Real Woman of Rochester | Pia LoRusso
Pia LoRusso | Age: 41 | Profession: Brow Sculptor
Q: Tell us about your journey through womanhood
A: I have always been one to color outside the lines. When I was 5 years old, I was playing with a friend outside in my yard and I had a stick in my hand, waving in front of my friends face and my mom yelled out for me to stop before I hit her in the face... well I continued and eventually hit my friend in the face. My mom came out and yelled at me, which in turn embarrassed me. So I yelled back at her and stormed off to my room where I cried and cried. My mom came up to calm me down and she said to me ‘now what it is that I always tell you?’ She was hoping my response was... ’that you always love me’. I responded ‘don’t drink and drink and drive!’
Never following rules except to never drink and drive... I’ve always been a bit anxious and ADD but these are truly gifts! it has given me more compassion (because I never want anyone to feel anxious) and has allowed me to notice everything, like feelings, energies in a room or situation... very aware of my surroundings.
Q: What would you say to another woman who may be going through something you've been through?
A: Oh if you are anxious my dear.... look at it as a gift! It gives you more emotional intelligence than you ever thought you could have! Once you are on the other side of feeling bad (because the feeling always does go away) the magic happens!
Q: What surprised you most about your photography experience?
A: Just how beautiful Natalie made me feel! Like deep down inner beauty.... whoa. It was such an amazing morning working with Natalie..
Q: How do you feel when you look at your favorite photo of yourself from your shoot?
A: OMG - I can’t believe that is really me!
Q: What would you share with a woman who doesn't think she is beautiful enough to be photographed?
A: Everyone is beautiful. Everyone.
Q: What message would you like to share with other women?
A: Be easier on yourself, life is hard enough sometimes, give yourself more credit.
Q: What are your thoughts on beauty?
A: It must come from the inside - true beauty cannot be photoshopped! We never really see what other people see anyway. because think about it... what do we see? A one dimension reflection? That’s 2 whole dimensions that are missing! Everyone sees us in 3D, but to look at our 1D of yourself?!? Believe the person that says you are beautiful- they see something you will never see!
Q: What would you say to your sixteen year old self?
A: Always be kind, everyone has story that would break your heart. Look for the goodness in this world and that is what will always surround you. The universe has your back - seriously. what you put out there (including social media) comes back - put out kindness and love and compassion- that’s what you will get in return. Your fear is full of shit.
Q: What empowering message would you like to share with young women today?
A: Some one is always watching you! (Not in a creepy way) Be gentle with your words but fierce with your message.
Q: What are your hopes for the next generation of women?
A: Everyone needs to know they have power! One of my most favorite yoga teachers at breathe, Theresa, reminded me of the Viktor Frankl quote:
“Between stimulus and response there is space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” -Viktor Frankl
In my career I am able to talk to all different types of people and when I tell people they have power, they look at me funny... kind of like I just gave them a gift that they never expected... For me, sometimes the goal of my meditation practice isn’t just to quiet my mind, but to give me a chance to pause, give myself some space to get my power.
Q: When do you feel the most beautiful?
A: Right after doing yoga! Do it - then when you get in your car check out your reflection in your rear view mirror. It’s amazing- I can see my eyes are lighter.
Q: What do you love about being a woman?
A: Everything! But mostly my boobs... (can I say that here?)