My name is Roseanne Fama. I have been in the beauty industry for over 20 years working on brands like Max Factor, Revlon, L’Oréal Paris and em Michelle Phan. I have two beautiful daughters, Alexandra (15, almost sweet 16!) and Isabella, 12. I have a loving Pisces husband, that I’ve known for over 29 years and have been married for 18. When I'm not developing products in the office or approving formulas and shades at the labs, I love to garden and host alfresco dinner parties!

Dear Roseanne,

At 20, much has happened to your life in a matter of 6 months. You met the man that will become the love of your life (but, you just don’t realize it because you are not really looking for that, yet). You start a new job that you know feels right, but isn’t quite right. And, you lose the greatest person in your life and are so scared at the future without him -- your dad.

Oh my, the future looks bright and grim all at the same time. You literally don’t know what to think or do and the person who would give you all of life’s advice…well, you'll just have to remember everything he taught you. So you think constantly, "what would Daddy say or do." But, you must hang in there because Daddy would always tell you: "slow and steady wins the race" and "give it time, time will always show you the way."

You are so excited to have a career in the beauty industry. You see all the women in the office, with their careers in Marketing and Product Development and think, "I want to be just like them!" I love how you were always searching for mentors and other women to look up to. You have learned so much from all those fabulous, positive, assertive women in the beauty business. You learned what to do, and what not to do as a manager of people (it’s important to learn from other managers’ mistakes; so every experience is a learning experience to make you a better leader and overall, a better person).

You have insecurities – whether it’s not feeling like you have the education required for your job, or to get further in your career and be as successful as your co-workers. Do whatever you have to in order to overcome your insecurities. But keep in mind, you may perceive yourself differently than how other people perceive you. Try not to be so hard on yourself. Excel at your strengths and don’t harp on your weaknesses, because your strengths make you the unique and special person you are and will become. Your strengths will make you the success you will become.

Remember, success isn’t what you might consider now in your life – it isn’t just about making a great living and having your wants satisfied with money. Success will be much more rounded in your life. Look at success as having someone who loves you freely and completely (with no worries or insecurities) and can share life’s special moments (whether they are good or bad). Success is having deep-rooted friends – some you will meet now and keep forever (and those will be special); but you will also meet new friends throughout your life. And remember that mentors don’t have to be older than you! Of course, having a close family is everything – remember that Daddy always said “your friends will come and go, but you will always have your brother and sister.” That statement will always ring true and your family will always be there for you, and you for them. And children, yes, you do want them some day and you will cherish the moment and always make them the most important part of your life – even more important than your career (which you love, love, love). But your children will learn the meaning of loving and having a passion for their job because they will watch you in action. They will be impressed with how ‘cool’ the beauty industry is (although this might only relate to having daughters, but you never know!).

I know it’s hard to look at your mother and see a woman completely in love with her husband of 25 years and now faces a future without him. I know you don’t want to be her (well not "her") but a woman dependent on her husband. I know you see your mother as a weak person. But remember, how lovingly your mother raised you when you were a child. You were always cared for, protected, and loved. And you thrived on becoming a strong, independent, self-minded young woman. Don’t forget to find gratitude and appreciate what your mother (and father) have given you as a foundation for a beautiful life. Be sure to pass that gift onto your children and always remind them of the simple but priceless gifts in life - like family (love and security), since this will make them strong in their future.

I know you think you have a long road ahead and don’t think you will ever find a happy place, but remember what Daddy always said to the baby of the family (who always watched her big brother and sister do everything while she stayed at her parent’s side):

“Your day will come, and you will have everything.”

Your life will be full and overflowing with love, family, and friends and yes - success in every way meaningful!

Love, Roseanne

*Roseanne (or as I call her, "Ro") has been my boss at L’Oréal since 2011. She is the most caring mentor I've ever had. She taught me the importance of focusing on my strengths and being genuine to everyone (whether you're managing up, or managing down). Building a beauty brand with Ro has been a dream come true - she's a Product Development legend! She's also the best person to share a bottle of Pinot Noir with :)