gosh, I’m a single mom, I’m trying to raise two girls by myself and I’m broke”.  Commence cutting coupons. That’s when it started and I quickly learned there was a science to it. I can remember Sammy coming to the house to pick up the girls one time and a receipt was on the counter. He looked at it and cried. Then he looked at me and said “you did this?” I think that’s when it dawned on him that I could do THIS by myself! And I was pretty proud of myself too.

6.  You have a blog titled, “Curbside Creations”, can you tell me a little bit about your blog and how you came up with that name? Sammy actually dubbed the name “Curbside Creations”. My blog happened when we moved to our fist house and I didn’t have a lot of furniture. My first transformation was a side table I found on the side of a road and fell in love with it. I took it home, cleaned it and painted it. It was perfect! The kids were mortified of course and when I started to bring more and more stuff home, I’d share the before and after photos with my mom and sisters.  The blog was easier than constantly sending photos and since I didn’t have a name for it, Sammy said I should call it ‘Curbside Creations’ because I got all my “junk” from the curbs. The name stuck and it’s now registered!! Now I constantly post my newest transformations and awesome vintage finds I pick up!

7.   What do you think women in our generation need to hear? Oh that’s an easy one “BE YOU”. I tell my girls that every day. I have two girls that are COMPLETELY opposite. One likes rainbows and everything girly and the other likes dark, scary, morbid things. And you know what? I love that about both of them. They are who they are. The one thing that will always separate you from the rest of the crowd is your individuality…your uniquity! There is only one YOU in the world so be proud of yourself and promote that difference!

8. You have two daughters, what advice do you give them about their future, marriage and growing up? Just to live life the best they can. Don’t be afraid of the future and change. There will always be the bad seasons but the way you make it through is by putting on your rainbow colored glasses and look at it as a learning experience and grow from that. It’s all in how you see things J

9.  What are your dreams? My dreams are simple…well besides being thin again haha! I’d love to one day have my own shop and not have to work 9-5. I have a daughter that has depression so insurance is a must, so I don’t know how much reality is in that dream.  It’s a struggle but a dream nonetheless.  And of course to see my girls be the wonderful women that I know they will be. I love those girls so much. Told you…simple.

10. Who inspires you and why? I’m inspired by so many “everyday” women that are doing what they are called to do. I love to read stories of people who found their calling by simple everyday accidents! But not only the people who are doing amazing things as a career choice but those who do things for more “non-thankful  jobs” as well. For example: animal rescuers, wonderful Step-parents, etc.

11. What are you most proud of? Wow how do I say this without sounding so stuck on myself because I’m so not. I’m proud of my life, my girls, my husband and myself.  We’ve overcome lots of obstacles in our lives…again, a novel, but we made it through and continue to defeat odds.  In particular for myself, I’m proud that even though I didn’t go to college, life lessons  gave me the experiences I’ve used to  teach my children from. We are not perfect but we manage and if it takes me saying “make your own sunshine” until I’m blue in the face, I will, because that what life is about for me. Making my own sunshine.

“You should never live for the circumstances of today, but the possibilities of tomorrow." -   Oprah Winfrey

Please visit Rita's blog, "Curbside Creations" at http://curbsidecreations.blogspot.com/

Rita sells some of her stuff on ETSY so please visit her site on there as well.  

Gentlewoman, Pearl Gonzalez

My second Gentlewoman of the week is Pearl Gonzalez, hairstylist extraordinaire and owner of Bombshell Locks Studio.  She is a friend, one of my greatest supporters and she's a really cool chic.  We share so many similarities, such as a  love for positivity, women empowerment, faith and lastly, we share a crazy addition for Bubble Tea.  We have started going to church together and my kids and husband now have a hair stylist for life.  

Pearl has become one of the closest friends I currently have in such a quick amount of time.  We went to high school together, but we were never really friend friends, if you know what I mean.  She has followed me on this journey and I appreciate all the positive feedback she has given me.  I think she probably wins first place for following, reading my blog and posting comments.  She is such a great supporter.  She may not know this, but those times when I felt like no one was reading my blog, there she was posting a comment or liking the status updates.  Thank you for that Pearl.  You kept me going when I didn't feel like moving forward.  You really made a difference in my life and I am so thankful for that.

Interview with Pearl

1. For those that don’t know you, can you tell me a little bit about yourself? My name is Pearl Blanca Gonzalez (my mom wanted to make sure people knew I was a white Pearl – LOL) I am a mother of two, a Sagittarius (fun, loyal and driven).  I love food and I am a hairstylist.  I love my career.  Getting the opportunity to meet new people and make them happy is my addiction. 

2. You have a love for hair, how did you get started? It all started with Gloria Trevi “Pelo Suelto”.  As a child I had big, puffy, curly 80’s hair.  I guess back then using product wasn’t talked about.  In high school, I would get up an hour early because I wanted a different hair style every day.  I then decided to go colorful and experiment with the usual pinks and blues.  I loved doing my friends hair whenever given the opportunity.  I finally decided after I had my children that I wanted to be a hairstylist. I did 3 apprenticeships, yes 3!  I wanted to learn and master each skill because I believe you can’t get to the top without crawling on the bottom.  Plus you learn to appreciate the sweat and tears it takes to get there. 

3. What goals/dreams do you have set for the near future? I want to be the hairstylist people know if they come to me.  They will leave satisfied and looking fabulous!  My ultimate goals for my near future is to be happy and make others happy. 

4. You have a daughter and a son, what are your hopes for their future? My daughter, Alanah, is a fun, blunt, ambitious little girl.  I always tell her, “You need to pick a career that you love.  A career that will support YOU financially.  A career you can give 110%, but can still have a life for your future children.”  My son, Champ, is a little tough guy with a very big heart.  I want him to put his all in working hard, being a great husband and father and choosing a career that he will love and be able to financially support his wife and children, but also be very present for all the special occasions. Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs in life.  You have to teach your children to be an example, to leave a legacy behind, but also at the same time, you want them to be safe, healthy and strong minded.  It’s the hardest, but also the most rewarding. 

5. How do you feel you have changed over the last 10 years? Good question.  I have grown not only as an individual, but as a woman.  I think early on I was very insecure.  I had doubts about not being good enough, smart enough, or enough period.  With age, I learned that confidence is not something that is given, it is a skill that is learned.  I now feel I am a better friend, person, confidant, mother and woman because I understand who I am.  

6. What do you think women in our generation need to hear? Women need to understand that we are unique, beautiful creatures.  We are strong, caring and we love hard.  We need to embrace each other and know that the more united we are the more we can overcome.  If you look back in history, women now have a voice, when they didn't before.  Our mothers paved the way for us to have freedom of speech.  Our daughters will be the leaders of our country, so use your voice to inspire and guide.

7. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.  We all have obstacles to overcome.  You just need to know you are not alone.  The tools are given to you, so use them. 

8. Who inspires you and why? I receive inspiration daily from different people.  I get inspiration from my mother, who showed me that working hard is what gets you ahead in life.  I get inspiration from my friends as well as spiritual and positive public figures. 

9. When faced with difficulties, as a women, how do you handle them? I turn to God and Jesus, my friends and family.  I tend to turn to someone I am most comfortable with.  I also think, “Is this really worth my time and energy.” 

10. What are you most proud of? I am most proud of the way my life is going at the current moment. It has been a long road, but I plan on making it better with each new year that is given to me.

Bonus Question:For those who haven’t tried the fabulous experience of bubble tea, can you please let them know what they are missing out on? 

Now, Vickie, you have to be specific! I have tried many bubble teas, but the best, the very Best are at Fat Straws! If you haven't tried bubbles in your tea you have too. They are a gelatin, tapioca which acts as a meal replacement- imagine a strawberry banana smoothie with gummy bears in it- Yeah it’s a party in a cup! Ha-ha everything is good there I highly, or ^^ We^^ highly recommend you go there and try something, anything.

Visit Bombshell Locks Studio's website/blog: http://bombshelllocksstudio.com/

Fat Straws http://www.fatstraws.net/

Gentlewoman, Nayra Guerrero

Here lately, I have had people say to me, “Vickie, you have inspired me.” – mostly from women, and I can’t tell you how good that feels.  I will have to say, most of my motivation, my passion comes from God, but there is a lot that comes from other people.  I wanted to dedicate these next few blogs to those women, those friends, who have inspired me in many ways, even if they didn’t know it.  Seeing other people reach for their goals, seeing them make a difference is extraordinary, especially when these women are everyday women like you and I.  I had this idea come to me last week and so I went for it and asked Nayra Guerrero, aspiring fashion designer and friend to take part in my blog and she agreed. 

I did want to begin by saying Nayra has been such an inspiration to me.  I see her dedication, I see the advancement she has made in such a short period of time.  We share a love for clothes and similar things, but I think what sets Nayra apart from most people I know is that she is such a go getter and she is very genuine.  What you see is what you get and there is no fabrication in her smile.  You would be able to make her out in a crowd because she doesn’t like to blend in.  Her laugh is contagious and her clothes are slick.  So get to know her a little better.  I hope you get inspired along the way.

gen·tle·wom·ann.1. A woman of gentle or noble birth or superior social position. (Our Father is of the most high, so I think that makes us all Gentlewomen)
2. A well-mannered and considerate woman with high standards of proper behavior. (Okay, now we don’t always act proper – there is room for fun, but we strive to be a well-mannered and considerate woman with the most HIGH standards.)

Interview with Nayra Guerrero

1. For those people that don't know you, can you tell me a little about yourself? Well my name is Nayra.  I’m a fashion designer and I happen to love my name.  I was born in Monterrey, NL Mexico, but I was raised in the United States.  I am very proud and claim to be 100% Mexican.  I am 28 years old and I’m a middle child and a Libra, so being weird and crazy comes with the
territory.  I’m not afraid to be different or stand out.  I don’t do it for attention.  I just HATE being like
everyone else.  Last but not least, I’m on my path of becoming a mamasita! Haha.

2. You are such a fashionista - who or what inspired you? When I was going to school,my family was on a budget, so I had to be creative with what little we could buy.  Survival of the fashion for school is just another way to show off.  I didn’t mind not having the best, but I did pride myself in having that one piece of clothing that no one else had.  My mother was my greatest support, as she would help me with sowing since I didn’t know how.  Getting creative was just a rush for me.
3. How do you stay motivated to keep reaching for your dreams? It’s always hard to keep going and I’m not going to lie, there have been times where I have doubted myself and felt like giving up. Every time that has happened, someone comes to me with an opportunity, as if the universe puts it back in my life. So I take that as a sign and I just keep on trucking.  I take it like a marriage – you have to want and love with all your heart to keep that dream alive and pumping.  Pretty much, my fantasy keeps me going and reality keeps me grounded.

4. You are about to become a mother, what are you most excited/scared about? Yes, I am and I feel super blessed.  I wouldn’t call it scared, it’s more of a never ending worried feeling that I just can’t get rid of.  There are a million things that could go wrong, but I have to stay positive.  All I know is that I can’t wait to hold him (Yes, it’s a boy), sports, school and our first dates.  I am very impatient, so the anxiety is killing me.  Mom always told me, “Los hijos son prestados, nunca se sabe cuando la vida nos lo quite.  Por eso hay que saber disfrutarlos!”  Best advice ever.
5.What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Well besides the one my mom told me, I would have to say something another designer once told me at a fashion show, “Never lose who you are.  If someone tries to tell you different, don’t listen.  You are the only reason why you are here.”  It was genuine and it has stayed with me.

6.What do you think women in our generation need to hear? I would have to say that instead of fighting and competing with each other, let’s help each other.  Help me help you.  Men do it, so why can’t we?  Life is a game.  You just have to know what cards to use.  Also, don’t rely on your beauty, that will eventually fade. The essence of a woman is what makes us immortal.

7. If you could pick only one women (living or dead) to meet who would it be and why? I really can’t think of anyone at the moment that I would choose except my mom.  She brings me peace, wisdom, love and a little bit of everything in between.

8.What are your dreams? My dreams are to be a great mom, or the best I can be at least.  Then I would have to say having a studio of my own where I can let my creativity loose.  Being my own boss, making my name a brand, not just in clothing, but I want to inspire or make a difference in someone’s life.  I want to be a role model, not just a designer.  If I can accomplish my dreams by being single with a kid, I think any other woman has the opportunity to do it as well.  Dream big, even if you are crawling to the top, at least you’re not standing still.

9.What have you done to pursue your dreams? I have done fashion shows, I’ve been in boutiques and I freelance.  It is hard, but like I said, you have to want it and want it bad to keep doing it.  I’m one step closer than yesterday,even if I sewed only one thing.  This will be my second time going to NTFW (New York Fashion Week).  I’m pretty excited, but it is a big risk.  I can come out empty handed, but I go with my hopes and dreams.  A positive mind always helps.


10.What is the biggest lesson you have learned? My biggest lesson that I’ve learned on
my own would have to be that no one is going to do anything for you.  Only you can make or break YOU.  I’ve been knocked down too many times to not know how to get back up one more time.  Recently and I mean recently, I have chosen to make a life and people can live in it if they choose to.  I keep God with me always, forever and a day. My daily prayer to his is, “Thank my health and my baby’s health.  Always provide me with strength, wisdom and love.  Amen.”

Nayra is on her way to her second trip to New York for fashion week and she's pregnant! She's not letting anything stop her!  In fact, I think her maternal instincts have kicked in and it's only making her that much more stronger in her attempt to realize her dreams.  Visit her blog, follow her on Instagram and like her FB updates.  I promise, you'll love her just as much as I do. 

http://www.nayraguerrero.com/

Nayra on Twitter
Nayra on Facebook

Live like no one else, so you can live like no one else.

I had to read Dave Ramsey’s book, “Total Money Makeover” to actually grasp the concept of that quote.  This book that had been sitting on a shelf for two plus years was collecting dust.  Surprisingly, I had not gotten rid of it.  My parents had purchased it for me a few years ago and my dad pretty much begged me to read it, but I was so uninterested.  My dad looked up to Dave Ramsey, after all, he was the genius behind the story of my parents money makeover. I knew my dad had paid his house off early, paid off over $50 grand in debt, paid off his cars and saved money like crazy, but I never really realized how much work that meant and how accomplished he was for doing that in a span of 5 years.  My dad always emphasized the importance of saving, not living over your means and not living to “Keep up with the Jones”.  I didn’t always listen and so I didn’t always have the money saved when emergencies emerged.  Slowly as I got older and obtained a family of my own, I was finally able to see the true importance of my dad’s words.  Not too recently, my dad’s actions hit me like a ton of bricks.  My dad always got stuck with the older car and my mom always got the new car.  It was nothing he ever complained about.  He had wanted a new truck for the longest.  I always knew he could afford it, but he said no, I’m going  keep looking.  And so, recently, my dad purchased a new Toyota Tunda – CASH!  Who does that?  Seriously – I was so impressed that I had to ask my mom are you sure Dad paid it in cash?  So there I was left with my mouth wide open, flabbergasted.  My dad’s only secret to this accomplishment was what he heard on the radio years ago.  He told me Dave Ramsey gave him the knowledge to complete the tasks. One of the things I’ll never forget my dad saying was that Dave Ramsey said, “If you have to mow lawns to get out of debt, then mow lawns.” The funny thing is my dad did just that.  He started mowing lawns on the weekend for more money.  Out of that he eventually started his own business.  Several clients later, he is not only working two jobs, but he loves it.  The man is literally a workaholic, but his motto is work now, so he doesn’t have to worry about working later. 

My dad was born October 21, 1956 in San Luis Potosi Mexico.  His parents had separated, all the kids had to work at a young age and his mother was very poor.  My dad said they couldn’t’ even afford clothing so all he wore was like a  cloth around their waist that looked like a skirt.  I believe my dad was 16 when he first came to the United States.  He was deported back and came to Texas when he was 20 and then met my mother who helped him learn English.  My dad told me a funny story about the first time he went to buy clothes.  He said he went and bought a shirt and pants and didn’t even look at the size because he didn’t even know about sizes, so when he got home the clothes fit him big.  He started working at a restaurant washing dishes, later became a cook for T.G.I. Fridays, then worked cleaning apartments and was promoted to a Maintenance Supervisor.  My dad wasn’t able to finish very much schooling, didn’t graduate, but the man is a genius.  He has a strong work ethic and the commitment to get ahead.  What he provided for me and my sister is beyond what I can imagine and I wish I would have recognized it at a younger age. 

My gift to my dad was FINALLY reading the book he gave me and beginning my Total Money Makeover. In just a few months, my husband and I have paid off about $3,000 in debt – a total of four accounts.  Home Depot, School Loans, Furniture Account, Best Buy, Lawyer and all you other little annoying bills, you will all soon be GONE!  It’s a ripple effect.  You pay off your smallest bill and work yourself up to the biggest one.  By our calculations, if we pay off all debt we will have an extra $600 month.  And in reality, we don’t have too much debt, in fact we have “baby” debt compared to some of the testimonies in the Total Money Makeover.  Most people had 50, 75, 100 or more in debt.  It hasn’t been totally easy, but seeing the result of paying off accounts is addicting.  It is so encouraging to knock out the next one. Our goal is to pay off our cars, never buy brand new again – you’ll see why when you read the book, pay off our house, pay off all debt and always pay in cash.  I’m looking at money differently and realizing that some of the things I use to purchase were just a waste of my hard worked money.  So my family and I may not take lavish vacations, or purchase luxury cars, or live in the most posh neighborhood, but we will one day.  We are living like no one else, so we can eventually live like no one else. And it hasn’t been easy saying no to trips or saying no to a brand new Tory Burch purse, but when you work hard, eventually you’ll get to play hard.  Make money, don’t let the money make you.  And to finish off, I must repeat my dad’s words: If you can’t pay for it in cash, then you can't afford it. 

Dave Ramsey Website 

Dave Ramsey

The Visual Board

I’ve read several books over the course of the last two years.  I’ve been so gun ho about searching ways to keep positivity in my life and striving to do bigger and better things.  The Magic was probably one of the best books that I read, aiming my world at being grateful.  The Secret states that whatever we put out into the world we get back.  Think positive = positive results.  Do positive things = receiving positive things.  These tools I learned literally changed my life.  Another book I hold dear is “Everyday A Friday”, which literally changed my perspective on life. Most of the books I’ve read have had one common similarity: they all condemn negativity. And so I found myself writing checks to myself, being thankful for every moment – even if I didn’t feel like it, repeating positive words in my head and visualizing my dreams and goals and placing myself and being thankful for reaching those goals even if I had not received them yet.

Here is just a taste of how freakishly real these goals became. I wrote this blog on April 30, 2012. (See below) At the time, I had not received any of the things listed below.  We ended up getting our house in May, which resulted in a direct location to a nearby Christian private school for Mia that she attended this past school year.  My brother was eventually released from the hospital.  At the time, my niece had not been born, in fact, I don’t think we even knew that she was a girl, and while there were difficulties, she is now healthy.  My husband and our family dealt with a very ugly and unnecessary legal dispute that finally ended this past January.  Being grateful for these things before they happened, truly, in my eyes, made them become reality.  Some of these things came super fast, some dragged out, but ultimately, they became reality. 

Be grateful for what you want - before you receive it.

What do you Most Want Right Now?

Imagine you are putting in a magic order with the Universe for your top ten desires, because in truth, by using the law of attraction, that’s exactly what you are doing.

Sit down and create a list of your top ten desires in the following way, as though you’ve received them:

Thank you for ___________ and fill in the blank with your desire as though you have already received.

1. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for my house.  It is the most beautiful house and has made my family so happy.

2. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you that Mia is attending Christian private school.  This was my dream for the longest time.

3. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for allowing my brother to have perfect health.  This has taken a big relief off of my mother.

4. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for our win in the CS hearing.  We no longer have endure the negativity or the lack of help.

5. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for my success in life.  I have reached higher goals than I could ever imagine.

6. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for the relief and stress of money in our household.  Everything is taken care of and there is more than enough for bills and pleasure.

7. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for the arrival of baby Aliana.  Our family needed another baby girl and we are happy that she came out happy and healthy.

8. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for the health and happiness of my family.  We are never without and never in pain.

9. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for the success of my husband.  He has truly deserved all the blessings that have gone his way.

10. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for blessing my entire family for blessing them and making all their dreams come true.

My goals and dreams, my wants, my needs are all now visualized in my mind and my heart.  I’m thankful before they happen.  I’m spreading my positivity into this world, so I can receive back what I put out.  My goals have now been listed on a visual board:

You can make your own with a cork board and some magazine clippings or you can create a free Dream Visualization Board on the Oprah website here. I have made this my desktop picture so I can look at it everyday and not forget what I have envisioned for myself. Although corny, these things really work.  Let me know if you make one.  I'd love to see it.