::Transformation:: 2016

I have discovered that times of transformation come as do the seasons of life. 

I feel that in order for overall transformation to take place you must be willing to go through it and you must want to do something that will help you transform your life. Transformation comes in so many forms; mental, physical, emotional, maturity, etc. We create our own periods of transformation and equally we can ruin our best moments of transformation by allowing our weaknesses or past failures to bring us down.

Lately, I have felt a great surge of transformation back to a place of true balance and peace. I decided months ago that in 2016 I would slow down. Start focusing more on life and my career. It's slowly coming together. The current season is one of taking it all in and learning from my past. I have so much to give thanks for. My children are both happy and healthy kids who love life and are so unique. My career is finally in a good place with a good company, I want to make a life where I am.


My Hubby and I have created a constant energy of evolution, we take in all the bad and good and move forward with it. No matter how bad things get we always manage to move forward, together. We are not perfect and do have many battles to overcome, sometimes daily. Arguments and attitudes flare, mostly on my part ::insert evil laughs here:: but it's fun. We have learned to live a life filled with daily arguments that make sense to us and a ton of humor. We are happy in our own little-twisted way and that's what matters.

As for my mind and body. I want to be strong and healthy. I know it will take time, I am taking it one day at a time. Some days are harder than others, as I hate movement after 5pm. But, I kicked off my boot-camp again, and it makes me feel great so I keep going back, week after week. Seeing other ladies progress and kick-ass is very important.  I seek them in so many areas of my life.

Spiritually and mentally, my transformation is constantly changing and my brain is always thinking as to, what's next. I try and fill my mind daily with words and thoughts that will bring me new peace and happiness. I also listen to anything that will inspire me to have an open mind and creative new energy. Recently, the biggest area of transformation has been taking a class that will help further empower me as a Latina in Leadership with Mujeres de HACE. The connections I have already made have been amazing. The learning and thought process on a week to week basis has been even better!

Taking this time to myself and improving who I am as a Momma, as a career-driven woman, and as a person, helps me transform daily into who I want to be. I turn 35 next month and the word transformation has just stuck in my head and on my tongue for the last week or so. I know that the experiences in the next few weeks will help me reach that next level that I want my life to be at.

I want to always take the actions needed to transform my life, not just for myself but for my children, husband and family's well-being. It's so important to evolve and grow, far out of your comfort zone and into that next season of your life... 

“Real transformation requires real honesty. If you want to move forward — get real with yourself.”― Bryant McGill, Simple Reminders: Inspiration for Living Your Best Life

What about you, what are you doing today that will transform your tomorrow?  

::Qualities of a Good Leader:: #IKSH

Lead by example. 

It's simple enough but once you are in that position many things can go array. The best opportunities to learn for me have come by surrounding myself by other women in leading positions. 

Last week on, Wednesday, April 27th, I know Somebody Houston hosted it’s annual Firestarters event to a packed house of women leaders at a local bar and restaurant, Ladybirds. With amazing Firestarters such as Misti Pace-Krahl Founder of The Mommie Series-Houston, Dawniel Winningham, Founder of Wealthy Sisters Network, Sharon Lee Zapata, Founder of The Bitchy Business Briefs & The Zapata Group, Tikila Adolph, Founder of WTF - Winning Through Fitness - The ADOLPHs & Lee Brochstein, Founder and Chief Editor of J-Vibe and myself as Co-Founder of Houston Latina Bloggers & Founder of Momma of Dos. There is no doubt that we were all "moved, inspired, redeemed, and ignited." - Victoria O. Garcia of IKSH 

Victoria O. Garcia of IKSH {Picture credit} 

When I look at these women I think of leadership and being a good example. I created the following list of the qualities that I feel this group possess. And, I am honored to have been able to stand with them side by side and have shared our stories of courage and inspiration together.  These ladies have given me a new sense of purpose and life. Filled me with motivation and beautiful words of encouragement. It's not east to lead a group and sometimes you get stomped on, but these ladies reminded me of why we do what we do and reminded me of HOW we do what is needed to get ahead. 

1) High Standards- It's easy to see when you meet these ladies that they have high standards for themselves and the way they conduct business. It's so important, it helps you be accountable and helps you create a specific type of brand that is committed and dedicated to working hard. 

2) Strength- Every woman I have met and that I continue to connect with have amazing strength. How do I know that because I have listened to their stories and know what they are capable of. It's empowering. 

3) Willpower- One thing that I have learned is that when there is a will, there will always be a way. When you show others that you can do those things that maybe you yourself didn't think you were capable of your willpower to succeed shows. And, others will love that and are more willing to follow you. 

4) Drive- Saying you will do things is easy, but having focus and drive to make things happen, that's a whole other ball game! Stepping it up to that next level is what creates impact in others, being the example and leading in that example of doing as I do, not just as I say. That's true leadership. 

5) Goals Achieved- Of course, everyone has goals, but these goals need to be reached. These ladies have stated months, maybe years before that they would have or do certain things to be their own person. And, when you meet them they have taken the steps needed to reach their goals and have achieved them! 

6) Open to Criticism- We don't like to be told when we are wrong or how to correct things, but these ladies have all had this type of criticism. And, this is the type of people I want in my corner, not always agreeing with me or telling me I am great; because that will never bring growth. People who are honest and open and can tell me how it is, because then I will learn from my mistakes and perfect my craft. 

7) Willingness to Share- We all have to start somewhere, and being able to share what we have learned along the way is a big step into creating other women leaders. I have met many amazing ladies willing to share their processes and methods to succeed. Becoming my mentors and giving me insight into how I too can be successful this is always great to me. It's proof of confidence and uniqueness.

8) Adaptable to Change- It's so important to be adaptable to change, nothing will always remain the same, if it does, then you have a problem. Change creates growth and learning experiences that can help you overcome situations. Being able to see those changes and embrace them is highly important to most every entrepreneur I have met.

9) Shaky Past- Great leaders are created by their past, sometimes those past lives have not always been great. I think that having a shaky past is what creates the adaptability to change and the willingness to help others. My past is not the best which is why I never think twice to give a helping hand in whatever that might be! Not saying everyone must face adversity to succeed, but sometimes having that perspective helps us better connect with others.

10) Empowerment- Every lady I met last week has an innate ability to simply empower, to make you feel like you can go out and follow your dreams and better yet achieve them. This is the type of positive high that I love. Feeling that sense of self to achieve anything I want. A great leader will make you feel this way. It's my goal to make others feel this way, because I have been there and the feeling is immense.

 Pictures Courtesy of IKSH 

My goal is to create leaders, to be surrounded by women who are on the same playing field as me, who are my equals. It's the only way to move forward in a positive direction. Empowering women to grow and learn what they need to succeed.

Not to divide and conquer but to unite and succeed! 

::How can you empower YOUNG women:: #SXSW

Music Keynote Speaker and First Lady Michelle Obama. Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images.

Powerhouse women. That's who was united on the stages of SXSW this week. Powerhouse people, artists, creatives, and doers. As a Momma, as a Woman, as a Writer. I am affected and fully inspired by these types of events.  One of my favorite panels was Let Girls Learn Panel. Moderated by Queen Latifah. It was composed of the most epic Boss Lady/Tribe ever. Michelle Obama, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, Diane Warren, and Sophia Bush. I mean who wouldn't want any of the ladies sitting on stage in their corner and it got me thinking... who do I have in mine?   

You know who I keep in my corner? Women who love me and support me. People, who believe in me. People. Who want me to succeed. Those people who will look at me and be real, who will say...yeah you are crazy but go for it! I have people in my life who are honest and hurt my feelings but love me. I have people in my life who inspire me, motivate me, push me. I have people in my corner who keep me humble and remind me...it is NOT that serious. And, who don't take me for granted. I have people in my life who allow me to be me, who allow me to miss dates or rescheduled appointments because I have a family. I have people in my life who don't create more drama and issues for me but instead, help me solve issues and give me solutions.

That is what this panel brought to mind. How can I feel empowered and in return empower the younger generation of women? More importantly, how can I empower those young women in my life, especially my daughter! 

LET GIRLS LEARN PANEL: the FIRST LADY was JOINED BY MISSY ELLIOTT, DIANE WARREN, SOPHIA BUSH, AND QUEEN LATIFAH

"Find your passion, turn it into Action! Support your Sisters!!" -Queen Latifah

Equal rights is the work of both men and women. 

You can't look to other for a change...."Change happens on the ground!"-Michelle Obama

• Never give up
• Work Hard
• Nothing will ever be handed to you
• When others tell you, you are a nobody, show them who you are and MORE! 
• Don't let anyone hold you down. 

Powerful women, empower women. 

How can you help empower young ladies in your life?

1. Be Involved- Volunteer, advocate, and support those organizations that will help young women achieve the dreams and create an impact. There are so many out there, locally and nationwide. The one presented in this panel was #62MillionGirls 

2. Tell them they CAN- Your words can make a huge difference. Encouraging young women, mentoring them and telling them that they CAN be the difference everyone speaks of, is a very important and powerful part of the puzzle.

3. Be the example- As most things happen, we must show others what we are capable of by leading and being the example that young women need. You do have to lead by example.

4. Instill an education- I say it all the time and I know that many great people have not needed schooling and are self-taught. But, when a child is taught that an education can change their lives, it helps them grow with that mindset. I want my children to know school is an option. And, when other children want an education and can't get one, then we should take advantage of that and run with it.

5. Give them options- Just as I mentioned before, we want our children to know that they do have option. If a 4 year degree isn't for them, maybe some other type of certification or enrichment programs can be obtained. And, always letting them know that they can follow their dreams by taking different paths.

6. Inspire their dreams- In that same sense, we want to feed our children's dreams, support and encourage those dreams. I want my children to know that they can do anything they want, as long as they put the work in and become educated in what they want to do.

7. Let them be creative- Allowing young women to freely express, to be creative and to know that they can express their dreams through different outlets.

8. Help them find their voice- In the same sense of feeding young ladies dreams and allowing them to be creative, we can help them find their voice through mentoring and exposure to different resources.

9. Help them produce change- And, like with anything else you want to help young ladies and walk with them side-by-side to help them achieve their dreams. Providing resources and information they need to grow and learn.

10. Be the change! -  We cannot move forward without truly creating change, unless we create action and do those things that we say we are going to do! That's what it's about.

http://www.sxsw.com/

::Weekend Snapshots:: Link-Up with 3TwentySix & The Reinvention of Jessica

When we created Houston Latina Bloggers the group was meant to join together local Latina writers who really wanted to engage their readers and simply be part of a culturally unique group. I feel that the purpose has definitely evolved and changed over the past few months. We seek to not only bring together local Latinas who love to write and are true social media influencers but also motivate and inspire all women to feel empowered and share their unique voice. I hope that over the next year we can further grow this sense of community and share even more. 

In the meantime, the ladies that form the group are extremely wonderful and motivate me to keep moving forward in our direction.

I couldn't do anything or make things possible without my fellow co-founders, a huge thanks as always to Ariana of 3TwentySix and Jihane of OnixJ. While I have been seen as the face and "voice" of the team, the ladies who run all the behind the scenes are incredible and truly nothing can be done without them. Their support of my somewhat out there ideas has been great and I truly see them as my Latina Tribe who have been here for me through this amazing venture and journey. Our own community of constant support and love, it's so important to what we do, to always support one another. 

Oh, weekend snapshots. Right, so this past weekend was amazing. We had a great event with amazing women involved. Wonderful sponsors such as Kroger, CHI, Define Hair Studio in Spring, Thinking Girls Boutique, and Pollo Tropical.  Two make-up artist Sylvia and Jannette, as well as three very inspiring speakers.

First up was Dr. Kelley Watts, a local family therapist who spoke on how we should not allow our inner demons to take charge of our world, and instead we should conquer them one day at a time and be confident in who we are.  Then, came a personal favorite, as she is my boot camp trainer Maggie of Texas Fit Chicks. She spoke about how she isn't the typical young trainer and how her weight struggles led her to where she is today. She confessed to having a cheat day and how she creates balance in her everyday workout routine by also indulging in those things she loves. She spoke about being motivated as a fellow Momma of Dos and growing into her true purpose. She is an amazing motivator and person. Finally, my good friend Sharon of the Bitchy Business Briefs told us a little about her daily activities keep her mentally and physically healthy and young. How she doesn't want to necessarily be young again but knows the importance of feeling great at whatever age. How embracing your age and learning to care for yourself has given her new life.

All the ladies had such wonderful stories to share, that I feel they impacted us in many ways. They gave great insights into how our overall well being affects our everyday lives as women. How negative thoughts affect our inner beauty which in return affects what we feel like and look like. And, that we should really focus on ourselves to be strong and healthy because in the end if we aren't well our lives show it and our moods can be altered in a not so good way!

The rest of our weekend was spent, with friends, resting and eating great homemade food.

{This is a Link-Up with 3TwentySix & The Reinvention of Jessica }

::Wordless Wednesday,Kinda....:: Seek your Tribe

So, you should never believe me when I say "wordless", never gonna happen. And, I wonder why my busy body, talky 4-year-old will never shut-up! Wonder. Why? ::insert perplexed look here::

I have over the years worked and become friends with so many amazing women, some who continue to be in my life. And, then last year I was able to partner with two local Latinas and create. Create something so purpose-filled and meaningful that it makes all the sleepless nights, worth it. I feel that over the last few months no matter how busy, how crazy, how dramatic and how hard things get we have managed to overcome so much. We call ourselves a Latina Tribe. Our tribe is composed of many great local Latinas. We thrive. We write. We share and we move forward. 

{Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HTXLatinaBlog} 

I have learned to motivate myself and others to seek greatness and endure change. This picture of Ari, Jihane and myself was taken by my Cami. Another generation of Latinas that I hope to inspire to follow in the footsteps of the wonderful women who currently walk the earth, and those who have left us. 

And, while I am constantly seeking to connect with the Latinas in our community, I am always reminded that my "tribe" has nothing to do with my culture or ethnicity, and everything to do with togetherness. I have Momma tribes, Latina tribes, GREAT women tribes. We are all in this together and as long as your tribe supports you. Is real and honest with you. Tries to uplift you and is always silly with you, nothing else matters! 

Seeking your tribe is about finding a group of women who will be there for you, who will collaborate with you and don't see you as a threat to their dreams. Instead, your tribe should work to help you reach your goals and inspire new dreams so that we can all win. Help you create the success you desire, and vice-versa! So, that we can all succeed and create a wave of greatness. 

That's the kind of tribe you should seek. 

Focus and Create your own path....

2016 has just begun. Only about 20 days in and it has already been a whirlwind of events and emotions. Mostly stuff with my 8-5. With all that was going on so early in the year, I reached out to a fellow speaker, entrepreneur and blogger to talk about it all. And, we had an amazing conversation. By the way, you should never pass up an opportunity to have an open conversation with someone, it does so much for you.  Amber of Talk to Amber,  is also the first person in 6 years to get me to read an entire book. Yes, because of her I read Year of Yes. My roadmap for 2016.

Amber and I have had conversations online in the past. This time, we called one another. We talked about life, we have a lot in common, and we spoke about where I am right now in my career. As well as about having clarity and direction in my vision(s). I wanted to share a couple of key points and things that she pointed out that I know would help other Momma’s who have several visions in their lives.

If you don’t know me, I have an 8-5pm job outside the home, not related to social media. I just started a new job in July of 2015. But, have worked outside the home my whole life. This job has until now been good to me but I know it can be better. I think the universe knows this too. With change comes new opportunity. I also run this blog and all of our social media outlets for it. As well as being the co-founder of Houston Latina Bloggers. Insert shameless plug here, if you have not followed us over at HLB please do, we are getting ready for an amazing year. I am also, of course, a full-time Momma, a Wife, a friend, a daughter, a sister, and so on and so on. All of which are important roles for me.

As you can see my plate can be a little full at times. and I often question which path or vision I should fully pursue. Which is why I wanted to speak to Amber about clarity. Here is what we discussed. 

(1) Why do we have to pick one or the other? 

Question- Why do we? We spoke about why people think they have to only focus on ONE thing and do that one thing fully. Sometimes our passions are divided and fruitful. In my case, I love having a job. I love building my career and creating an outside the home life. One where I can learn new skills and build new experiences. I love my job and working. I don't think that will ever change. But, I also love my side gig of blogging, social media, and contenting creating and sharing. I feel I have established myself in that area well. I do often feel like other Momma's are blogging full-time and maybe so should I. Because then it would "prove" and show that I have true passion for it?

Answer- We don't have to pick just one, if we have good, healthy and happy balance, then why pick one route over the other. If both are producing good revenue. Then why not continue as I have. And, I will. For now. I have been doing this successfully since 2008, why change it now. When I have been able, unitl now, to balance it all.

(2) Options are good. 

I have been blogging since 2008 and also working full-time. Fortunately, I have always had a back-up plan and well thought out options at my jobs and with my Husband. We have been through several life changes with his jobs, he has been laid-off a couple of times and then went to school full-time to get his degree. I have always worked. When I didn't work, for about 7 months between 2012-2013, it was for me to create and redirect. Which I did. So, options are always good. I have never just done things to do them, we always think about it and discuss all the possible options. Like now. When speaking to Amber about current changes at my new job, we went over all of my new options. Having a plan and options are good. If I stop blogging, well then I have a full-time job and I am good to continue life as usual. If I stop working, well then I increase my blogger/writer/speaker hustle and have full support not just financially but emotionally/morally from my husband. (He kinda believes in me.) And, I am good to continue life as usual.

Options. Think about yours and have clear ones. 

(3) How to establish the balance and visions?

Part of having your vision and following your dreams, involves creating balance. Figure out what you love and how you will execute it, not just right now but months from now. If your vision is true and the passion is there, it will work. But, only if you do. For me. I know that I love to write, share and DO. I love being a Momma and everything else that I do. So, I create time for everything, if I lose sleep over it, well them some nights I have lost sleep. But, at the end of the day. I always figure it out.  And, get things done. That's not to say, I do have to turn down a lot of good offers, not attend certain events and get my priorities straight. I don't just take everything on, only because "it's my passion and I want to prove I can do it all." Nope. Doesn't work that way. I have clarity about when I will do things and how my schedule works. That is very important to establish for the long run. Again, if you work on a day by day basis, you will fail.

Your dreams have to have a plan... and that plan should be adaptable. 

What do you think? Should we be limited to one vision? What are your visions and goals and how do you balance them? 

#LATISM15 Conference Recap

                     ::Momma Disclosure:: This is a compensated post. All statements are my true and honest opinion. 

There is something powerful about a large group of Latino's who come together. Trust me I have experienced it first hand. We have filled the U.S. Capitol and stood firm against the rain, united. It's what LATISM did to us. Brought us all together, both Latina's and Latinos into one city to be heard as one voice. Not of anger or filled with fighting words but educated, informed and knowledgeable about what we believe in. I didn't know what to expect, I was scared to voice my opinion, then we convened the first night. After which I was asked by another conference attendee to join forces with her and bring more strength to our cause, women rights. Especially against violence, against deportation, against separating families. 

I know that we didn't come together in DC to prove anything but instead to learn how we can further reach our communities and grow to help our causes. My cause was simple, women rights and more specifically, equality for moms. But, it reaches so many areas; equality for women in general, women rights as a whole, women empowerment, immigration, rights in the workplace, accessible and affordable dependent care and so much more.  Which is why when I was selected to attend the conference, I immediately accepted. Not to prove that I could do it but to do more, to learn more, to become more noticed and to further voice what I truly believe.

LATISM provided the perfect platforms and increased the power I felt, as each moment continuously inspired me. Inspired to speak up, to become involved again, to be informed in my own city and never give up! The conference had so many areas of interest and covered a long list of important topics you can see them all here but today I am sharing my favorite top 10 take-away's from the conference.  

1) Meeting New Bloggers- While I know many amazing bloggers who have inspried me along the years. Each conference helps me create a broader base of support and new found sources of inspiration and ideas. Meeting new bloggers, writers and thinkers creates new collaborations and brings out the best in everyone. Meeting new people helps me think of new and fresh ideas. Plus meeting new people is always good for personal growth.

2) Meeting up with other Texas bloggers- You would think that when you belong to specific groups it's easy to keep up with one another. But, Texas is huge and bloggers are spread out, throughout the state. Keeping in touch, meeting up or even catching up with some of us can be tricky. We all live different lifestyles and have conflicting schedules. Getting us together even at conferences can be difficult but in DC, I enjoyed the company of some Texas bloggers. And, finally got to meet more of them in person. Which is always special!

3) Visiting the local sites- While the conference kept us very busy, we were able to get away in small groups or large ones to enjoy the local sites. Oh yes, and the eateries. The food was great! Visiting the local sites to me is very important. You learn so much about the city, and it allows for more time to get to know the other conference attendees. While you don't want to miss out on the conference, who can resist getting out and exploring? DC was a first for me, so I did have a short site seeing bucket list. I was able to visit my top 3; the White House, the Capitol and the Lincoln memorial.

4) Shopping- I am usually not into shopping, but being that I was visiting DC for the first time and that my children are huge presidential fans. It was a must. It was nice to take a moment from the conference and really think about the small things that would make my children happy. They loved their gifts and I loved seeing their reactions. They now have a little memory from a special place where their Momma has been. It's the small things that count. I brought back t-shirts for my parents and trust me they were ecstatic. That again makes me happy and feel a small sense of accomplishment.

5) Connecting- Being a Momma can sometimes make me feel like I don't get out much and like maybe I lack in networking encounters. But, conferences like LATISM make me feel different. Connecting with others, especially brands and large companies is a good way to update and practice my personal brand pitch. It's also a great way to feel connected to something other than your small hometown circle. And, it's definitely a good way to get your company or blog recognized.

6) Giving back- One thing I have always been about is giving back. Within my local community and within my network as a whole. Feeling as if all that you have learned is being used for good. As well as giving back to fellow bloggers for all their support in form of mentoring and sharing my experiences. LATISM gives back, in so many ways but most importantly to the Latino Community. That's so important, as a group we should give back to one another to form and create bigger and better networking circles that we can all learn from. 

7) Work in the community- I love the work that is being done in the community, with the youth especially. Sharing the diverse passion we have for all causes with the young Latino community is amazing. LATISM is definitely working within our communities for a better future. Who better to help lead the way than the youth who form part of the inner-city or under-represented rural communities. To have a group like LATISM step in and want to make a true difference in education is a great step forward.

8) STEM & Congress visits- There are so many areas of science and technology; that I still don't understand and should. There are areas of our government that I still don't understand, and most definitely should be involved in. LATISM has reignited my interest, as a parent in these subjects. Most importantly in STEM and how much our children should be involved in different areas of focus. Math and Science are vital to many areas of our lives. I want my children to learn as much as they can and reach their potential in any or all areas of focus. I feel that I should be more involved, especially for my daughter, I want to help make a way for her to study anything that she wants and succeed. 

9) The Team- Putting together a large event is not easy. Bringing together all of the logistics, people and topics can be a hard task to accomplish. But, the LATISM team accepts the challenge and takes it on. At the end of the day, everyone gains. The experience is exciting and one to learn from. I commend all those involved, and appreciate all of the hard work. 

10) Traveling Alone- I recommend it for all Momma's. Especially if you are like me. I didn't get to travel alone much as a young adult. I either traveled with my family or my Husband (while we were dating and newly married). So traveling alone, being in a new city alone, and sleeping without my kids and husband was very new to me. Not something I was used to. But, as I have gone on several trips now it's definitely a good break from the norm. It also helps me appreciate and miss my family, even more. The experience is very unique and helps remind me as a Momma that I am capable of so much more. It's a wonderful reminder really!

Texas Conference for Women #BuildingWomenRelationships

                          ::Momma Disclosure:: This is a compensated post. All statements are my true and honest opinion.:: 

Sisterhood. Innovative. Empowering. Powerful. Exciting. Educational. Equality. Motivating. And, Inspiring. Those are all the words that come to mind now that I have attended the Texas Conference for Women. Imagine the largest platform and facility for networking; as well as a place where you can build new lasting friendships or partnerships. Women of all walks of life attend and the connections made are amazing. I personally had a chance to get to know a local blogger, Author and entrepreneur the lovely Sharon of The Zapata Group and the Bitchy Business Briefs, a little better. We drove to Austin together and shared a hotel room, what better way to get up close and personal real fast! Sharon is an intelligent and strong woman. Her go-getter personality is very inspiring. I love meeting women like her.


One of the best parts was getting to see our San Antonio Blogging Sisters; Melanie of Que Means What and Michelle of Family Love in my City, Veronica of Not a Girly Gurl, Silvia of Cocina Heritage, Christina of The Social Butterfly Gal, and Debbie of Pink Texas Chick. We all form part of the Texas Latino Bloggers group. The ladies have definitely inspired me to do so much more locally for our Houston Latina Bloggers group. Melanie has been a great mentor and is just overall genuine. Michelle, is the kindest and also so willing to help and support.

It's amazing the love and support one can achieve when we come together. The impact created helps propel my motivation forward and gives me so much energy.

My favorite part was of course listening to Robin Roberts, her story of triumph in so many areas of her life just really helps place so much into perspective.  While I didn’t get to meet her personally or speak to her, maybe one day. I was front row center and captured her elegant demeanor and strength.

Her motto of "When fear knocks let faith answer the door! If there is nothing there then, something better is coming!",it helps be at peace with where you are right now. Embracing the now and accepting the moment.

Bert Jacobs the creator of Life is Good was also a speaker at the conference, I was able to speak to him one on one. His story and the lives he has impacted are incredible. How he converted a pumpkin patch idea into a Life is Good music festival is just mind blowing. The power of positivity, it pays. He stated during his session the following; "Takers eat well. Givers sleep well." I don't know about you, but I want to be a giver! He expressed the need to be authentic in your brand because customers know the difference, and they have the power to make you or tear you down. He has made superpowers that are accessible to all, with his positive brand. 

"We are all living our own story, all we need is time. Protect your time with your life- because it is your life!" ~ Bert Jacobs 

{I will share his interview next week}

Candy Chang, the soft spoken young woman who, I believe, is making true social impact was definitely another speaker I was looking forward to hearing. It's amazing how a small and "simple" project in her neighborhood has made such a huge difference in the world. During her session she stated the following: "Good ideas develop from an open mind.--- Make your own discipline-from our life experiences and skills.--- Grief made me love a lot more.--- Approach life and work with the right attitude." 

The breakout sessions discussed equal pay and leadership positions for women in the workplace. Negotiating for the job and pay that we want and deserve as powerful professional, entrepreneurial  women that we are. The panels and the women involved were phenomenal, they really have an understanding of what it's like to be a hard working Momma in the U.S.. In all the new connections and bonds created are definitely worth the drive, time and effort.

"We see people who have succeeded and we think, oh they have never had a problem, but that's not true! They just don't wallow in it all."-Wendy Wallbridge