Drag Illustrated Issue 143, April 2019 | Page 79

FAMILY VALUES The Salinas family, from left: Jasmine, mom Monica, Jianna, and dad Mike. Not shown are sisters Jacquelin and Janae. “The more I’m around these things, asking questions and continuing to learn, I just get more excited. I want to understand the bikes and how they work, too. I wouldn’t be surprised if I ended up in something else at some point, and I’m definitely not ruling anything out.” T ness when Mike and Monica are away. Youngest sister Janae is studying fashion in Milan. What truly defines the Salinas family, though, is their dedication to one another. They have neither time nor inclination to be jealous of one anoth- er’s successes or groom rivalries. “Our parents never allowed that within or outside of our home,” says Jasmine. “They always told us, you’re only as strong as the rest of your family. If you bring one person down, you’re only bringing yourself down. That concept of building up everyone around us has extended outside of our family, and that’s how we want to treat everyone.” Jianna is nodding heartily before her sister finishes speaking. “Oh yeah,” Jianna agrees. “I don’t think there has ever been a time in my life where I was jealous of one of my sisters. At the end of the day, that would only reflect back on issues I have with myself. We’ve been raised very well and have undivided love and support for one another. All we want is to see each other become better, and it’s our job as a family to help each other get there. We have so much support for one another, and I think that’s the reason why we all feel like we can conquer the world.” DI DI DI FAMILY VALUES HE SALINAS FA MILY IS TIGHT. AT THE CORE OF the unit are Mike and Monica, who built a successful business of scrap metal and garbage hauling from the ground up. Their four daughters were heavily influenced by the example of their work ethic and core values, and each Salinas girl is equally as driven. Jasmine and Jianna are charging into the world of drag racing while growing their respective careers – Jasmine at IDEO in San Francisco and Jianna at the family business as the health and wellness manager, as well as “right-hand woman” to older sister Jacquelin, who runs the busi- DI DI DI DI DI DI DI D r a g Il l u s t r a t e d . c o m 79 Dr ag Illustr ated