Maria Canals Barrera Quotations

My advice for young Latinas interested in pursuing a career in Hollywood is to make sure you love to perform and make sure you get the training you need.

I can't remember a time when I didn't want to be in show business!

I can't live without a good scrub or concealer. Concealer could give you 8 hours sleep instantly. I also love lipstick, for everyday a berry tone that resembles the natural lip color.

Heels I've always loved, but a wedge is perfect, in between glamorous and a common shoe. If going to the store, why wear flip-flops when you can wear wedges?

'Marielena' was a wonderful experience that so many people still remember today. It challenged me to practice my Spanish. Having been born and raised in Miami, English was very much my dominant language!

I used to watch my Cuban mother getting ready singing 'Dos Gardenias,' so to me fashion has always been fun.

I'm proud to be a hard working actress; it's what I've always loved to do and I'm so happy and proud to still be doing it.

Beauty inspires me - beauty in nature, people, and art. Smells and fragrances too. I know it sounds weird, but I'm a "fume head." I'm very olfactory-driven.

A good smell puts me in a great mood and even inspires my creativity.

My children inspire me with their innocence and enormous capacity to love.

As far as physical health goes, I try to eat in a balanced way, sleep enough, and stay active.

One of the hardest obstacles I've had to overcome in my life was not understanding how to draw healthy boundaries. I finally learned it's perfectly OK to say no.

Understanding what you're OK with and what you're not OK with is so important to learn.

Those who truly love and respect you will respect your boundaries. I think freeing oneself from codependency and fear is vital for well-being.

I stay healthy by dealing with things! Seriously, emotional and spiritual health is most important.

I stay balanced by remembering to prioritize. What is most important should never be railroaded by the "tyranny of the urgent." My relationship with God, my devotion to my husband, my responsibilities to my children, loving others, and, of course, remaining grateful for the blessings that I have. Like getting to do what I love for a living. And trust me, I am.