Cristina.

Cristina came into my life by chance. No big introduction. No long buildup. Just one of those moments where you meet someone and immediately understand why your paths crossed. I interviewed to work with her and we just clicked.

From the very beginning, she was exactly who she is. Clear. Grounded. Unapologetic.

She made her goals known early on and I instantly respected that. Cristina isn’t tough in a loud, intimidating way. She’s tough in the way that only comes from living a full life. The kind of tough that’s built from experience, from choosing growth even when it’s uncomfortable.

She knows who she is. She knows what she wants. She knows where she’s going.

And she doesn’t waver.

🦩 Her No-Nonsense Focus Is a Superpower

(When you know the goal, the noise disappears)

One of the things I admire most about Cristina is her directness. She sets expectations, she communicates her needs and she deeply understands her own value. There is no guessing and there is no unnecessary noise.

That kind of directness builds real safety. It allows the people around her to grow because they know exactly where they stand at all times. That is rare in this world.

🦩 Hustle With a Heart

Cristina hustles, there is no doubt about it. But it is never at the expense of people. She works hard and still finds the time to invest deeply in others. She shows up, she listens and she pours in. Without her, I would not be where I am today.

She believed in me from the very start and she made that belief obvious. Honestly, I think she still believes in me more than I believe in myself some days. She did not just open doors for me; she kicked me through them and somehow managed to end every phone call with an “I love you, babes.” And I truly love her, too.

🦩 Showing Up When It Matters Most

Cristina has walked me through more hard seasons than I can count. She has done it with honesty and grace, never sugarcoating the truth but never withholding her love. She showed up for me from the very get-go, even before we were friends, because that’s her nature.

There was one line she said to me on the hardest day of my life- she said “Look outside and tell me what’s real for Leslie.” She didn’t have to stop in the middle of that business call to calm me down, but she did and switched my outlook in the moment and for the rest of my life. She’s become the voice in my head when life gets hard.

In so many ways, she has been a mother figure to me. She is direct but nurturing. She is strong but endlessly compassionate. She knows when to push and when to hear you out. That kind of love is something I aspire to show to the people in my life.

🦩 A Living Example of Leadership

(Love in action)

Watching Cristina build businesses is inspiring. She understands systems, she knows her audience and she leads with intention. Even with marriage, family and her own busy schedule, I know in my bones that if I called her right now, she would answer and take time to talk me through it.

She does not owe me that. She is not tied to me in any way, not related to me and she has no obligation whatsoever. And yet, she consistently chooses to show up. That is love in action and I am over here soaking it up and learning from it every single day.

 🦩 Final Thoughts

Cristina has taught me far more than business standards. She has taught me how to pick myself up and she has reminded me what actually matters. She has shown me how to serve others with no strings attached. She has been the parent I need when I need one and the best friend when I need to get it together.

Thank you, Cristina. Thank you for believing in me and loving me through every version of myself.

Talk soon,

L