Independence

Posted on August 20, 2009
Filed Under East meets West, Guest Columnist |

By Amilya Antonetti

Choosing the theme for July was easy for me; Independence. But as I started to think about what I wanted to say, I realized that the word independence has so many meanings in my life. My brother is a Marine and my grandfather and Uncle both served in the military so I was raised with a deep respect for country. When I think about how lucky I am to live in this great country, it humbles me.

I have been blessed and have traveled all over world. With every new adventure abroad, I’m reminded of the deep gratitude that I feel to have all the opportunities provided for me in this county. Since I am a first generation Italian, I could have easily been born in another country and although that path will never be known, I am certain that my journey in life would have been a bit more challenging elsewhere. The gratitude I feel has nothing to do with politics or those political decisions that have our armed forces in harm’s way. It has everything to do with the sacrifice of all of those men and women that came before me and those today that give of themselves and their families, so that I can live a life of freedom and independence. I say a very big, “Thank you!” to all that have and do serve and God bless you.

Independence also strikes a big cord for me in that I am often tagged with the label, “Independent woman.” I can tell by the person’s tone-of-voice just how they apply the label, but for me, being an independent woman is a gift, a compliment, and simply who I am. I’m proud to say that I work very hard to take care of myself, my family, and the myriad of obligations that come with owning a business. My independence is an attribute not a statement.

Celebrating Independence this month, I asked an amazing team to join me in sharing their thoughts, ideas, and wisdom in their key areas of expertise. Larry Jackson, Jr. will talk about kids and money and how this topic can help build independence into our children’s lives right now and in the future. Dr. Andie Weiner will show us how emotional intelligence can help instill a whole new independence into our children’s journey. Lon Safko will teach you why social media is relevant in your life with an excerpt from his book, The Social Media Bible. Anthony Tesoriero, founder of Bella Bronze has a few pieces of advice for the entrepreneurs in their quest for financial independence. And finally, visit our health corner where Dr. Liz Cruz shares her passion for medicine and how our health is our foundation to independence. Join us each month for a new theme, new information, product spotlights, a few surprise guests, and some of the things that just make me just smile out loud. These are the things that I love so much that I have to say, “Luv it!” Oh, and don’t forget you can find all my Noodle Thoughts right here, too!

Join the community and enter to win some fun prizes. Yes! Giveaways, lots of them. There is so much fun stuff coming, I just can’t wait to share it all with you. Join me and invite a friend, that will really make me smile.

Here’s to Independence.

About Amilya Antonetti

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Amilya Antonetti’s authentic David and Goliath story has touched millions, featured on Oprah and in the best selling Chicken Soup for The Soul books among countless others. She is the founder of Soapworks, a business groundbreaker who’s fearless tenacity helped usher in the green and human friendly movement redefining the way the American consumers think about their everyday choices.

Amilya was a working mom when her newborn son David began experiencing frightening symptoms that forced her to spend his first years in hospital emergency rooms. Life turned upside down as she left her career to care for her son. Soon she discovered it was the side effects of toxic ingredients in many common household products unsuspectingly causing David and other children serious harm. In that moment she made a vow to help families everywhere and reveal what she had uncovered. With the help of her grandmother she discovered a recipe to make her own pure cleaning products and began giving them to friends and neighbors. Amilya risked everything; her story spread and her passion grew into a business as people across the country clamored for some of Amilya’s Soapworks.

Amilya broke down doors to take green mainstream and a decade later not only did she build a multimillion dollar company but she helped change the way America’s largest consumer products companies do business. After the sale of Soapworks, Amilya has moved on as CEO of AMA Productions and continues to evangelize her positive message through her books, speaking and websites; Amilya.com and LuckyNapkin.com. She is a frequent guest expert and addresses audiences on the topics of entrepreneurship, inspiration, women’s empowerment and green



Comments

One Response to “Independence”

  1. Franco Antonetti on August 20th, 2009 7:58 pm

    It makes me extremely proud to follow the progress of my Daughter.
    As parents we all hope and wish the best for our children and grandchildren,and our dreams are that they experience a better life than the life we lived.
    My life certainly was not the norm,or wish it on anyone, but from these experiences is where we learn to choose our future in areas of values,happiness,and personal goals.
    My sacrifices provided the foundation for my children,and my culture and ethics brought out their qualities that I certainly admire as a Dad.
    My memoir provides honest and sometimes painful details at what it takes to succeed even if you have no idea who your Dad is,and being extremely poor.

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