VMP Covergirl - Andie Kosko
This week’s VMP Covergirl is……. ANDIE KOSKO!!!
The instant I met Andie I knew we’d get along great! She’s spunky and her sense of humor is spot ON! That spunk served her well in her career as an HR manager in a male-dominated field and allowed her to grow into the woman she is proud to be today. Read on for more about Andie.
She had this to say about her role models:
“I would have to say that my role model is my mum. However, I didn't really appreciate fully the sacrifices she made for us until I was a little older and had a better understanding of life and the struggles people go through. She arrived in London in the late 1950's with little money, and unable to speak the language. She and my father were living in one room at a relative’s house with two small children and another one on the way until they had saved enough money for a place of their own. It wasn't until years later that I realized it was my mother who was the glue that kept the family together. She (as well as my father) instilled in me a strong work ethic, and the belief that hard work eventually pays off. They taught me to fight for what I believe in, and never give up. And perhaps more importantly, be kind to others, for we never know what they are going through.”
On turning 50:
“Since turning 50 I've learned to be more accepting of certain things. My values have not changed - in fact, if anything, I feel more passionately about the issues that are important to me. I look at myself through wiser eyes now. Although I may not look the same as I did in my 20s, 30s and even my 40s, each wrinkle represents something I've been through and survived, every line represents the lessons I've learned along the way. And when I look in the mirror now, I feel proud of the woman I've become. I care less about the small stuff now. I care more about the issues in life and the world that matter to me. I take more time for me - whether it's to sit quietly and read a book, or go for a walk with my dogs, I've learned to appreciate the little things in life that bring me joy.
On what advice she’d give to her younger self:
“Oh if only I had the wisdom that I now possess back in my younger days! There is so much I've learned over the years, but if I could have given advice to my younger self it would have been to believe in myself, be true to myself, and to have the courage to walk away when I needed to.”
“My advice to any woman coming up to turning 50 is simply to 'be you'. Be okay with you! Love you! Love the lines and the wrinkles and the knowledge and strength they have given you. What I know now is that I am a strong, independent woman who loves hard and will not be defined by her story.”
Andie brought her Greek roots and inner Sophia Loren to her session and I loved every minute of getting to create with her! She really wanted to celebrate her journey as a woman and we did just that It’s also her birthday this month, so join me in wishing her a happy birthday!
