Elisa Robledo: Legendary Ladies Spotlight
In 2022, I completed a portrait project called Legendary Ladies which was all about celebrating women over 40. As I’ve started a new project, This is Me, I’ve been thinking back on the sessions from my first portrait project in my studio in Cisco, TX.
Over the next several weeks, I’ll be featuring each participant of the Legendary Ladies project on my blog. Follow along as I share these amazing women’s stories.
Today, we have the privilege of shining a spotlight on Elisa Robledo. I loved getting to know Elisa more during this process. Two of her children were my age in school, so I’ve known her for a lot of my life.
We incorporated some sentimental pieces into her session which was super special. I always love when someone brings jewelry or wardrobe that means something to them and incorporating that into their legacy.
Elisa is a hardworking, kind woman, and I’m excited for you to learn a little more about her.
Get to Know Elisa
“Raised in the Rio Grande Valley, I grew up in the 70's in a household with 8 siblings and parents. My Father, a World War II veteran, provided a moderate way of living for our family. I got married very young to my first husband and had a handsome son, Bryan. Got married a second time to my Husband now, Acey, and have 4 wonderful children: Liz Meagan, Jacqueline and Twins-Mary Margaret and Manuel. They were born in the RGV, but raised in Cisco, TX. My husband and I moved our little family to Cisco in 1999 to start a new way of life.
As life goes by quickly, the Hubby and I are now empty nesters. Enjoying loving on our grand kids, we love to travel to visit family in Washington state and California and quiet dinners after a hard days work.”
What advice would you give your younger self?
“Knowing what I know now at my age, of 60, the advice I would give my younger self.
Don't take life for granted. Live life to its Fullest, Never say, I can't do it, because you are capable to doing everything. Enjoy your Family and Friends while you are still able to. You don't know what life holds for you in the future, so prepare yourself, get educated, raise your children to be humble and kind, show good work ethic at work, give praise and thanks to God. Life will be a struggle, but don't give up!”
How did your view on life change after turning 40?
“So many life changes came after 40, for me, I am now living in west Texas and a new environment. I was so homesick for my hometown of Edinburg. I was Missing my Parents, my siblings, my oldest son, my friends. Cisco introduced a new beginning, new friends, and a new way of life. At this age you now realize that you are the Parent, raising the children, paying the bills, working that job to keep food on the table, keep the kids clothed and warm during the winter.”
What is one of the most rewarding things about aging?
“Most fulfilling for me, is watching my kids grow up to be Mature, Caring, Loving, Responsible Adults, but the most rewarding thing about aging are the Grandchildren that have come into our lives.”
Elisa was also featured in our interview with KTAB for the Legendary Ladies Exhibit & Celebration. You can watch that below.
My new portrait project: This is Me, is accepting clients. This project is not age based, but is designed for women at all stages of their adult life to step into their highest self confidence. If you’re interested in learning more about the project, click here.