Beautiful Voices is our ongoing blog series that highlights inspiring, empowering women. Our most recent Beautiful Voice is Elisabeth Williams. See what she says when Annmarie asks her some questions about her own personal beauty.
Lis wants to help make a positive impact in the world through her innovative philanthropic community, AWE Partners. She is passionate about educating women on allocating their charitable dollars for maximum impact. Additionally, she encourages them to discover meaning through sharing their gifts and talents in service to the world, a practice she calls “Spiritual Philanthropy.” Lis is particularly focused on issues related to the empowerment of women and children worldwide.
What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
A couple of years ago I was struggling. Struggling to deal with emotions that I had pushed down deep inside. Struggling to find a deeper connection to life. Struggling to face my fear of going back out into the real world after fifteen years as a stay-at-home mom.
Although I had loved being a mother and staying home to raise my kids, they were getting older and I had always felt like something was left undone in my life. I hadn’t peaked in my career and when I stepped out, I stepped out completely.
The thought of going back was frightening. How could I possibly compete with younger women? How would I explain the gap on my resume? How will I ever figure out how to use all of this newfangled technology?
About this time, my first order of Annmarie Gianni Skin Care arrived. Tucked inside was a small postcard with the following quote from Anais Nin: “And then the day came when the pain to remain closed tight in a bud became more than the pain it took to blossom.”
That quote really touched me and I knew the day had indeed come. I could no longer remain closed regardless of my fear. It was time to blossom!
I kept that postcard next to the sink in my bathroom so I would see it each morning and I began taking one step at a time. Completed my resume. Got my first job. Quit my first job. And started my new company, AWE Partners. It is truly a dream come true! My goal is to encourage, inspire, and empower women to use their gifts and talents in service to the world.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Live fearlessly! For so long I allowed my fears to keep me in bondage and unable to live fully. When I finally accepted that fear is going to be present anytime I step outside my comfort zone and embrace life—then everything changed for me.
What does beauty mean to you?
For me, beauty means being authentically who you are in the world. The people I find most beautiful have done their soul work, found their truth, and are living the life they were destined to live—becoming all they were meant to be.
How does Annmarie’s mission fit into your lifestyle?
Annmarie’s mission is about challenging the status quo and doing good for yourself and the planet. When I am most authentically myself I find that I live counter-culturally. I don’t “fit in” or do things the way everyone else does them. I take care of me and as a result I can better care for others and the world.
What are your words of wisdom to other beauties out there?
There is beauty inside each and every one of us just waiting to shine for the whole world to see. We must never, ever let fear keep us from sharing our truth! Just look around. The world is crying out for you to blossom and inspire others to embrace their own beauty, conquer their fears, and live their dream.
Isn’t she beautiful?
Much Love,
Annmarie Gianni
“Teaching People About Beauty From the Inside Out”
*****
(If you’re interested in being featured as one of our Beautiful Voices, please email us at info [at] annmariegianni.com.)
Thank you, Elisabeth! I really needed to read this today. Going through so much and am so divided about my plans. I finally installed my new PC Tuesday (after leaving it UNOPENED since March!) and am excited about starting anew after a long bout and recovery period from thyroid cancer and the subsequent surgery. So your words really touched my heart and spoke to my soul.
Thank you, dear sister!
My father and I get warts on our hands every five or so years. We found one of the cheapest ways is to soak your hand in Dawn Dishsoap mixed with water. It works best when the wart just starts growing.
Elisabeth…I just read your contribution to “Beautiful Voices” and everything resonated with me. I feel like we are kindred spirits! It’s always comforting and empowering knowing I’m not alone. Thank you for sharing.