WHO YOU ARE MATTERS

 Describe where you come from

When people think of Florida they immediately think Miami, South beach, Orlando, and Walt Disney World. They don't place Florida as a typical "Southern state," though it is the southern most continental state in the United States. I think people just don't realize there's more to the state then the coastline. But that's beside the point.  I come from a small, yet scenic; Bigoted, yet charming suburban town called Lakeland, Florida. Picture it, conventional, christian, affluent, polite, and very racist. They just love to mix it all together with a big smile on their face's."Othering" was truly astonishing in those days. The good ole southern way. My immediate family comes from up north in Farmington Hills, MI, but as for me, I was born and raised a Florida girl. Growing up along the white sandy beaches, ditching school to dance around drum circles, and drink the cheapest beer possible during Florida sunsets was an unforgettable experience in my formidable teenage years. It really felt like we were living a spring break movie every weekend. But that was many, many moons ago, and though it describes one fraction of where I come from, the most important is my upbringing. Though I come from a very affluent family; A privileged life that I cannot take for granted. I'd been raised in a very strict christian household that invited me to repress a lot of my truths. The climate of my household was a very cold one. Indifferent if you will, with a touch of distance in terms of expressive communication. As an Aquarius with a Capricorn stellium (I've dated way to many astrology fanatics to know this), it helped me seek a life of freedom, creativity, expression, and a diligence for hard work in my adult years. But I can explain further in the next I suppose. So... to be continued.   

Tell me where you're going

For one I intend to go skiing as much as possible this season, so there's that. But delving back into my past a bit, I want to reiterate that because of my former religion, my parents and I have no communication. Living my life as an openly gay woman made it a little easier for them to cast me aside. I can tell you right now, there in no, "whoah is me" feeling that comes with my journey and what I have built for myself. It is merely a means of fuel that pushed me to create a life's course completely focused, and driven to accomplishments and success in many tangents. Skipping through the last 15 years of my life, I became a chef, created a meal prep company, and met clients that gifted me a chance at becoming more successful then I could ever imagine. Because of them, I am attending college. Something I wanted to do at a younger age, but being in the church was not the focal point when you have one's eternal damnation constantly at the helm. Maturing over the years has evolved through many adversities, heartbreaks, relationships, and hustles. Subsequently, these experiences have allowed me to pursue things I thought not tangible. I made sure to set myself up for success through many, many networks of people, learning their stories and embracing the knowledge of mentorship and insight. All that to say, experiential learning allows you to create your own path, however you intend to put that energy into the world. But I digress. I guess the basic answer to the question is with my degree in global business, I intend to establish hospitality groups around the world. Intertwining members-only social clubs and luxury hospitality consulting into the mix. Making me a very busy gal henceforward. 

“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” —Abraham Lincoln         

Tell me how you plan to get there

I'll make this simple: Study my ass off, intern, take risks, and network, network, network. There is no better tool in the box. 

How are you LIKE your parents

My parents are very opposite in their personalities, but boy do I have both of their strengths imbedded at my very core. My father is very humble and shows humility to all people. Anyone who has met my dad will always confirm how genuinely nice, goofy, and shy he is. This has always been something I instilled in my character. I enjoy making people feel special, feel seen, and enlightened.  A true altruistic I should say. My mother is a bulldog on the other hand. She is strong, resilient, and a bit of a narcissist, but I don't want to admit I tend to show that side from time to time. She never backs down from what she wanted to accomplish, and for that people felt threatened by her energy. But once you got to know her she would do anything to help a friend out, no matter the issue.   

How are you UNLIKE your parents

Listen, we may have our differences, however, I believe in karma and with that I may speak on our very rocky relationship, but I will refrain from slandering their name. I will say I have begun my healing journey in finding the roots of many trauma patterns that arise in my life, and breaking intergenerational traumas. Unlike my parents, I have been able to address those issues with my sisters, whilst helping them to feel more safe in our communication and discuss the traumas we all felt in different forms. It brought us together emotionally, and we've become closer for it. I wish my parents could put aside their christian deity for one second and see what they've chose to loose. 

Have you developed your own expectations for yourself, or if you were honest, would you say you're operating under someone else's expectations?

My 20's were a scary, uncertain, and rather wild journey. Immersing myself in cooking helped me achieve creativity, resilience, thick skin, and an understanding for pure survival. It may not have been the first choice of how I wanted to experience life, but I would do it all over again if given the chance. I instilled my own expectations by pushing myself to accomplish any goal I pursue.      

Who, other than a relative, serves as a model for you of someone who lives life with great passion and personal responsibility?

My mentor, I don't think I need to mention names. He is an older gentlemen I had the privilege of networking with through another friend. He is a Harvard graduate, with years of chief administrative positions, and acting board member for several elite companies. He truly lives with a zest for life and with so much accomplishment, remains a humble friend and mentor to myself and many others. I learn a lot from him and he keeps me grounded and confidant in my pursuits. 

“Advice is like snow; the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind." — Samuel Taylor Coleridge

What wild animal do you feel a special connection with, and why?

The gentle giant. I mean come on, this has to be the most majestic creature hands down. I am an ocean lover and beach baby forever and always, so the water and I have a very special connection. But something about whale's brings me a sense of peace and tranquility. They are truly awe inspiring. 

Describe a significant childhood encounter with a tree or plant.

I think someone else mentioned this in their blog, but I was riding my bicycle and ran into a tree in my backyard. I remember doing it to this day, but for the life of me cant remember why I couldn't abort the mission? Is this a common childhood encounter?

Sun Sign

AQUARIUS

Moon Sign

CANCER

Ascendant or Rising Sign

LIBRA

https://www.trulydivine.com/sun-moon/aquarius-sun-with-cancer-moon-and-libra-rising