Adriana Trejo shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Adriana, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Who are you learning from right now?
Right now, I’m learning HVAC and Lashes—two completely different fields that challenge me in unique ways. But more than that, I’m learning that I can truly do anything I set my mind to. I’m stepping outside my comfort zone, trying new things, and embracing the process of growth. Every new skill I take on reminds me that it’s never too late to evolve, expand, and redefine what’s possible for myself. I’m learning to be open, flexible, and fearless—and that has been the biggest lesson of all.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Adriana, and I’m in a season of growth, discovery, and simply going with the flow of life. I’m currently learning HVAC, lashes, and expanding my permanent makeup brand—but more than anything, I’m learning myself. I’m stepping outside of my comfort zone, trying new things, and reminding myself daily that I can do anything I set my mind to.
What makes my journey unique is that I’ve had to rebuild from the ground up. I’m a mom, a soon to be grandma, a woman of faith, and someone who truly believes in the power of starting over. After spending years in Texas building my skills and business, I returned to Rockford, Illinois to raise my kids near family and give them a grounded, loving environment. It was a big shift—but it’s been a blessing.
Right now, I’m leaning into unfamiliar spaces and letting God guide me. I’m learning to be more open—to new paths, new passions, and new possibilities. My brand is rooted in confidence, transformation, and purpose. Whether I’m enhancing someone’s beauty or learning a new trade, my goal is the same: to show women what’s possible when you choose faith over fear and believe in yourself, no matter what chapter you’re in.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Life hasn’t been easy for me. I’ve had my share of pain, heartbreak, and disappointment. I’ve been deeply hurt by people I loved—and I’ve also been on the other side, where I was the one who caused hurt or broke a beautiful bond. Both experiences were painful, but they’ve shaped me in powerful ways.
Through it all, I’ve learned that forgiveness is essential—not just for others, but for me. Carrying bitterness or anger only held me back. I had to learn to let go so I could truly be free. And with God, I’ve seen that nothing is beyond healing. He can restore what’s broken, even when it feels impossible—if we’re willing to be honest, humble, and open to change.
These experiences have shaped me into someone who wants to be better every single day. I try hard to put myself in other people’s shoes, to lead with compassion, and to walk through life with kindness. I genuinely don’t want to hurt anyone—not through my actions, my words, or even misunderstandings. I know what pain feels like, and I never want to be the source of that for someone else.
What breaks bonds is often ego, pride, assumptions, and silence when we need honesty. But what restores them is grace, accountability, forgiveness, and a willingness to truly listen. At the end of the day, I believe love and understanding can heal almost anything—and with God, even broken pieces can become something beautiful again.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me things success never touched. It showed me who I really am when everything is stripped away—when there’s no applause, no recognition, just me, my pain, and God. It taught me how to lean on faith when I had nothing else to stand on. In those quiet, broken moments, I found strength I didn’t know I had and a closeness to God I never would’ve reached in comfort.
Suffering taught me how to be still, how to listen, how to forgive. It softened my heart and gave me eyes to see others differently. It made me more compassionate, more humble, more aware of how deeply people hurt behind their smiles. It’s why I try so hard to walk gently through life—to be kind, to not judge, and to never add to someone else’s pain.
Success feels good, but it can be loud, fast, and even distracting. Suffering slows you down and humbles you. It teaches you gratitude, patience, and trust. It reminds you what truly matters—not things, but people. Not perfection, but growth. Not comfort, but character.
I wouldn’t wish for the pain I’ve gone through, but I wouldn’t trade the wisdom it gave me either. Because in my suffering, I found purpose. And that’s something success alone could never give me.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire anyone who leads with kindness—people who treat others with love, respect, and humility, no matter how much success or status they have. It’s easy to get caught up in titles and power, but what really stands out to me is character.
I’ve been blessed to know people like this in my own life—those who didn’t look down on me, who gave me a chance when I was still figuring things out. Some of them had every reason to act superior, but instead, they extended a hand, spoke life into me, and treated me with dignity. That stayed with me. It inspired me to do the same for others.
I admire the ones who show up with grace, who help without needing credit, and who stay true to who they are regardless of what they’ve accomplished. That’s the kind of heart I want to have—and the kind of person I hope to be.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope they say I was love in human form. That I made people feel safe, accepted, and seen—especially when they didn’t feel that way anywhere else. I hope they remember how I smiled through the storms, how I kept going when it would’ve been easier to give up, and how my faith never wavered—even when life tried to break me.
I want people to say that I didn’t just talk about grace—I lived it. That I gave second chances, believed in the underdog, and chose kindness, even when it wasn’t returned. I hope they say I made them feel like they mattered, like they could be themselves around me without fear of judgment.
More than anything, I want them to say that my life pointed to God. That through my imperfections, my love, my fight to keep growing—I reflected something bigger than myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.bookvivalabrow.com
- Instagram: Adriana.VivaLaBrow
- Facebook: Adriana Trejo
