Disclosure: Thins is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Pine-Sol® and Latina Bloggers Connect.
Ten years ago I would have never thought that my decision to move to the United States would bring with it so many challenges and that it would change me completely, for the better. When I look back I am really amazed at all that I have been through and of how different my life is. In my journey I have met and drawn inspiration from so many amazing women. I think that women have the ability to take a difficult situation and turn in around. Harnessing our passions and drawing inspiration from our family and from role models we can turn a tough situation into a positive one.
I also see that strength in my own daughter who has not let Autism stop her, works harder than any child I know and she always does everything with a smile on her face. She is my inspiration!
I love what I do. I love being my own boss, working form home and having a flexible schedule so that I can be there for my kids when they need me. Getting to where I am now was not easy and sometimes I am still amazed at how far I’ve come, how much I’ve learned and how I’ve grown. Growing up in Guatemala in a privileged environment did not prepare me for the economically challenging times I had to endure. I went from having my own apartment and a live in nanny to living with my in-laws and having to stand in line for hours at a food pantry to get food for my family because I could not apply for food stamps.
After years of looking for a job and only getting odd jobs here and there from waitressing at events to babysitting I finally decided it was time to be more proactive. Today I have my own business, we have finally moved to our own place, (after 4 years with the in laws!) and when my husband lost his job a few months ago I became the sole breadwinner in the family.
At first I was paralyzed with fear but I knew I had to provide for my kids and my family and I could no longer wait for someone to give me an opportunity. I had no money, I had no knowledge of blogging or social media but I was passionate and I know I wanted to give my children a better life so I didn’t let the difficult times stop me and set out to realize my dream.
To recognize and celebrate the remarkable women among us the makers of Pine-Sol® Products have teamed up with actress and activist Rosie Perez to launch the ‘When Life Gets Tough, Women Rise Above It’ campaign. As part of the campaign, Pine-Sol® awarded a $25,000 donation to Women Empowered, a nonprofit based in Los Angeles that connects, educates and supports women of all ages and backgrounds, inspiring them to give back to their communities. Not only that but Pine-Sol® is also giving you an opportunity to win one of many prizes by entering their sweepstakes.
Sweepstakes
Share your own story of triumph by entering the Pine-Sol sweepstakes on www.WomenRiseAboveIt.com or visit www.lasmujeresnoserinden.com en español and you could win one of many prizes.
- Once a week for 12 weeks, Pine-Sol will award one lucky winner small tokens of appreciation.(Flower bouquet + Pine Sol coupons) ARV: $150
- Three first prize winners will receive complimentary house cleaning services for a year ARV: $2,400
- One grand prize winner will be awarded an all-inclusive trip to enjoy a peaceful spa experience at a deluxe hotel. ARV: $5,000
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States & D.C. 18 years and older. Ends 1/31/14 at 11:59 a.m. PT. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, and prize descriptions, visit www.WomenRiseAboveIt.com. Void where prohibited.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
- Guatemalan Dulce de Chilacayote Recipe (Crystalized Chilacayote Candy) - February 26, 2024
- Guatemalan Naranjas en Miel Recipe (Candied Oranges Recipe) - February 25, 2024
- Traditional Guatemalan Candy - February 25, 2024
Que bella esta tu nena parecen hermanitas, loved the first picture! I know life has been hard but you are a fighter and you will succeed and and accomplish anything you want, you go girl!
Congrats Paula! it’s always nice and inspiring when I read the stories of women who came here from another country and succeed!
Thanks for sharing your story.
Hermosa historia, y es cierto..las mujeres nunca nos rendimos!!
Esoooo, las mujeres salimos adelante ante las peores condiciones y somos un ejemplo para la familia.
Me alegra saber que ya tienes el hogar que te mereces y que lo disfrutas al lado de tus seres queridos!
Son preciosas las dos, me encanta la foto, quiero decirte que sos una persona admirable, luchadora y muy dedicada, gracias por compartir tu historia y gracias por avisarnos del sorteo
Que linda tu historia, nunca rendirse ante las adversidades y luchar por nuestra familia es algo admirable y que sirve de inspiracion para muchas mujeres. Gracias por compartirla, me encanta esta campaña.
Te felicito por tus logros. Tu historia es de mucha inspiración.
Que lida historia y que bella tu hija.
Muchas felicidades por todo lo que has logrado, querida Paula.
Sigue así.
Otra historia linda que motiva.. Mil gracias por compartirla.. Excelente la campaña.
Paula, te niña esta igualita a ti!! hermosas las dos 🙂 Eres una mujer bien inspiring! Que sigas cosechando éxitos!!xo