I am the daughter of immigrant parents. I was born in Mexico and came to the United States at the age of nine. I have three brothers and two sisters. My family has always lived in the San Gabriel Valley. I am the proud aunt of four nieces and nephews. I live in Monrovia with my partner, Norma, and our two furry babies, Hannah and Kadee.
I am an active person. I enjoy hiking, running, and exercising. I love travel, dining, gardening and spending time with family and friends.
I am an entrepreneur and owner of Yaya Fitness, a mobile personal training business, and I’m working on a new venture, Frendii, a friendship club for women who are looking to meet new friends.
I am also an active supporter of the business community. As such, I support the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce and also serve on their Board. I truly believe in giving back to my community. I’m also a member of Monrovia Rotary Club.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family is originally from Mexico. My parents are good, simple people with strong values. Be a good human being, respect others, and work hard. These values guide me to this day.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am the owner of Yaya Fitness, a mobile personal training business since 2015. I have recently launched a new business, frendii, a friendship club for women who are looking to meet female friends to go out and do the things they love. What I love about the work that I do, both personal training and frendii, is that I help women live their best, happy life. Regular exercise promotes good health. Having friends and spending time with friends also promotes good health.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I have more than a couple of favorite restaurants. Bella Sera, London, The Saltner, Jake’s, Cafe X20, Merengue Bakery, The Monrovian, and Mikomi Sushi
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Monrovia since 2008
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Steve Baker is by far the most interesting person I have met. He is a treasure because he knows all the history of our community.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would travel to Portugal. It is a country that has been on my list. I have visited London, Paris, and Rome – it is time to go to Lisbon. Great weather, cuisine, architecture, and culture are just a few of the reasons.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Seinfeld
Q: What advice would you give to people?
The advice I would give is to be present. Enjoy the moments you have with family and friends. Enjoy the time you have with your pets. Life can be so stressful with various commitments stretching us thin. Don’t take the people you are with for granted. Be present.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To travel to Australia
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Rolling Stones
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Supreme Court Judge Sonia Sotomayor. I want to hear how it feels to serve on the highest bench and the legacy she wants to leave behind as the first Latina Supreme Court Judge. I would invite her to The Saltner, because I understand food and wine are her thing.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love Library Park. I feel like this park can be enjoyed by all, regardless of political leanings, history, or beliefs. It is easy to sit on the green grass or on a bench and enjoy the trees, the people, and feel that you are part of your community.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself living in Monrovia and running a successful frendii venture.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
One thing that people don’t know about me is that I used to be part owner of a coffee house in Whittier in the early 2000s. Since I am a lover of coffee I thought it would so cool to open a coffee house. I loved the experience.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Villars in the Swiss Alps in the winter
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I love November and Thanksgiving.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I am not sure
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Norma, my partner, inspires me to be better.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
I love the smell of eucalyptus leaves and lavender
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
peace, love, cozy
