I was born in Guatemala but was raised in the US at a very young age. My family moved here when I was 16 years old. Traditionally, women of my culture at time were not known to advance in their education as little girls were being raised to work domestically. So, while my five brothers got to go to further their education, my two older sisters and I stayed behind to cook and clean with our Mother. This brought many challenges to my life when arriving to the States, as it caused a bit of delay in certain areas developmentally, resulting in not so glamorous work. But that didn't stop me from working hard and breaking barriers I never thought I could such as getting my GED later, graduating culinary school, learning two more languages, and finally starting my own business. I'll admit, I used to be ashamed of what little I came from but now I look back and I am proud to see how far I have come from the little countryside of Guatemala.

While moving to NYC was a better opportunity for my family, it wasn't at all glamorous. Unfortunately, for me, I had to forfeit my education to be able to work to provide an extra income at home. This set me back in getting a career. I wish I had fought more for it but that's all in the past now. But the day that I found out I was pregnant, was the day I finally felt like there was more to live for.

My daughter couldn't have been born at a more perfect time. A time where I was being betrayed by my partner and felt like no one loved me - except for this little baby girl in arms. Later on in life, she gave me the strength to take my own destiny into my own hands and push to make changes I never thought I could. She is my best friend. She brought so much meaning in my life.

I have so much to be grateful for, especially for my two grandchildren who are the world to me. It brings me so much joy to watch them grow up with all the opportunities I never had and see them flourish. And for my daughter who at a very young age helped guide me through areas I hadn't understood yet. We learned together and grew together.

Advice to other women?

don't let your past define your future. Life is about progressing and learning new things. But with that being said, always remember where you came from and don't be ashamed to tell others how far you have come. Your story may one day inspire someone to keep pushing forward.