Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Guerrero.
Hi Olivia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well it all started when I was put into a foster home from the age of 4 months old until the age of 7. I was fortunate enough to be in a loving & healthy home, but my foster mother would care for other foster children who were unfortunately badly abused by the time the kids arrived at our home. I would see the trauma it caused them. At age 7, I moved back with my biological mother per court order. From age 7 to 14, I was abused & neglected. I grew up wondering why my mom didn’t love me and why she pulled me out of a loving environment to only end up in a chaotic and unhealthy environment. God was looking out for me and gave me the foresight to see what my future held if I didn’t get out of that environment. At 14 years old I managed to run away to my Aunt’s home. I didn’t run away for reasons teens run away such as parents are too strict or to defy. My reason for running away was the complete opposite. I knew if I didn’t run away, with no choice of mine, I’d follow in my biological mom’s footsteps and be into gangs, drugs, etc. I ran away to my aunt’s house, who fought for me in court and put me back into a healthy and loving environment. My grades immediately rose. I was involved in dance, baton twirling, softball and long distance track. I went to therapy to process the abuse and was emancipated by the age of 17. Now at 46 years old, I’m a mom of one wonderful 27-year-old son. I’m a successful Data Operations Specialist for Indeed.com. Bodybuilding, mentoring and volunteering at our local animal shelter are my hobbies. I now use my story of abuse I endured for 7 years to mentor troubled female youth here in Austin. My goal is to mentor for as long as God allows me to give the girls / youth hope.
My goal is to let them know they are not alone and have options and resources to prevent them from following in the same toxic footsteps as their caregivers. There are people out there who are cheering and believe in them. They don’t have to be a product of their environment and I’m living proof of this.
Wild Moon is in the embryo stages. Currently, Wild Moon has gym totes sold on Etsy, and a portion of the proceeds will go to Austin Angels and Fostering Angels, with our local foster charities here in Austin, Texas. Wild Moon’s end goal is to be able to conduct mentoring & fitness seminars for youth all over the US. Inspiring youth to have a stress outlet. Instead of picking fights, being angry, turning to drugs or unhealthy outlets, fitness is a great way to relieve all of the above. Which also influences them to find a niche in fitness, stay out of trouble, learn how to compete and be disciplined in a healthy manner and ultimately push themselves to levels they never knew they had.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve learned early on , I was expected to be a product of society. Turn out to be a menace to society and a failure in life. Fortunately all I needed were my wonderful foster parents to set the standard for me & one person to be believe in me (my aunt). This was enough fuel to make me want to prove everyone wrong. I was determined to be healthy minded, career driven and more importantly, a wonderful mom who broke the chains of society standards. With the grace of God behind me, I was able to accomplish all the above. I’m very grateful & humble.
As far as my online store, Wild Moon Co, Unfortunately, it has not been a smooth road. Advertising costs money and people wanting to buy my totes are not a priority across social media platforms. I won’t give up. If there is one thing in life I learned is, consistency is key.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I work for Indeed Hire, located in Austin, TX. I work on our Enterprise team; I specialize in the Data Operations team. I’m known for my expertise in recruiting and talent acquisition. I’m very proud of being Indeeds Company Ambassador for 2017. I feel my patience and ability to adapt set me apart from others.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I enjoy Austin for its creativity and inspiration to be your person. I don’t like the overpopulation of our homeless people. I wish we had more shelters to provide for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WildMoonByOlivia
- Instagram: wild_moon_co_
