Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week – Sharon Moss.

Sharon Moss is a name you probably already know. She is a car dealer, CEO, check signer and is the endless energy behind a thriving Moss Motors. During our chat she keeps me entertained with endless stories – I could listen to her all day (when you read what she wanted to do when she grew up it all fits). Sharon may look a million dollars but she proudly tells me her dress only cost $29 (yes she’s a savvy business woman). Sharon cares very much for the Lafayette community, sharing her time and resources in more ways than I have space to write about. She has a big heart and a wicked sense of humor and I am grateful for both.

What was your first job?
Sacking groceries at my dads store

Describe a typical day in your life?
I get up fairly early and 3 days a week I go to spin class at Red’s and the other 2 days I take Pilates at City Club.  After working out I run errands, go home to shower and dress for work.  Usually, my workday consists of lunch with friends or business associates, followed by meetings at my desk.  In the evening, I sometimes have board meetings or an event to attend.  If not, I might go by the grocery store, pickup food and go home to cook.  It’s a busy day sometimes but I love my busy life.

What advice would you give the younger you?
Do not be a reactionary.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
My husbands’ death and the adversity that followed

What values do you live by?
I truly believe in doing what is right.  I don’t see a lot of gray, I am pretty much black and white.  I try to treat everyone with respect and I am very honest.

What do you most appreciate?
Great interiors, beautiful clothes, great food, wine, travel, and time spent with family and friends.

What is your favorite journey?
Being extemporaneous, thinking outside the box, doing something on a whim, just because I feel like it.  It makes the journey fun.

Where is your favorite place to be alone?
I am not alone much.  I love reading motivational biographies written by real people, who have done something extraordinary.

What living figure most inspires you?
My significant other, Dr Curtis Roy.  He makes me a better person.

What is the best advice you were ever given?
It was given by my dad; He told me “Take care of your business if you don’t care, neither will your employees”.  “Lead by example”

What book would you tell everyone to read?
The Bible.  It addresses every issue in life.  It was true then and it is true now.

What is the best thing about where you live?
Everything!  Lafayette is the jewel of Louisiana.  Beautiful landscapes, beautiful food, beautiful music and best of all the beautiful people.

How do you “let the good times roll”?
I love to dance and I love to laugh.  I also love a cocktail to go with them.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
An Actress.  I was in all the plays and musicals growing up.  I majored in speech and drama in college.

What is your motto?
Give 110% and never say die.

How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who had a good and giving heart.

What do you say to yourself when you doubt yourself?
God give me the strength and help me to make the right decision

What 3 things are vital to Being you?
Respect, generosity, and honesty.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
It is what it is.

What is your favorite word?
Awesome

What do you collect?
Clothes, shoes and makeup.  Are you surprised?

What food could you live on for a month?
Lebanese

What would you change about yourself?
I am honest to a fault, sometimes it gets me in trouble.

What literary, movie or cartoon character do you most identify with?
Wonder Woman

Describe yourself in five words.
Honest, Fair, Articulate, Faithful, Hyper

What is your idea of happiness?
Being around people that you love who love you back.

What is your favorite movie?
The Great Gatsby.  I am excited to see the new version.

What music defines who you are?
Zydeco and Pop.  I also like Latin music

What do you most regret?
Nothing. Life experiences make us who we are today.

What question do you wish I’d asked?
What motivates you?

What would the answer be?
When someone tells me I can’t do something or something isn’t possible, I go straight ahead.  I like adversity and it just makes me stronger.