So you’re wondering how I became a triple threat? Well, let me break it down for you! I’m not just a woman-owned business and a proud Latina entrepreneur, but I recently discovered that I qualify to identify as a disabled-owned business, too. That last one is the game changer and the driving force behind why I started my own venture.
You see, I’m an amputee – left below the knee – due to a car accident my younger sister and I had when I was seven and she was six years old back in the 70s. That accident shaped our lives in ways I’m still unpacking today. Did it throw me some curveballs? Absolutely. But you know what? No complaints here. It is what it is, and I’ve learned to roll with the punches. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I’m not the type to sit around and mope or feel sorry for myself. Things happen in life and you can sit and cry about it or motivate yourself to move forward. I have had a great family and my mom was instrumental in making me feel like I am “normal” whatever that means. Not having a limb doesn’t define you as a person, it just means sometimes you have to listen to your body and rest a little more.
When it comes to my Latin roots, I couldn’t be prouder! Both my parents were born in Puerto Rico, and I absolutely adore my heritage. Thanks in large part to my two Abuelita’s (grandmothers) who exposed me to our food, two opposing religions, and so much love. My two grandmothers were each other’s best friends so I had the best in my world. In addition, they taught me how to read, write, and speak Spanish. However, being a US born Latina I learned to master a new language — Spanglish! There’s something amazing about meeting a fellow Latino and effortlessly flowing back and forth between Spanish and English. It’s the language of my heart, and I can easily read both languages simultaneously without missing a beat.
Now, let’s talk about being a woman in business. In my previous ventures, I owned a radio show, a newspaper, and a website – all pretty much male-oriented businesses. My papa (father), Daniel Gonzalez, played a huge role in preparing me for this world. He taught me never to let anyone take me for a fool. His advice, delivered in Spanish, has always stuck with me. I’m deeply grateful for those lessons; he instilled in me the determination to be a go-getter. To do research, to be a life long learner. I appreciate my parents for their distinctive lessons that allowed me the woman I am today. What a treasure. Are they perfect nope, not in the slightest, but that’s okay. Imperfection gives you character. I think so anyway.
So here I am again, embarking on my next journey in the business world, and let me tell you, I’m loving every minute of it! It’s exciting and I encourage anyone reading this to go for it. Gather your support system around you. When those ‘gremlins’ pop up—what my friend, Venessa called the negative self-talk that creeps in, making you feel like an imposter—reach out to your support system and let them remind you why you can do this. Believe in yourself. Don’t listen to those gremlins. YOU CAN DO IT!!!
Whether you’re a woman, latin, or disable, and dare I add a 4th threat — older individual. Yes, you can motivate, inspire, empower, and show that you CAN overcome challenges. Do your best to help the younger and future generation see you succeed so that they can make it happen for themselves too. Let’s keep pushing boundaries, uplifting each other, and taking on the world together!