We all have that one relative — the truth-teller, the straight shooter, the person who steps into a room and has everyone’s attention before they even say a word. For me, that relative isn’t just a memory, it’s Aunt Lena, the alter ego I created to embody all that loud, unapologetic, and flamboyant energy I grew up watching. Aunt Lena is more than just a character I slip into; she’s my way of showing the world how to live life out loud.
But who is Aunt Lena? Is she just a persona? Or is she a whole lot more — a voice for deeper truths, wrapped up in humor, with a side of wild Italian pizazz?
To really understand Aunt Lena, I’ve got to take you back to where she came from: my roots, my family, and a seemingly innocent warning from my father that I eventually (and hilariously) defied.
A Nostalgic Journey to Family Origins
I grew up in a big, loud Italian family, full of love, laughter, and all the traditions that go along with it. My father’s family hailed from Genoa, and they were… let’s say a bit more reserved. My mother’s family? Naples. And when I say her side of the family was larger-than-life, that’s an understatement. My childhood memories are filled with the sound of chattering voices, laughter, and the clinking of chunky jewelry. I mean, these women knew how to make a statement.
These were my great-aunts, my grandmother’s sisters. And let me tell you, they were wild. We’re talking big personalities, dripping rhinestones, pointy cat-eye glasses, loud voices, and red lipstick. These women could have stepped right out of an Italian-American sitcom. And to young me, they were mesmerizing. I loved everything about them — their jewelry, their shoes, their endless stories. Their audacity to simply be.
But my dad? Not so much. In fact, when my sisters and I would get a little too loud or boisterous (which wasn’t hard in our family), he’d warn us, “Don’t be like your great-aunts.” And that warning stuck with me for years — although, as you’ll see, I didn’t end up following it too closely.
The Moment Aunt Lena Was Born
Fast forward a bit — I’m well into my 40s, and I’ve established myself as a performer, singing and telling stories mostly for children. I loved it, but deep down, I knew something was missing. My performances were good, they made people happy, but it still felt like there was this nagging feeling that I wasn’t fully expressing myself. I was sticking to the script too much. I needed more. But what? I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.
Then, one day, I found myself talking to a spiritual director. She was an artist herself, and we often discussed the spirit of creativity. During one of these conversations, I suddenly blurted out, “My dad used to always tell me, ‘Don’t be like your great-aunts.’” That was the moment the light bulb went on. The very thing I’d been holding back—the playful, outrageous, over-the-top side of me—was what my performances were missing.
Embracing the Power of the Alter Ego
The more I became Aunt Lena in my performances, the more she started to take on a life of her own. At first, I wasn’t even sure what she was going to say — I didn’t have some grand plan behind her. But each time I let her step into the spotlight, something magical happened. She grew stronger, more confident, and frankly, so did I.
Aunt Lena gave me the freedom to say things I might not say otherwise. She’s the part of me that can cut through the BS and speak the truth even when it’s uncomfortable. She’s brassy, she’s blunt, but she’s full of love and joy, too. And for some reason, people hear things differently when they come from Aunt Lena. When I try to say something as me, it feels like just advice. But when Aunt Lena says it? It’s like people don’t just hear it — they feel it.
Isn’t that something?
Over time, Aunt Lena became an integral part of who I am on stage. She’s the wild, creative side of me that’s finally been unleashed, and with her, I get to have the freedom to say and do all the things that would normally be “too much.” As Aunt Lena, I get to be too loud, too silly, and too blunt. And somehow, in that extreme, people connect.
And the fun part? Aunt Lena gets invited everywhere. Just the other day, she was invited to perform at a drag brunch — I mean, talk about a riot! She’s emceed events, performed at weddings, and found herself center stage in rooms packed with both kids and adults. And whether it’s a ballroom full of people looking for an event emcee or an intimate gathering, Aunt Lena knows exactly how to tailor her antics to ensure she’s universally loved… or at least remembered!
Why Aunt Lena Belongs at Your Event
If you’re looking for an event emcee or someone to bring something truly unique to your event, let me assure you, Aunt Lena is your girl. What sets her apart is her ability to navigate any type of crowd — adult-exclusive or family-friendly, it doesn’t matter. From emitting uncontrollable belly laughs to delivering those one-liners that have people nodding in thoughtful agreement, Aunt Lena does it all.
People don’t just laugh when Aunt Lena’s around — they rethink the way they experience everyday life. She shows them how to embrace joy, even in life’s smallest moments. And, let’s be honest, we all need a little more of that these days.
Full Circle
So here I am, performing as this loud, lipstick-wearing part of myself who represents everything I was once told not to be.
My father, for all his wisdom, spent a lot of time warning me about being like those over-the-top great-aunts of mine. But Aunt Lena is proof that sometimes the very things we’re told to tamp down are exactly the things that make us truly shine. And to think, it all started with a colorful dress from a thrift store and the freedom to finally let go.
Now, when I’m onstage as Aunt Lena, I’ve found what I was missing — the ability to fully express the joy and audacity of life. So, whether it’s storytelling, singing, or offering advice on making perfect tomato spaghetti gravy (yes, Aunt Lena knows her way around the kitchen, too), I’m giving people a reason to laugh, reflect, and maybe even dream a little bigger.
And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.