Following your passions: Through the eyes of an entrepreneur
I’m an author, an entrepreneur and I’m also just a girl who had a dream that became a plan, with hard work, perseverance, and determination. When I was 14, I dreamed of growing up and moving to NYC, working in advertising and creating a Super Bowl commercial. Although that experience did not take place, I always dreamed big.
When I went to my college orientation, we sat in a circle and they asked one word that describes ourselves and I said “determined.” When I look back now, I realize how determination, played an essential role in getting me to where I am today. It has nothing to do with financial success, but everything to do with following my heart and the things I’m passionate about in life.
I wrote a children’s book called “Little Lucky Ladybug.” The message of the book is to emphasize that we are all unique and individual in our own way. I believe that teaching kids this positive message is valuable in many ways, including building self-esteem.
This is not just a life lesson for ages 3-7, but throughout life, it’s important to realize that we are all unique in our own way and we all have special characteristics.
No matter what stage in your life, accept and LOVE yourself. All of our happiness begins within ourselves. Accept others for who they are. When things are difficult and negativity surrounds you, focus inward and focus on what makes you happy, but project it outwards. If you have a talent, share that with others because that’s your purpose. Be your # 1 fan and believe in yourself. Surround yourself with positive people that support you and help others where you can.
Believe and achieve in life, and enjoy the moments of success and learn from the challenges. Remember that things don’t always go as planned and that’s ok, because it’s not rejection, it’s re-direction, and guiding you towards the road paved for you. Always have gratitude, appreciate the little things, remember why you started and do things with great intention.
Success does not have a universal definition. Your success is defined by YOU! In life and in business, remember to possess passion, preparation, persistence and patience. I often think of looking in a mirror as my 15 yr. old self and the reflection would be my current self. The advice, I would say to my younger self would be, “you’re an amazing person, with a heart of gold and you have so much to offer the world. Where you think you are going and where you will be, differ, however keep an open mind, but more importantly an open heart. You have no idea what kind of impact and imprint that you are going to leave on the world.” In your own life; ENLIGHTEN yourself, ENCOURAGE yourself and EMPOWER yourself.
As a recap:
Recognize your passion
Follow your dreams
Work hard
Possess determination
Be authentically you
Share your strengths and talents
Define your own happiness and success
Believe in yourself
