Beautiful Voices is our ongoing blog series that highlights inspiring, empowering women. Our most recent Beautiful Voice is Adriana Alba. See what she says when Annmarie asks her some questions about her own personal beauty.
I am 49 years old and have two grown daughters, one grown son, and two grandchildren. My husband I have been married for over 25 years. I enjoy cooking, reading, taking Zumba classes, and doing Pilates. I enjoy volunteering my time either cleaning local beaches, boxing food at the local food bank, or working in local charities dear to my heart.
Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
My family has and will always be my biggest inspiration. The first person to have the biggest inspiration on my life was my mother (now deceased). She taught me patience, and how to love family, work hard, and give to others.
I am one of 12 kids and my mother cared for all of her kids by making sure that we were wore clean clothes and had full bellies. She raised us to be responsible citizens. My father worked many hours to support his family and mom was alone the majority of the day caring for her kids. She showered us with love. Looking back, I honestly don’t know how she did it with as many kids she had. There was no doubt within the family that we were all loved.
My husband is my biggest inspiration now. He is one of the kindest men I have ever had the pleasuring of meeting. He inspires me to be a better person on a daily basis. He believes in helping others and is that rare gem that will give up his seat for a women or an elderly person.
I have witnessed him helping complete strangers. He assisted an elderly lady who needed a case of water put in her car. He ran over to a woman who was struggling to keep her father from falling over. He is always willing to help others without expecting anything in return. He does good deeds because he is a good man.
If money was no object what would you be doing?
If money were no object, I would become a Philanthropist. My husband and I donate to various charities on a monthly basis, but do have a budget. If we money were no object, we would be able to create a foundation and support charities who are close to our hearts; i.e. children, the homeless, wounded military personnel, food banks, etc.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My mother and father were originally from Mexico. When we migrated to the United States, my father had a low-paying job as a chef and my mother was a stay-home mom. My parents managed to provide financial support to their family in Mexico.
When we were young, my parents would go down to Tijuana, Mexico to visit family members and donate food, clothing, and at times, money. My parents did not have very much money, but they demonstrated to their children the importance of helping those in need.
My mother was an advocate of giving to others. She would say, “We are blessed with what we have. We should always try to help others who may need a little bit of help.”
I came across this saying by St. Ignatius of Loyola years later: “Teach me to give and not to count the cost.” It reminded me of my parents and has been my motto in giving to others.
Isn’t she beautiful?
Much Love,
Annmarie Gianni
“Teaching People About Beauty From the Inside Out”
*****
(If you’re interested in being featured as one of our Beautiful Voices, please email us at info [at] annmariegianni.com.)
Leave a Reply