Our People: Native Clovis mom leads busy life

Bianca Chavez was born and raised in Clovis. She is the daughter of the late Cipriano "Cippy" and Gloria Marez. She graduated from Clovis High School in 1999.

She met her husband, Mario Chavez, through friends of the family. The two married in August 2014. They have one daughter together, Sailor, who is 4.

Chavez said her life has become very busy since she has become a mother. She sees her daughter to and from dance, soccer and other activities. Plus, she has a whole other group of middle school kids she gets to see everyday when school is in session.

Chavez is the finance secretary at Marshall Middle School in Clovis. She enjoys painting with her husband, who is an artist, and attending concerts of all genres.

What do you like about your job?

I enjoy doing my job because I have had 10 years of banking experience and so working in finance is familiar to me. I enjoy my co-workers who are awesome and the kids are great. I get to reconnect with old friends when they come to the school with their kids.

What's your idea of a perfect day?

Doing nothing. Relaxing at home is the best thing to me. My daughter is very active and I don't get a lot of alone time. So, staying home, the house is clean and someone else, besides me, is making dinner is my idea of a perfect day. Also, I will have to have my Starbuck's coffee.

Tell us a story about your childhood.

My dad was disabled and I got to stay home with him all the time. I was his right hand and I was very spoiled by him. We'd go fishing and it was my dad that taught me how to cook at a young age. He was a woodworker. He would hammer something and I'd hold the sheetrock up. We were always working on the house. We went from two beds, one bath and he doubled it. Everything was redone and my brother and I were right there to help. He would get frustrated when we wouldn't do things his way, the right way, which he passed on to me and my brother today.

Tell us about your parents?

My father passed in April 2011. My mother passed in March this year. Now, it's just me and my older brother, Jeramey. It has been a rough couple of years for us. Both of my parents were very loving and giving people. It's funny because I never wanted kids until my dad passed away. I had thought, my mom isn't a grandmother and my dad is gone. So that thought process put a lot of my life into perspective and I decided to become a mother. It was a blessing that my mother was able to enjoy three, almost four, years with Sailor, and in her eyes her granddaughter could do no wrong.

When you were a kid, what did you think you'd be doing as an adult?

I wanted to be a radiologist. I had so many surgeries when I was young because I was born with a clubfoot. I had so many X-rays and surgeries from a young age and I became fascinated with the work and so I wanted to do that job.

What's the best gift you've ever received?

My daughter. Because she's our little miracle. She's a reflection of both my and my husband's parents and that's a blessing.

What's your favorite taste?

Mint. I love mint gum, mint tea, you name it. I love mint stuff.

What's your favorite smell?

I love clean laundry. I like Clorox, even though it sounds strange. But my mom used it all the time and I hated it. She would have accidental bleach stains on different things. But now, the smell reminds me of her and now I love it.

What do you envision your life being like in 10 years?

I really hope to still be working at the school. My daughter will be in middle school by that time. I hope to be healthy and having fun doing family activities.

- Compiled by CMI Correspondent D'Nieka Hartsfield