I’m so blessed to be able to work in the industry I love, and share my experiences on this blog each week. I often hear people comment on the fact that I have my own business and career at such a young age, but taking on responsibilities like mine seemed like the most natural path, especially since this work ethic was modeled to me since I was a child.

My mom, Gesuina Setzu, was a young, single parent who worked tirelessly at her job, school and at home. She has always instilled in me the importance of treating myself with care and rewarding my work with a bit of indulgence. In our case, my mom’s great style and taste for luxury groomed my passion for beauty and fashion. My mom celebrated her successes by treating us both. I looked forward to her business trips since she would often return with a fashionable gift that was new and exotic in my eyes.

My favorite childhood memories are my birthdays, since my mom always went out of her way to make a big deal out of my day. Whether she threw a big party, whisked us on a weekend trip, or treated my friends to a Girls’ Day, my mom has always had a knack for making me feel truly special. Now that I’m an adult, she still manages to amaze me on my birthday. For my 24th last year, she took me to LA for the American Music Awards. We shopped in Beverly Hills and she helped me choose my very first Chanel handbag.

Just 19 when she had me, my mother has always been beautiful and charismatic—qualities that I know will be with her forever. We grew up together in many ways, and our bond seems to me a blend of a mother-daughter and sister relationship because we are so close. I can call her at any time and know that she will talk to me with love, honesty and humor. I’m lucky to count her as my best friend, and wish my mom a very happy Mother’s Day.

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