The Art of Her Project | Cecilia Schreiber

Cecilia's story is one of both heartbreak and strength. No matter which way you put it. As a mom, experiencing trust ripped away, and discovering harm had come to your child is heartbreaking. What you do with that next, requires strength and intention. And Cecilia handled this with both.

This is the Art of Cecilia.

This is the Art of Her.

Interview with Cecilia Schreiber

Jessica: Tell us about you, The woman.

Cecilia: I've lived here in Tucson for most my life. Moved here just before turning 15. My father was AirForce, so we moved frequently. I was born in California, then lived in Germany(twice), Texas and Panama. I am a momma of seven(3 boys, 4 girls). I run my own business showing families how to shop smart for their health & wellness needs. I also work part-time facilitating closed captions for the hearing-impaired.

Jessica: Tell me about the significant event that you went through and will be part of the Art of Her Project for.

Cecilia: It was something like out of a movie... I never thought I'd be "that mom." The mom whose child was being abused right under her nose, in her home. The child she was supposed to protect and didn't. How could she not see? How could she not know? What kind of a mother is she? I am Her.

Jessica: What surprised you about yourself in the moments surrounding the event.

Cecilia: My self-control. I tend to be a very reactive person. Ask my kids. I have to be super intentional with how I respond to people and circumstances. I can easily "lose my sh*t." I knew that morning, the morning I was faced with a truth I so desperately wanted to be crazy paranoid thoughts, I would need to really bring myself to my knees and be still before I said or did anything. So, I literally got down on my knees in the shower and prayed. I cried out for guidance, for self-control, for wisdom... I begged for mercy, compassion, and love for the abuser - my sleeping husband.

All it took was one question and head nod of 'yes' from my child. I immediately went to wake the now monster from his sleep. "Time to wake-up. We've gotta get going.", I said. We drove two hours to our destination. I secretly made arrangements to leave him behind. My silence became my super power.

Although, I wasn't going to be quiet. F*ck that.

Jessica: What surprised you about others as it is connected to your event?

Cecilia: So many things. Wow, do people show their true colors in devastating circumstances like these. There was the disgusted glares. I was accused of making up lies. I was told to brush it under the rug. There was the "Shoosh, no one needs to know." "What will people think?" Then there was the "You've got this." "You're an overcomer." So, a mix of friends supporting my choices, strangers encouraging me, to family members' emotional disconnect and insensitivity, and even those who I thought would be the most understanding becoming distant and eventually no longer a part of my life.

Jessica: Do you feel being a woman had any significant bearing on this event?

Cecilia: Absolutely. Being a mother had everything to do with it. I was taught, or so I believed growing up, that women take care of everything. As mothers, women are to keep everything functioning like clockwork and looking nice and neat. If you don't meet those expectations, bad things happen to you and your children. And, get this, you deserve it. I went against all of this. I've always been pretty defiant, tho. (smile)

Jessica: What would you say you learned about yourself or others during or since this event?

Cecilia: I am not in control of anyone else but myself. People do some shitty things with their Free Will.

Meanwhile, I judged "that mom." I've been judged for being "that mom." We don't know what we don't know, but when we do know, be damn sure to do something about it and don't let anyone stand in your way. Anyone.

Jessica: How did this change you?

Cecilia: Oh man... My intuition has been tested. I thought I had pretty good awareness of myself and others. Then for a while I didn't trust myself at all. Now I'm gaining my self-awareness and mindfulness back. I don't know the Cecilia before anymore...well maybe little bits and pieces, but she's mostly unrecognizable.

Jessica: How have your values changed?

Cecilia: My inner loyalty to my children hasn't wavered, but I also value ME more now. 

Jessica: What is the one piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Cecilia: Ceci, you're enough. People are going to judge the hell out of you, yes. AND you keep standing in your truth. You are loved!

Jessica: What would you say has helped you along your healing journey?

Cecilia: The people I've met along the way since that fateful morning. Those who were abused as children and didn't have a voice. Either they never spoke about the abuse to anyone til well into their adutlhood, or their mother sided with the abuser. I was humbled by their stories and they were thanking me for mine. One woman told me she found redemption through my story because her mother didn't believe her. That right there. Being affirmed and helping others has helped me.

Jessica: What are your motivations and inspirations?

Cecilia: There is so much to be grateful for, it's ridiculous. There is so much to do, to see, to love, to take in, daily. My children are watching my every move. They stretch me. They call me out on my schtuff. I can't think of anything or any persons that motivate and inspire me more than they do.

Jessica: It would be really interesting to hear about any ambitions you have for the future?

Cecilia: Helping other women like me! Giving them a hope for their future. Healthy and thriving!

Jessica: Are there any myths you would like to bust about growing up as a female? If so, can you tell us about them?

Cecilia: "Women are meant to be wives and mothers." It's a limited purpose. We are limitless.

Jessica: What do you wish other women or young girls knew about themselves?

Cecilia: If she can dream it, she just can.

Jessica: If you could talk to advertisers right now about advertising to women, what advice would you give them?

Cecilia: To embrace all the nooks and crannies. Highlight each and every bit of her uniqueness.

Creative Credits:

Photography by Jessica Korff Studios

Makeup by: Renee Lanz | Radiate with ReneeJ

Dress Draping: Dresses draped and created by: Jessica Korff