TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY.
I have been married for 18 years to my husband, Perry Daniel, we have three children: Chris, Corey, Courtni, and one stepson, Cameron. I am also the grandmother of three grandchildren. They are Lyndon, Raje, and Layla. My mother, Carmen Quinones, and stepfather, Daniel Quinones, raised me in North Philadelphia. I have six brothers and two sisters between my biological mother and father, and I am the eldest of all my siblings.
Growing up, I was incredibly blessed to live across the street from my grandparents. This allowed me to have a close relationship with my grandmother. Growing up, I enjoyed playing outdoors; this was a big part of my childhood. I was fortunate to spend most of my time outside with my family and friends; I always had at least one play date every day.
Celebrations were an important part of my family dynamic; we always celebrated something as a family. My most cherished childhood memories are when my extended family would gather at my grandparent’s house for Sunday dinner. I was blessed to have a loving and fun-filled childhood.
I attended Catholic School throughout my academic career. During high school, I attended Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls. This was an experience I will treasure forever. My time at Little Flowers molded me into the woman I am today. To this day, I have a bond with my LF sisters that will last a lifetime.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT PROFESSION AND HOW DID YOU MAKE THAT CHOICE?
I discovered that I wanted to be an author when I was a freshman in high school. I believe this was when my creativity and ambition peaked. During my high school days, my creativity and imagination grew stronger. I started writing poetry and music, sketching, and drawing. I developed these creative hobbies when I was young. During this time, I began dreaming of writing a children’s book. I am proud that I eventually accomplished my goal.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR OTHER DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH?
Growing up, my head was always in the clouds. I liked to pretend to be someone else or that I lived somewhere else. I played with baby dolls and barbies, pretending they lived how I wanted to live. I used to imagine I had powers and could make things happen. I still wish I had powers, lol. I used my imagination in everything I did and continue to use it in everything I do now. As I got older, my creative hobbies did not change, and I finally made one of my dreams come true. I am now a published children’s book author.
How do you maintain your integrity in an otherwise highly competitive and sometimes unscrupulous industry, as business at times can be cutthroat?
I was not intimidated by my journey into the competitive industry of being an author of children’s books. I have and will maintain who I am. I know what I am capable of adding to the wonderful world of books.
What advice do you have for others who want to live in their calling?
I believe it is impossible to write creatively if you feel you are expected to write. Prospective authors should be sure that writing is their career choice. Some writers don’t earn much, even if their book gets sold.
How do you maintain your focus when you have competing demands? What method do you use to prioritize these demands?
Besides being an author, I am co-owner of Frontline Security Solutions, LLC. We are a family-run security company specializing in security solutions for homes and businesses. I maintain a healthy work-life by balancing being an owner of a company and a published author. It’s important to set aside time to do both without losing yourself. I believe in self-love and self-care. It’s an integral part of what keeps me going.
Would you consider yourself a driven person? What makes you a powerhouse? What is the source of your strength?
I have always considered myself a driven person. I am constantly making moves, always making plans, achieving goals, and working on fulfilling my dreams. Whatever I want, I go after it. There’s nothing I can’t accomplish that I set my mind to achieving. I am a very confident woman, and I have never been scared to reach for the stars. “I can’t” has never been a part of my vocabulary when working on a goal I set out to achieve.
My strength has always been my family, and my drive has always been the love I have to succeed. That’s what makes me a powerhouse woman.
What is your definition of peace? What is your definition of success? How do you remain true to yourself?
My definition of peace is being alone, having quiet time to gather my thoughts, and giving myself time to rejuvenate. Once I am at peace with myself, life flows beautifully. It then comforts my everyday work life and personal life. When I am at peace, any lingering doubts about slowing down or giving up are removed.
I measure my success by my happiness. I consider myself successful when I’m happy with myself, the people I connect with, and those I bring joy to.
What type of legacy do you wish to leave?
The legacy I leave is that I want people to remember most about me that being creative comes naturally to me. I am a consistent person, and no matter how well I do in life, I will also be true to myself and those around me.
