I’m a lover and a fighter.
I think I learned both at the same time.
Growing up in a Mexican restaurant
in downtown Laredo
that was my whole world.
I’d be taking naps under my mom’s desk
while everything around me was just loud.
Hot, chaotic, nonstop.
Una orden para la mesa seis!”
“¿Nombre?”
Plates hitting, people yelling,
orders going in and out
and somehow... it all worked.
Three women in the kitchen.
One at the register.
Another running food.
No breaks, no complaining
just doing what needed to get done.
That’s where the fighter in me comes from.
Not like fighting loud
but showing up every single day.
Doing things evn when you’re tired.
Building something with your family
instead of just doing your own thing.
That kind of sacrifice...
But I’m a lover too.
Raised by tias
who always had the best music playing.
Photography: Gabriela Padilla | @poize_photography
Creative Direction/Compositions: @_xoxoleann | @borderchildpro
Makeup: Ramiro Banda | @glambyramm
PA: Sandra Bernal
