Beautiful Voices: Annmarie Gianni!

Sebastian and I in Peru

You may have read some of the previous Beautiful Voices posts here on the blog…

The goal of this series was to showcase beautiful women who are an inspiration to me, to you, and who also happen to use Annmarie Skin Care!

Today, I wanted to share a little about myself, so that you can get to know who I am.  Sound good?

Then let’s get into it…

Why did you start the Beautiful Voices series?

I started Beautiful Voices so women would know that they are not alone, but also to inspire and to create a community of beautiful women just like you…for all those reasons and more. So many of us have a story to tell that others can learn from, but there’s rarely a place to share it. We’ve lost the wisdom of our mothers and our ancestors, so why not create an online forum where we could read inspiring stories about women who are making their own space in this world? So here I have created a safe place for mothers, daughters, sisters, and grandmothers to share their stories to create a space of comfort, support, and inspiration.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is you! It may sound strange, but it’s true. Everything I do is done to help others, and this mission – Annmarie Skin Care – is to help you rediscover your youth using the wisdom of nature.

Another inspiration to me is Sebastian and the Qero tribe in Peru. These people, until recently, have lived in the Andes Mountains since before the times of the Incas. They are strong, lighthearted, and provide such an admirable example of community and support.

Also, my soul mate, Kevin, is a huge inspiration to me. He keeps me on my toes, motivates me, and helps me remember why I do what I do.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

You want me to pick just one? Who came up with these questions, lol!

First was my education. I always struggled with the conventional way of learning. Unfortunately, my parents did not know of any other options for me and kept me in public school. How I got through my learning challenges was by getting involved in athletics. Somehow, I learned if my body was in motion my mind could tackle much more. Also, sports really helped with my self esteem, because I was able to find something I was really good at.

These days, I understand how I learn best, and that is by being totally and completely hands-on (maybe that is why I was so good at sports?). For other people who learn like me, I hope standardized testing evolves into testing to see how kids learn best, and then puts them on a learning track that highlights the best way for them to succeed.

Another one of my biggest challenges when I was growing up was making some silly mistakes by treating some people in a way that may have hurt them. I am sure my low self esteem was related to my poorer grades and challenges with school, but I never should have expressed this in a hurtful way to anyone. I don’t think I’ve ever spoken publicly about this, but it is still on my mind and I feel this is the best time to share it and apologize to anyone I might have hurt. I made some silly mistakes as all teenage girls do and hurt some good people in the process. Since then, I have really taken into account how my actions will make others feel. I feel this experience is directly related to what I do now!

Third was being stuck in a work environment that was very limiting to me. The work I did before as an Athletic Trainer was fulfilling, but I never felt I was rewarded for my time financially. With the help of my husband we started our own business and here I am today – appreciative, caring, and in service. 🙂

If money was no object what would you be doing?

I am doing it! Helping people is what I love! The next step for me is to work a little more with skin care policy and product regulation to rally against the horrible chemicals that are used in cosmetics, but I’ve just started this path…stay tuned.

Also, I’d like to spend some more time helping all the tribes that have been affected by the modern way of living to help them transition into modern society smoothly and also to help them preserve their heritage.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?

“See one, do one, teach one.” This was a motto given to me in a college athletic training class and I still use it today. First, you see someone do something, then you do it yourself to internalize it, and, finally, you teach another what you’ve learned.

Since my college days, I’ve adjusted this motto to read like this…

“See one living life as you would want to live, learn from them, and teach others who want to learn.”

Where and when do you feel most at peace?

Being outside in nature. Throughout my entire life, anytime I have been stressed I’ve really felt my best after taking a nice long hike or run outside.

What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty to me is not only something tangible or someone looking pretty – it is an action; it is respecting others, yourself, the environment, and all of Mother Nature’s creatures.

Beauty is also living according to your heart and intuition – opening up your heart and listening to what it tells you.

What makes you feel beautiful?

Using my products of course, LOL! There are a lot of things that make me feel beautiful so I will just list them…

1.  Getting a compliment from someone
2.  Giving a compliment
3.  Making someone smile
4.  Lending a helping hand
4.  Being in nature
5.  Being with friends and family
6.  Eating healthy
7.  Sleeping well
8.  Thinking happy thoughts
9.  Holding hands with my husband
10.  Smelling flowers
11.  Walking in the rain
12. Sweating

There are more, but let’s start with these!

What’s your favorite beauty secret or tip?

Sleep, water, and exercise!  There is no secret here, just good old-fashioned taking care of yourself!

What do you do when you want to pamper yourself?

I love to take baths, walk barefoot in nature, do yoga, breathe, read a good book.

How does Annmarie’s mission fit into your lifestyle?

It IS my lifestyle, hehe. :-)I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What are your words of wisdom to other beauties out there…

Speak, act and love from your heart! Everything else will follow…

(If you’re interested in being featured as one of our Beautiful Voices, please email us at info [at] annmariegianni.com)

Much Love,
Annmarie Gianni
“Teaching People About Beauty From the Inside Out”