Grandmothers Secret Alter Egos

In the tapestry of life, where threads of time and memory intertwine, few relationships are as enduring and precious as the one we share with our grandmothers. They are the keepers of our family's history, the bearers of age-old wisdom, and the custodians of the heartwarming, sometimes mysterious, secrets that have been handed down through generations.

For me, this bond with my grandmothers was like no other. It was a tapestry woven with threads of love, resilience, and the pursuit of the American dream. From their first true loves to their initial experiences in the United States, their stories were a source of endless fascination and inspiration.

Two Remarkable Women, Two Extraordinary Lives

My grandmothers were women of strength and character, each with a unique story to tell.

One of them arrived in the United States with dreams in her heart and a glimmer of stardust in her eyes. Her journey led her to a surprising profession—ironing. But not just any ironing; she found herself delicately pressing Frank Sinatra's white shirts, among other illustrious garments. In a world filled with the allure of Hollywood and the seductive melodies of the Rat Pack, she was there, smoothing the fabric that graced the backs of some of the era's most iconic figures. Her tales of late nights, the soft crooning of Sinatra, and secret smiles exchanged under the shimmering lights left an indelible mark on my heart.

My other grandmother embarked on her journey during one of the hottest and most challenging periods in America's industrial history. She toiled in the sweltering heat of the Gillette factories, her determination unwavering even in the face of adversity. Her resilience and unshakable commitment to her work inspired not only me but all those around her. She was a living testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering spirit of those who forged the nation's path through industrial growth.

BUT WAIT.....

There was a side of them I don't even think they knew about themselves but they shared with me. They were both so funny and now as I  think of it they were BOSSY and CLASSY. 

My grandmother Faustina, I call her alter ego Tina with the lonnnnnnng hair. In my mind she was a model dressed to the finest threads down to her bra. I mean when Tina showed up to a room in her RBF 9(resting B face) and that fresh roller set look, you would think she was a white rich woman from the East Side of New York City.  I can't wait to share more of her stories like her journey into America and how determination and ( the Virgin Mary, ) made everything possible; like almost getting locked up on Canal Street in New York City.

My grandmother Felicita, picture this tall long legs 5'7 with curves and this large beautiful  smile with a twinkle in her eye. I call her alter ego Feli. She was very assertive and spoke her mind. I mean now and days she would be in some boardroom telling everyone off getting what she wants done now not yesterday. She was a country girl so her stories and analogies will have you literally peeing in your pants.  I can't wait to share more of her stories like what it felt like to confront your true love as a Golden Girl.

A Bond That Defied Time and Distance

As with most grandchildren, I spent lots of moments with my grandmothers, cherishing the fragments of time that our busy lives allowed. While one lived in New York I still made it my business to speak with her weekly growing up. However when I relocated to New York we were reunited.  My paternal grandmother was always with us and at one point lived in our home. But in my heart, there was a constant yearning for their presence. Even as I grew older, I held tight to my preference for sleepovers at their homes, a chance to relish their comforting embrace and hear more of their enchanting stories.

In their eyes, I was their golden girl, a link between the past and the future. Our time together was precious, filled with laughter, life lessons, and the comfort of knowing that their love was a constant in an ever-changing world.

The Inspiration Behind Felicita & Faustina

My grandmothers' wisdom, love, and the stories they shared became the cornerstone of the relationship that now serves as the guiding force behind everything we do at Felicita & Faustina. Their lives, with all their ups and downs, triumphs and challenges, have become the bedrock upon which our brand is built.

Our products, classes, and shared experiences all find their roots in the moments spent with them, living life to the fullest and finding inspiration in every corner. Their stories, much like the two sides of a coin, represent not only the past but the future, encapsulating the idea that the key to success is to stay true to oneself.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

This blog is a tribute to them, a collection of moments that keep their memories alive and inspire us each day. Their lives have become a wellspring of inspiration, a constant reminder that the pursuit of dreams, the preservation of love, and the nurturing of family bonds are the most significant endeavors in life.

Their stories are not just about them; they are about resilience, ambition, and the enduring power of love. They are about a past that has shaped us and a future we continue to shape in their honor.

In celebrating the lives of these two remarkable women, we celebrate the resilience and love that underpins the rich tapestry of family history. It's a reminder that behind every successful venture, there is a story of strength and inspiration, a story like those of my grandmothers—stories that inspire us to keep pursuing our dreams, to keep building our brand, and to keep sharing our love for life, laughter, and the pursuit of happiness.

Here's to our grandmothers and to the legacy of love and inspiration they left behind. May their stories continue to light our way and inspire the generations to come.

Your Niña Always,
Alicia