Mini Launch Soiree Success

I can't begin to tell you what Launch Your Creativity has meant to me. Since its inception 4 years ago it has been an amazing ride that has literally blown my mind. I've had the pleasure of meeting amazing, creative women from all walks of life. Not just the speakers, but women that come and share their hopes and dreams. Last Friday night was another evening that pulled at the strings of my heart. As the guests arrived and got settled there was a buzz in the air of eagerness to learn new things. We went around the room and each guest shared her heart's desire. A common thread was woven among us. There's something amazing about coming together, each of us unique with talents just waiting to be discovered and shared. 

I Believe...

I Believe in you.

I Believe in dreams.

I Believe in the power of coming together and supporting each other.

I Believe you will do what you commit to do.

These "Believe" ornaments were given to each guest from Cheryl Turner, owner of Paris In A Cup Tea Salon. She Believes too!

Kara Noel Lawson, Lidy Baars, Martha Karelius, Sharon Hughes, Cheryl Turner

A huge thank you to my fabulous speakers and partners in crime! I am so fortunate to have these beautiful women give so freely of their hearts and time to encourage others. It is a huge gift and I am so grateful to them and to you. 

 

A Tiny Seed

A very, very tiny seed...

Photo: Cheftessbakeresse.blogspot.com

 You've heard the verse that goes with the tiny mustard seed, right? "...If you have faith as small as a mustard seed"... 

Luke 17:6

I was pondering this the other day and realized I'd heard that verse all my life but had never looked at a mustard seed.So, of course I Googled it(Google knows everything). 

Then I thought what does it turn into, as in how big? 

This... 

Wild mustard growing in Galilee. Photo:Bibleistrue.com

And...

Mustard tree. Photo:unknown

This!

I pondered it a bit more. It seems to me that dreams are like mustard seeds.When I had the idea to start Pansy Cottage & Garden it was just a little dream but I had a vision for what it could be and within a few years my line went all the way to Dubai(I had to look it up on the map, it's far!). My point is this, you never know what will happen when you decide to plant your dreams. Are you willing to live wondering or are you willing to start? The next Launch Your Creativity event is Friday, November 7th @6:00pm. You'll learn new skills to implement into your business plan such as using social media effectively and branding yourself, meet new friends, have yummy desserts and be inspired for $45! 

What do you have to lose?

Register HERE

Coffee, Eggs and You!

I sat across the table from my dear friends Lidy and Cheryl(you know them well from LYC and the "Truth Over Tea" videos) as we sipped coffee and poked at plates of eggs and toast we talked about our dreams; dreams for our businesses and dreams for our personal growth. One common thread that unites our hearts is we want more than anything to encourage you and for you to know how important your dreams are. They are attainable, we are living proof. If you are like us, you've sat wondering how things could be different if you weren't afraid to take a leap of faith. On that note I invite you to take a leap of faith and join us for an evening of encouraging and teaching you THAT YOU REALLY CAN DO THAT THING THAT MAKES YOUR HEART SING. You have nothing to lose really...an evening & $45 bucks(but dessert & hors d' oeuvres will cure that). A beautiful venue at Paris In A Cup that's to die for and filled with feminine touches awaits you as well as new friends and a fresh new vision!

Register HERE

LYC believes in you.

Is the light on?

Register HERE

We know something you need to hear!

Do you ever wonder if you're on the right path? Wonder if what you're walking through is normal? Wonder if you should give up your dreams?
Well the Truth Over Tea panel is just what your heart needs and we cant wait to encourage you. You are beautiful and you are so loved and meant for so many good things! We will be sharing at Launch Your Creativity this weekend. Please join us!

Register HERE

This is awesome!

Im thrilled to introduce Linda Pero, singer and song writer. She attended LYC last year with a dream in her heart. She took a leap of faith and decided not to wait any longer to pursue her dreams and now she's back at LYC 

to perform and share with you.

Register now!! Register Here

Present Your Product Well!

Launch Your Creativity is so proud to welcome Cynthia Shaffer to the speaker's panel. Cynthia has photographed products for over 30 books and has authored 3 of her own. Cynthia will share tips to improve your photography skills for your Website, Etsy site, blog or catalog. Don't miss the event, register now!

Register HERE

The Divine Miss Sunday!

Coming to Launch Your Creativity on April 26th!

Sunday Hendrickson, the highly sought after stylist and photographer that has worked on hundreds of magazines and books will share with you how she built a brand on herself! 

So often we don't realize that the best face for our brand is our very own. You are who the public wants to hear from to learn about your service or product. You will be so inspired by Sunday's wisdom. Don't miss the opportunity to hear her as she doesn't speak in southern California often!

Register HERE

Loving Luana!

The Life, The Look, The Legend! Lena Patton, the beauty behind Love, Luana New Vintage Swimwear will be speaking at the next Launch Your Creativity Event on April 25-26th. Lena attended LYC twice as a guest with a dream in her heart to start a line that honored her mother, original surfer girl Luana. Hear her amazing story and learn how she put her dream into action.

Register HERE

Need Inspiration?

What an absolute privilege it is to have Sylvia Asmussen share her creativity at the next Launch Your Creativity Event on April 25-26th. Sylvia is the owner of Paris Cowgirl and Madam Palooza's styling and prop rental. This event is loaded with amazing talented women that have followed their creative passion and will be sharing their journey to inspire you on yours. 

Register Here

What a lineup!

Can you believe the amazing talent that's going to share with you at the next Launch Your Creativity event!

From left to right:

Lena Patton: Owner Love Luana Vintage Swimwear.

Sunday Hendrickson: Highly sought after Photographer and Stylist.

Melissa Bolton: Branding expert & wordsmith.

Christine Rose Elle: Beauty Maven, Life & Business Coach.

Sharon Hughes: Creator of LYC and Life Coach.

Sylvia Asmussen: Owner Paris Cowgirl & Madaam Palooza Prop Rental.

Cynthia Thompson Shaffer: Author, Photographer, Creative Consultant

Cheryl Turner: Owner Paris In A Cup Tea Salon

Jenny Doh: Publisher, Author, Editor, Artist.

Deb Kennedy: Staging Expert, Author.

Lidy Baars: Owner French GardenHouse.

Please join us for an amazing time of encouragement, inspiration, and putting your dreams into action.

Register HERE

Want to be INSPIRED?

Are you thinking about those dreams that are tucked away deep in your heart? Wondering if you should pursue them? Wondering where to start? If you answered yes to any of those questions I want to encourage you to join me at the next Launch Your Creativity Event on April 25-26th. As a Certified Life Coach, business owner and a mom, I understand how hard it is to take the next step and answer the whispers in your heart. 

Let's be honest here...it's scary and it's a big challenge.

So you know what I did? I pulled together an amazing group of women that are just like you and I to encourage you.

They aren't just good at what they do, they are the best at what they do. Do you know why? Because everyday they get up and even though the dog threw up on the carpet and the plumbing is out and there's no milk in the fridge, they decide to be their best and impact the world around them.

Here is a peek inside last year's LYC Event:

Registration is open here

The gift of encouraging you!

Thank you to all of you that have shared the vision of Launch Your Creativity. I am honored and grateful to have the gift of sharing with all of you. 
Here is a look inside the event.

My Cup Runneth Over

To say my cup runneth over is and understatement. Today is filled with relishing in the miracles of yesterday's magic. It truly was a perfect day, I couldn't have dreamed for more. Paris In A Cup was filled to the brim with amazing, talented and powerful women that came to share their hearts and wisdom with Launch Your Creativity's guests. A common thread was woven through each of the 8 speaker's presentation that sent a clear message of staying true to yourself and more importantly believing in yourself even when you're walking through the very difficult things in life. 

I'm so blessed to have had the privilege of spending the day encouraging these precious ladies whose hearts are bursting with dreams. But really Im the one walking away overwhelmed by the deep compassion, the willingness to be transparent, and the amazing stories I heard that were not only inspiring but truly authentic and raw. This is what the world desperately needs; unedited truth and being the voice that leaves behind those whispers in the hearts of others that give them the strength to stand for who they are and to dare to give their dreams wings. 

I am forever grateful to my panel of speakers who are filled with integrity and authenticity. Ladies, you nailed it, Im so, so proud of you!Thank you Debi Ward-Kennedy, Debi Beard, Tara Wilson, Jenny Doh, Lidy Baars, Jane Button, Chrisitne Rose Elle and Cheryl Turner!

The fabulous speaker's bios can be seen HERE

Thank you!

Thank you to my fabulous sponsors for your support of Launch Your Creativity's vision of encouraging women to pursue their creative passion!

Links to each sponsor are on the side bar, please support women in business.

See you in Paris this Saturday, April 20th for the 4th annual Launch Your Creativity Event.

It's Your Turn!

This event will change your life!

Don't miss the next Launch Your Creativity Event 

on April 20th! 

We will be at Paris In A Cup Tea Salon in Orange, CA. 

Topics include 

*Negotiating

*Goal Setting

*Defining yourself

*Creating your personal/professional image

*Reinventing yourself

*Running a brick & mortar

*Running an online business

*Why & how to be published

Includes breakfast and lunch!

This is an all day event

~ Bring your dreams, leave with a plan~

Register: launchyourcreativity.com/p/register

See you there!

The Event of Events!

I'm so excited to share with you the wonderful guest speakers for the next event on April 20, 2013!

Lidy Baars of French GardenHouse

~I am thrilled to welcome one of my 
dearest friends to the panel of speakers~

As a little girl growing up in Europe, Lidy Baars developed a love for antiques with patina and charm at the home of her grandparents. Her passion for discovering the beauty of forgotten treasures led to a a career as an antique dealer, her fabulous "eye" for quality and her ability to uncover antique and vintage gems has earned Lidy a loyal following of clients who rely on her for their vintage decor and 

style. After years in the trade, in 2007 she opened FrenchGardenHouse, online, to showcase her expansive collection of elegant, one-of-a-kind items from the late 1800's through the early 20th century. Sprinkled in with all the antiques are a few French themed new lines, as well as artist designed jewelry and gifts.

A romantic at heart, Lidy seeks out special, quality "finds" to delight and entice her customers, as well as many one-of-a-kind or limited quantity art or decorative "fun" pieces she designs herself. She has an art degree, and has worn many different hats in her professional career, managing retail stores at the young age of 19, then going on to designing and creating luxury decor accessories, designing custom florals, and working as an interior designer.

Lidy's attention to detail, and her vision of how antiques mixed with contemporary pieces can transform a home into a cozy haven is what sets FrenchGardenHouse apart. FrenchGardenHouse.com, as well as Lidy's own home, has been featured in many national magazines. Lidy has written and photographed several published articles relating to antiques, as well as decorating, and hospitality.

Lidy lives near the ocean in California with her husband, John, and their labrador puppy Bentley. The mother of two daughters, now a grandmother of three most adorable grandchildren, she loves nothing more than when her home is filled to the brim with her family. When not working in her office, or traveling far and near to fleamarkets and antique fairs to gather new heartwarming finds, you can find her creating something with glitter and glue, out with her friends enjoying life, or curled up in a cozy chair near the fire reading a good mystery.

Amitiés

Lidy Baars

Proprietor

Un Objet de Beaute est une joie pour toujours.

*Lidy will be sharing from her heart about the ins and outs of running a business, finding inspiration and her personal success story. You will be blessed by her tremendous insight.

Jane Button of Design 2 Market success

I am so excited to tell you that Jane Button of Design 2 Market Success will be returning to Launch Your Creativity!

Jane Button has a passion for helping creative entrepreneurs turn their creative "BIG IDEA" into the business of their dreams. Calling herself a "born entrepreneur" Jane's first company started in her basement as a cottage industry and went to a National Brand name as a multi-million dollar corporation. When creative business owners began asking for her advice, Jane started her freelance design, consulting & coaching business. 

Jane loves the freedom and opportunity that comes with being an entrepreneur and is a champion for creative entrepreneurs in the apparel, sewn product, knitting, jewelry and craft industry. Over the years, she has worked with The Pleasant Company (now known as AMERICAN GIRL®) Disney ®, Brass Key, Nordstrom, various catalogs, specialty boutiques and department stores, and numerous creative entrepreneurs who have a burning desire to create their own                      business. She has been featured in Barbara Wright Sykes books Pricing Without Fear and Do You Sew for Profit? As well as self published her own books for entrepreneurs, a keynote speaker at the Sewing & Stitchery Expo and other events. Jane freely shares her information in her seminars, workshops and books to help other entrepreneurs learn to be successful.

Understanding the artist and creative process is a key to Jane's success with her students. Because Jane does not believe in the "starving artist" concept her goal is to show creative people how to profit from their passion and fantastic creative ability.

Tara Wilson of LuluMax

Tara will teach you "The Art of Negotiating".

The love of art has been a constant in the life of Tara Wilson. As a young girl she frequented the bead shops in Laguna Beach and often spent her allowance on something sparkly and shiny she found there. Her early jewelry pieces were simple strung necklaces and head-pin earrings. College introduced her to the world of 3 dimensional design, sculpture and painting. 

Tara could not quite figure out how to pay the bills creating crazy sculptures out of found objects so she earned her degree in business. Art took a back burner as she continued on to graduate school for business and finally law school. After 12 years as an attorney her creative side was badly neglected.

Tara was shopping for that perfect necklace for an outfit and just couldn't find the one that spoke to her. After deciding to make one, she popped into Garden of Beaden in Upland and was inspired by Irene Sanchez to make something more elaborate than she usually did. A love of jewelry was reborn and the hunt for cool beads and vintage jewelry was on! 

After taking an amazing soldering class with Robin Dudley Howes, the creative side was back with a vengeance. With the new techniques learned, Tara was able to combine her love of all things rhinestone and vintage with mixed media art jewelry. 

With a nod to her two Chihuahuas, Lulu and Max, the brand Lulu Max was born! Tara now works in jewelry full time and is teaching several classes. Tara has been published in Belle Armoire Jewelry and her jewelry is carried in several boutiques around the country.

Her web site is  lulumax.com and her Etsy store is www.etsy.com/shop/lulumaxjewelry

Beth Livesay of Couture Over Coffee

Beth Livesay is quite the accomplished editor and author for her young age which speaks to the fact she is an amazing writer with tremendous vision. She is currently Senior Editor at Nails Magazine. Her career started as Managing Editor at Stampington & Company, where she oversaw Somerset Home, Altered Couture and Haute Handbags. In her five years there she  launched two titles: Jewelry Affaire and apron·ology. Her work as an editor has been acknowledged by the Los Angeles Times and The Storque (the official blog of Etsy).

Before being an editor, Beth dreamed of a career as a writer. She graduated from Pitzer College with a dual degree in English and Creative Writing, achieving honors in both fields. In 2006 she published her first collection of poetry. Her freelance writing began to appear in FEBZ Magazine, Canyon News and as a frequent contributor to Brides Television.com. 

More recently, she has contributed writing to several web and print publications including Where Women Create, Where Women Cook and the Huffington Post. She is a regular columnist for Romantic Homes magazine, where she oversees the Site Seeing and Ta Da features. She also serves as a writer and Assistant Editor for Made Woman Magazine (www.madewomanmag.com), empowering fellow young professionals. 

Her position as a writer and editor has given her the extraordinary opportunity to interview Rachel Ashwell, Emmy winners Jeff Stimmel and Melanie Mills, Nikki Lund, Ronnie Rothstein (owner of Kleinfeld Bridal) and a Real Housewife of Orange County. 

In order to write often and write well, Beth started her blog, Couture Over Coffee, in 2009. There, you can be read about her own interests, including wine tasting, traveling, literature and her obsession with fashion. The immense support from family, friends and people she meets while doing her job are what keep her going and keep her writing. A Southern California native, Beth resides in beautiful Laguna Hills with her two cats, two roommates and more pairs of shoes than she would care to admit. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and even in real life. To learn more, visit: www.coutureovercoffee.blogspot.com.

Christine Rose Elle, Stylist

Christine Rose Elle is a writer, stylist and well-being expert. After twenty years of enduring an ongoing stress related illness, she walked away from a successful career as a designer and wardrobe stylist to pursue a dream. She sold her three bedroom home and five closets of Betsey Johnson clothing to live la dolce vita in Rome, Italy. Her quest for radiant well-being and personal growth has continued ever since she downsized to two suitcases.

She now lives in Los Angeles with her beloved husband and two dogs where is writes daily from her clutter-free pink office, and is happy to say her illness has been dormant since she made the pursuit of serenity her number one priority.

She is a self-proclaimed glamour girl, but her idea of glamour is not what you wear on the outside, but how sparkly you feel on the inside. She is currently working on her first book The Sparkling Self: A Glamour Girls’ Guide to Well-being. She shows a step-by-step process for her readers to recognize their true talents and share them with others in a way that is meaningful.

She writes about well-being and how to live a radiant lifestyle for her website ChristineRoseElle.com and is a featured blogger on Skirt.com. In addition, her how-to articles have been published in several magazines.

It is her life’s purpose to listen deeply to the world, continue to grow, and to be inspired by others.

Her motto: “Everything you need for inner sparkle is already within.”

She loves polka dots and peep toed shoes, and has been known to sigh wistfully when in the presence of anything by Kate Spade or Valentino.

Career Highlights

Education:

-School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Fashion design, art history.

-Accademia Italiana

Costume design, Italian language.

Career:

·      Designed a line of clothing for several small Chicago boutiques, and participated in runaway fashion shows.

·      Worked for designer Betsey Johnson

·      Windows and mannequin styling for Nordstrom.

·      Wardrobe styling for commercials, print, film.

·      Photo stylist.

·      Wardrobe consultant for individual clientele.

·      Instructor of different themed workshops.

·      Fashion designer.

·      Jewelry designer.

·      Window designer.

·      Artist.

·      Illustrator.

·      Writer.

·      Wellbeing expert.

Don't miss the opportunity to unleash your inner glamour girl and define your own personal style with Christine's contagious bubbly outlook on life!

Jenny Doh of Crescendoh

Jenny Doh is Founder of www.crescendoh.com — like a magazine but daily like a newspaper, featuring fresh and creative content from artists within all genres, coupled with their stories that highlight the power of art in our lives. Jenny serves regularly as keynote speaker across the nation to deliver messages related to creative passion, leadership, communication, and compassion. Prior to CRESCENDOh, Jenny worked for six years as Editor-in-Chief and Director of Publishing for Somerset Studio, Belle Armoire, and its many sister publications.

Jenny is an author and packager of books. To date, she has created the following books:

·       Creative Lettering (2013)

·       Journal It! (2012)

·       We Make Dolls (2012)

·       Hand in Hand (2012)

·       Creative Pilgrimage

·       Signature Styles

·       Art Saves

·       Where Women Create: Book of Inspiration (co-author)

Discover all of her current and future books here on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/entity/Jenny-Doh/B004AOKQJ2?ie=UTF8&ref_=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6&qid=1320958508&sr=1-6&ie=UTF8&tag=c0b51-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957

For her leadership in publishing, Jenny was recognized by Folio magazine as one of the top 40 leaders within the publishing industry www.foliomag.com/2009/2009-folio-40.

In 1995, Jenny received her Masters in Social Welfare from UCLA and then worked for seven years as a social worker in child protective services in Orange County, California. Jenny received her undergraduate degree in political science from UC Irvine and has served as President of UC Irvine’s Alumni Association.

Jenny and her husband raise their two children, Monica and Andrew, in Santa Ana, California. She loves to knit and crochet, stay fit, practice archery, and play the cello.

To learn more, visit www.crescendoh.com. 

Debi Ward Kennedy

Debi Ward Kennedy

Writer . Stylist . Designer

Debi Ward Kennedy 50, is a writer, stylist, and designer whose work has appeared in FOLK Magazine, Somerset Life, Vintage Indie, design*sponge, Country Business, and many other retail and lifestyle publications. Deb contributed a regular decorating column to FOLK Magazine for every issue of its inaugural year.

While she has been a writer since early in her life, Deb began her design career in Anaheim, California when she discovered retail visual merchandising at the age of 13 on Main Street USA in Disneyland. Over 35+ years in the retail industry, she has worked as a retail stylist and store designer for many corporate and independent merchant clients, including Washington state wine industry luminaries Chateau Ste. Michelle, Hogue, and Columbia Wineries. Her design talents have also been utilized by major gift shows where Deb has presented seminars and created exhibitor displays, and the Gift and Home Channel, for whom she produced an educational video series.

Having earned a solid reputation for creating high-impact theatrical displays in the vintage industry, Deb has participated as a vendor in the Farm Chicks, Remnants of the Past, and BarnHouse shows. Her former business, Retreat, and the Retreat Vintage Market shows she hosted in Washington State, have been featured in lifestyle magazines.

Now located in Southern California, Deb has redefined her professional and personal focus in 2012. She is sharing her experience in creating affordable seasonal decorative effects on her new blog, HOMEWARDfound, as well as through freelance contributions to Creating Vintage Charm Magazine, FOLK Magazine, and other publications.

DebiWardKennedy.com    .      HomewardFoundDecor.com

Debi Beard of House Vintage

Her smile is contagious, her quick wit is hysterical, I am thrilled to welcome 
Debi Beard to the LYC Panel!

House Vintage is my antique and vintage interiors shop located in Solana Beach, Ca.

When I opened my doors 16 years ago I had an abundance of hope and creativity, my budget however was almost non existent. Many years of hard work, faith and resourcefulness have brought some amazing blessings to my business. My shop has been featured in several national magazines and on television, including Coastal Living Magazine and Extreme Makeover Home Edition. With all this wonderful success there have been many challenges as well and I have almost gone out of business on several occasions. It is by the grace of God that my doors are open today.

I have learned so many things though the years about running a retail store and creating art by hand.

I felt I was bursting with ideas that I wanted to share with as many people as possible. My dream was to share my experiences by hosting my own online design show, but there was one small problem, I was extremely shy, and I had no Idea how to use a computer beyond sending a basic email.

I forced myself to take on-camera acting classes and spent every spare moment at Apple learning how to edit video. 

In 2011 I started a weekly DIY show on YouTube.

The old saying, 'still waters run deep' was very true for me, I discovered a side to my personality that was banging down the door to get out!

I had no idea what I wanted my show to be like when I first set out, I just knew that if I didn't try I would be a miserable girl.

I am a firm believer in repurposing and using what we already have to create beautiful surroundings, I married my love of junk, art and design with my off-beat personality and Debi's Design Diary was born.

Pushing myself past my comfort zone has been one of the best things I have ever done. I hope to encourage anyone out there with a secret dream to do the same. My hearts desire is that my videos will inspire you, teach you something new, and entertain you in the creative process!

This year, creative workshops have been added to my shop, We have just installed a beautiful class room where you can come learn in person. We have a full schedule of classes this fall including paint techniques and vintage holiday crafting. 

For more information, you can find me at,

debisdesigndiary.com

housevintage315.com

www.youtube.com/user/SheSellsSeaShellscom?feature=mhee

Reserve your place at LYC today! Registration is open "HERE"