News Letter ~ May 08

This morning I was sitting at my kitchen table putting on my makeup. (Some women put their makeup on in the bathroom but all the women in my family, and my Italian girl friends, put on their makeup at the kitchen table!)

I suddenly had a flashback of my childhood, and I thought,“Who taught me how to put on makeup or to be a woman? Do you have to be taught to be women or does it just come naturally?” I started to think about the strong women role models in my life that helped shape the woman I am today…

Of course our mothers teach us how to be a women, that goes without saying. But there are other women in our lives we admire and learn from as well. I thank my own mother for her generosity and unselfishness for allowing these women to be a part of shaping my life.

I instantly thought about my favorite Aunt. Her name is Tina and she was like a big sister to me. We are only 12 years apart. Aunt Tina lived just down the street from my family. She was the young, cool aunt and I was her biggest fan. I would sit and watch her put on her makeup everyday throughout my childhood. Her nails and toes were always perfectly polished. You could stare at her for hours because she was absolutely beautiful. Aunt Tina was a hairstylist and was always wearing the latest trends. She introduced me to fashion, makeup and good hair. I knew I wanted to be just like her (Wow! I guess I am.) Aunt Tina taught me about outer beauty.

Do you remember who taught you how to apply makeup, style your hair, and choose the right clothing for your body type?

I then began to reminisce about my grandmother, who was as beautiful as her name, Rose. All through her long life of 88 years she had the ability to light up a room when she entered; everyone knew that about her. You just wanted to be with her because she was so sunny and happy. I would think to myself “I want what she has.” It took me 30 years to know what that was… it was her outlook and attitude towards life. True inner beauty is what she taught me.

What is inner beauty for you?

I am who I am because of my mother. She taught me the greatest and most important job I will ever have: how to be a mother. The qualities she has passed on to me I am able to use as a mother, in my work and in all of life. She taught me how to Love. She taught me about Patience, Beauty, Kindness, Discipline, Hard Work, Passion, Strength, Independence, and how to be a good listener. She is my Friend, a Confidant, a Therapist, a Nurse, a Juggler of many things. She taught me to never give up and be persistent about what you want in life.

Now when you see me you will know my mother.

My mother continues to teach me these great qualities as she is fighting cancer and going through Chemo Therapy. Suddenly beauty and strength have a different meaning. I have noticed with my mother and my clients that have undergone this treatment they are more beautiful than ever. I believe these qualities emerge when you need them… and when they do, all you can see is the core of the women.

There have been many other great women in my life perhaps too many to list. Let’s take this time to thank and think about all the women that have made a difference in our lives. It has been my dream to help other women that may not have had access to the same role models. Let Partners in Beauty be that powerful group of women in your life. Allow us to be a part of helping you be the best that you can be. It’s time to focus on your self!