1. How did you come up with the idea of writing a book?
I've always wanted to write a book about the events that shaped my life but I never really knew how and when. What I did know, was that Saint Charbel would always guide me. So one day I sat at my desk and asked him to give me "the strength" to write something beautiful and meaningful that would inspire people to find the strength in them and would also help me raise fund for the development of a land in Beqaakafra where Saint Charbel used to visit a rock (grotto) and pray to God and Mother Mary until the age of 23. I wrote the book in the form of a series of quotes and was inspired by my the great Gibran Khalil Gibran.
2. Why is it important for people to read your book?
I think it is important for people to read my book so they can reflect on themselves, think about the meaning of each quote and relate them to their personal experiences.
3. What is the most valuable lesson your parents ever taught you?
My parents taught me to love people unconditionally with all my heart and to never, never give up!
4. You dedicate your book to those who are afraid. What is fear to you and how do you overcome fear in your life? Can fear be a source of motivation?
I think fear prevents people from seeing the truth. It's like wearing blurry glasses, you just can't see life clearly! This is why it's so important to overcome your fears. I overcame mine through prayer. Knowing that God is the truth guiding me in life. This is what makes me fearless. I do think fear is a source of motivation in our lives if you know how to overcome it, the fear of not being good enough is what motivates us to do better, work harder and succeed!
5. In your book, you tell us you were blessed with the gift of reading into people's souls. How does this gift affect your vision of others and the way you build relationships in your personal and professional life?
Reading into people's souls is what helps me decide whether I want to make them part of my life professionally or personally or both. It's a beautiful gift that helps me discover the true nature of someone's soul and understand who they really are. But it can sometimes be hard to have this gift when I'm disappointed to see the true nature of someone's soul and realize they are not who I would have liked them to be. In that case, I make sure to keep professional and personal lives separate.
6. With all the events of 2020 (coronavirus, the situation in Lebanon), how do you keep your strength and optimism for the future? And how do you imagine the future of humanity?
My family gives me the strength I need in life: my daughter Laura, my mother Gladys, my cat, all my loved ones keep me strong and hopeful. For me, the future of humanity is unclear. If we want a better future, people should start to learn how to love each other and appreciate culture and the power it has over us.
7. What was the most life-changing encounter in your life?
There was a time in my life when I reached a burnout point. During this difficult time, I grew closer to God and my faith only got stronger. This deeper connection to God truly changed me and made me even stronger.
8. Has there ever been times in your life that made you challenge your faith in God?
I remember this time when I thought I could no longer move forward in life. I had come to a stop so I asked God to help me but it was especially Saint Charbel that became my source of strength and inspiration. He pushed me again to achieve my dreams and projects. That was the miracle he gave me.
9. You have already accomplished many of your dreams. What are some dreams you still want to fulfill?
I have accomplished so many of them! I have worked with celebrities, I have been blessed with Laura, my wonderful daughter. I dream of doing humanitarian work, I dream of changing the world and teaching people how to love again! I have lots of dreams...
10. What is the main thing you thank God for everyday?
I thank God every day for the family he gave me, my family that has protected me and loved me my entire life. I am so grateful for that.
11. How do you love and forgive those who have disappointed you and brought you down?
I wouldn't say I get brought down by people. I don't resent people for disappointing me but it does sadden me. I can forgive people, no matter what they've done, but the one thing I cannot tolerate is people who don't show respect. I try to stay away from those people as much as possible. In the end, I tell myself we should feel sorry for those who hurt others because they are the ones who are truly hurting and need to learn how to love again.
12. To you, what are the most important words of the Bible?
There is a passage in the Bible that says we should share what we have with others. I like that a lot.
13. What are some books that inspire you and give you faith?
My faith lives in me, it doesn't come from books but I love reading books to learn more about art and culture and to be exposed to new ideas. I like the work of Gibran Khalil Gibran, Jacques Helleu, former artistic director to Chanel, I like Coco Chanel... I like people who inspire me.
14. What is the thing you love the most about life?
What I love the most about life is Life itself! I love my family and the life that was given to me by God. God gave me the life I wanted and I will always be grateful to Him.
15. What is one memory of your life you treasure the most?
The memories of my grandmother! When I was a child, I loved listening to her stories. They were beautiful stories, always full of positivity. I think it's important to remember to be positive with our children and make them dream because they deserve a life full of happiness.
16. When you feel down and need advice about something, who do you go talk to?
I go talk to my mother, whom I love with all my heart. My mother is such a strong woman and she's given me the best advice I need in life.
17. What is one motto that defines you and who you have become?
If I had to choose one word to describe me it would be STRENGTH.
18. If you could go back to the past, what advice would you give to your younger-self?
If I had to go back in time, I think I would live my life the same way but I would tell myself not to be afraid to go and meet people, not to be afraid to cry and not to be afraid to live life fully. Things happen in life. I had an accident when I was younger, but those things should not stop us from living life to the fullest!
19. Your family is very important to you. What does family mean to you?
Family gives you safety, full support and most importantly, love! Family is so important to me because they has always believed in me and in the things I could accomplish.
20. Finally, once your readers have read your book, what is the main message you want them to remember and keep in their hearts?
I want my readers to keep their love for life! I want them to know life is beautiful and that anything is possible! It is their love for Life that can change the world and their support that can give a new splendor to the Rock of the Saint!
Don't be afraid, believe in God, believe in Life!
