Gina Carter is a Woman Over 40 Who Started a Business after Experiencing Grief

Becoming a widow is never easy. Losing someone you love digs deep into the core of your emotions and will test your strength and faith; it might even have you questioning God. The part to understand is nobody can dictate when, where or how it will take place, but death is certain and will hit hard whenever it happens. It’s something you can never prepare for.

Gina Carter was a woman who lost both her husband and father, two men who helped shape her into the woman she is today. They instilled in her so many life lessons and she is forever thankful.

After losing them, she wrote a book about her ordeal called, Robbed by Death Twice. She wants it to inspire others who have gone through grief and those who are going through it.

In addition to her book, she started a business called Liplok Cosmetics while continuing to work her nine-to-five job. Her business was adopted from a desire to instill beauty and confidence in women. With that in mind, her affordable, high-quality products were born.

Meet Gina Carter, she hopes to inspire you to keep going past your grief. This is her story.

Tell us more about you and what you would like readers to learn about your story?

I’m from and currently reside in New Orleans, La. Grew up in the ninth ward of Nola and also New Orleans East. Pretty normal upbringing and graduated from Marion Abramson High School in 1998. No kids, married at 37, a widow at 40. I’m an author and a business owner of a cosmetic line called Liplock Cosmetics.

In what ways have your life experiences through marriage helped transform you into the woman you are today?

Marriage was a roller coaster. It was filled with highs and lows. It transformed me into a beautiful woman by taking away my selfishness. I have no kids, so it always has been about me, myself, and I. My husband was caring, giving, loving, and a true gentleman. He instilled a lot of it in me the ten years we were together. We had a lot in common and also a lot of the same morals and standards. Because of my marriage, my heart is so much bigger. I care more. I love harder. I’m not selfish, and so much more.

What message do you have for other women who are widows?

Grieve. This is your journey. It’s not an easy one but it’s yours. Don’t let anyone give you their time frame on grieving or moving forward. No one will understand completely if they haven’t been through it so join a support group or go to therapy. Lastly, it’s ok to feel whatever you’re feeling and keep God in your life. You will experience many emotions, happy, sad, mad, over and over again. It’s normal. Pray for strength, comfort and pray not to become bitter or envious of other couples. Take your time. This is the time for self-healing and self-discovery. Protect your mental at all costs.

How did you get through the grieving process?

I’m still grieving. It’s been a year and a half since my husband passed. It doesn’t stop, it just gets easier to live with. I went to therapy. I journaled. I wrote a book. Social media became my best friend, it’s hilarious. I tried to do what I can to honor my late husband. I’m in the Bible daily, reading scripture plans. I listen to podcasts on grief. I do a lot of self-care and spend time with loved ones. I also have my alone time. It’s needed for self-reflection and reminiscing and letting everything out. There are also lessons to be learned from this tragedy. Acknowledge them and learn from them.

Do you have any upcoming projects/events you would like readers to know about?

I wrote a book called, Robbed by Death Twice; it’s on Amazon. I’m currently working on a journal/planner since that’s how the book came about from journaling.