Paralegal, Office Manager & full-time MOM

What are your thoughts on aging?

Oh, this is my moment? Alright, here we go!

I used to think that age was just a number, and that your mindset and health were the real game-changers — and I still stand by that... but now, I look at it with a bit more realism. Aging comes with perks, sure — but also some things you weren’t expecting. No matter how healthy or positive you are, changes in your body (physically, emotionally, mentally) are just a part of the ride. And, honestly? I’ve come to appreciate those changes, because they bring something more valuable: perspective.

As for being my age? I’m loving it. Let me tell you — getting older isn’t a bad thing at all. In fact, it comes with a whole new level of confidence. I’ve always been someone who doesn’t care much about what others think, but being in my 40s takes that to a whole new level of IDGAF. As long as I’m not stepping on anyone’s toes, and I feel good inside and out, the rest of the world’s opinions? Totally irrelevant.

There’s a beautiful sense of assurance that comes with aging — a deep, unapologetic self-love that wasn’t there before. It’s like you wake up one day and realize: I’m in my prime. I know who I am, I know what I want, and I’m owning every bit of it. The confidence is just the cherry on top.

Aging isn’t a downhill slide — it’s an upgrade. It’s a deeper connection with yourself, a new level of assurance that you’ve earned through experience. So yeah, I say bring on the years. They’re the best accessories I’ve got right now!

What wonderful things can younger women look forward to at your age? Younger women and girls, might think that it's scary getting older. Let's inspire them!

Oh, where do I start? Honestly, getting older isn’t nearly as scary as it’s made out to be — and let’s be real, it’s way more fun than it sounds! Younger women and girls might think it’s terrifying to age, but trust me, it’s actually a pretty exciting journey.

Truth to be told, it's not that bad — except for the occasional aches and pains, ha! But here’s the honest truth: being in your 40s is incredibly freeing. You stop caring so much about what others think and start living your life the way you want it. You’ll come to that realization sooner or later, and when you do, it’s like a light-bulb moment. You stop worrying about meeting everyone else’s expectations, and start meeting your own.

By the time you hit my age, you’ve got this amazing sense of freedom. You’ve been through enough to know what truly matters, and that clarity is incredibly empowering. You get to a point where you embrace yourself fully — quirks, flaws, and all. That confidence is a gift you can’t get in your 20s or 30s. And let’s not forget that the wisdom you accumulate over the years makes you a pretty great mentor for others — you become the one who says, "Trust me, it’s going to be okay."

And if you’ve already figured that out and you’re younger? Good for you! It only gets better from here. You’ll see, as you get older, life just gets richer. You find joy in the little things, stop wasting time on things that drain you, and realize your energy is far too precious to waste on anyone or anything that doesn’t bring you joy.

Share tips on how you celebrate yourself, what you do for fun, and self care.

I unapologetically indulge in some serious self-pampering — and hey, I let others pamper me too (because why not?). I eat whatever my heart desires (in moderation, of course — I’m not a monster), and I’m always on the hunt for the best new spots to eat, whether it's down the street or across town. And before baby life took over, I was all about the spa — facials, mani-pedis, the works. A little luxury never hurt anyone, right?

If I spot a cute outfit, I’m the first to treat myself (within reason, of course — let’s not get crazy). But the key to all of this? Balance. I do it all responsibly, because self-love isn’t just about treating yourself — it’s about doing it in a way that doesn’t leave you stressing over the credit card bill. #SelfCareGoals

Share one experience/story. We all have life struggles. But the big share is how did you over come and lift yourself up? Advice to other women to empower them.

Life has certainly kept me on my toes — more challenges than most would care to collect in a lifetime. But hey, who’s counting? Each one, though, has taught me something I carry with me every day. Sometimes it feels like I’ve earned a degree in "Life’s Hard Lessons."

What keeps me going, you ask? Well, as cliché as it may sound — and believe me, I hate clichés — it’s the love I have for my family and the people that look up to me. They’re my anchor, my lifeline. Every morning, I choose to wake up with a positive attitude. Yes, I choose it — some days more enthusiastically than others. But it’s a mindset, right? And when the going gets tough, I remind myself of what an old mentor once told me: “It may feel like the world is collapsing right now or seem like the biggest mountain you’ve ever had to climb, but in 3, 5, or 10 years — will this even matter? If not, don’t sweat it and let it go. If yes, then find a solution and fix it. not complicate it.”

And whenever life feels overwhelming, I keep coming back to that advice, especially now that I’m a new and first-time mom. I’ve gained a deep, almost sacred understanding of the strength women carry — a quiet, unwavering power that shapes the world in ways we sometimes take for granted. And here’s the truth: all men, every single one, come from women. That’s not just power. That’s the very foundation of life itself. So don't beat yourself up, don't be too critical - celebrate yourself, think about the strength, the resilience, the power we hold and not just in the “look how strong we are” way, but in a quiet, unwavering, “we literally make the world go ‘round” way. That’s incredible power!

What would you tell your 14-year-old self?

Oh, if I could talk to 14-year-old me, I’d say:

"First of all, relax. Don't worry about the adult's problems, it's not yours and not yours to fix.

You have a full life to live ahead of you and you will have your own issues so don't rush it. Don't let the adults pull you into their own crap and issues that they created. It's not your responsibilities and not your burden. Be a child, live your life not theirs.

Be unapologetically YOU. Make your own mistakes and explore. Embrace your quirks, your weirdness, and yes, even your mistakes. Those 'mistakes' are just life’s way of teaching you lessons you won’t learn from perfection.

Also, take a deep breath and stop worrying about the future so much. You’ll figure things out, one step at a time. Don’t be in such a rush to grow up — the 'adulting' thing? Yeah, it’s overrated. Trust me, you’re going to look back and wish you spent more time just being a kid.

And here’s a big one: You are worthy of love, respect, and everything you dream of. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise. People will come and go, but your self-worth is yours to protect. Surround yourself with people who make you feel seen and heard.

Oh, and start that hobby you’re too shy to try. The world needs your creativity. Don’t hold back."

The best part? You'll look back one day and think, Wow, I did that. So go ahead, be bold, and trust the journey. You’ve got this.

What is your definition of success?

Success, much like beauty, is a deeply subjective concept — it resides in the perception of the beholder. For me, success is defined by the ability to navigate through life’s challenges, both grand and seemingly insignificant, and still find the strength to smile and maintain peace at the end of each day. It’s not about external accolades or societal benchmarks; it’s about inner resilience, growth, and the quiet triumph of self-contentment.

What is the best advice you have been given?

I am a firm believer that everyone that comes into our lives are here for a reason. And each of them will teach you a lesson.

I have received a lot of advise through my years good, great and not so good. Instead of an advise I want to share one of my favorite quote by author F. Scott Fitzgerald:

“To be kind is more important than to be right. Many times, what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks but a special heart that listens.”

I firmly believe that everyone who crosses our path does so for a purpose and a reason, each leaving us with a lesson to learn. Over the years, I’ve received a range of advice — some profound, some less so. And aside from the advise above, I rather than offering advice, I’d like to share a quote that has always resonated with me, by F. Scott Fitzgerald:

"To be kind is more important than to be right. Often, what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks, but a special heart that listens."

This simple truth reminds us that empathy and understanding are the most valuable gifts we can offer.

How is your age group relevant? We are under represented but one of the most powerful and influential demographics:

Yes our age group is often overlooked, but let’s be real, we’re undeniably one of the most powerful and influential demographics out there. Sure, we may not always be in the spotlight, but we’re the ones pulling the strings behind the scenes, shaping trends, and setting the stage for what’s next.

We’ve lived through enough to have some serious wisdom in our back pocket, but also enough energy to keep things fresh and exciting. We’re at that sweet spot where confidence meets experience, and it’s like we’ve unlocked the cheat code to life. The beauty of being in your 40s is that you finally get it — who you are, what matters, and that you really don’t need to answer to anyone but yourself.

In the workplace, in families, and across society, we’re the ones who have the know-how, the empathy, and the influence to make things happen. We’re not just part of the conversation; we’re leading it, quietly but powerfully. And while the media might still have us boxed into a “midlife crisis” narrative, we know better — we’re living the good stuff: empowerment, self-love, and making big moves without the drama.

So, yes, we may be underrepresented in some places, but trust me — the 40s are a force to be reckoned with. We’re shaping the future, leading with heart, and embracing every step of the journey. And let’s be honest, we’re having way more fun doing it than anyone expected.

Twenty years from now, when you look at these portraits we took together, what do you think you will say to yourself?

Dang! your amazingly beautiful and HOT!!!