Jennifer Lee of Artizen Coaching

CARMEN: You are such an inspiration Jenn!  I am so inspired by what you’ve got going on at Artizen Coaching. I love your creative approach. Can you tell us a little about yourself and the inspiration behind what you do? 

JENN: Aww, thanks so much, Carmen. You inspire me loads, too! 

I’m a certified coach, author, artist, and yogini who believes in living life in full color. Ever since I was little, I was always painting or drawing so it makes sense that art and creativity infuse my work now. I love partnering with professional women seeking more fulfillment, creativity, and meaning and with creative entrepreneurs launching their inspiring businesses. I help people make their visions real through my individual and group life/business coaching, expressive arts and intuitive painting facilitation, creative playshops and e-courses, and innovative products. My first book “The Right-Brain Business Plan: A Creative, Visual Map for Success” will come out in early 2011. 

I didn’t always color outside the lines. I’m also a former corporate ladder climber who spent 10 years stifling my inner muse. I knew there had to be something more, though, so I began my own personal growth journey through coaching, leadership development, yoga, and reconnecting with my creative spark. In 2003, I started my coaching practice on the side. In 2006, I finally made the leap to pursue my passions full-time and haven’t looked back since. 

Now each day I have the honor of empowering people to follow their own authentic and creative path, too. Seriously, I get to do this for a living?! ;) Hell yeah! 

CARMEN: We’re dying to know, what inspires you more than anything else in the whole world?

JENN: Beauty. The beauty of nature, emotion, the creative process, life, the human spirit... All of it moves me deeply. 

CARMEN: What is your big dream?  Yes, the BIG one!  The really, super big, pee your pants when make it happen dream.  The one you feel a wee bit nervous saying out loud.  Yep, that one!

JENN: I’m living into my big dream now. I’m doing what I love and I get to help people do what they love, too. I see myself doing more of that with more ease and abundance. The BIG dream is about dialing everything up – way UP (and of course holding all of the details very lightly!).  

So, the super big, pee in my pants dream… I’m a best-selling author who writes numerous influential and inspiring books. I’m a sought after keynote speaker who speaks about creativity, right-brain entrepreneurship, expressive arts, feminine leadership, and personal growth. I coach a handful of amazing clients who are rocking out their big dreams. I have popular lines of creative products and programs that help me inspire and educate people all over the world. I have awesome creative cohorts to support me in making my vision real and to help me run the day-to-day activities. 

I love the idea of opening up my own creative space in my community. When I did my Expressive Arts Teacher Training, I envisioned a gorgeous, bright studio called the Artizen Center where I would lead expressive arts and intuitive painting playshops, other workshops, and there would also be yoga and movement and all sorts of other spiritual and creative offerings. And I’d have a space of my own where I could paint BIG! 

I also dream of having a second home in Hawaii. I’d love to lead retreats there that involve creativity, expressive arts, yoga, and personal growth. My hubby would lead some photography workshops, as well. And of course we would go there just to chill out, too, because my big dream also involves balance and plenty of time for self-care and spaciousness. Ahhhh. 

CARMEN: Wow, I love big dreamers! Tell us how you’re going to feel when you make it happen!

JENN: Whether my big dream ends up exactly as I’ve written or shows up in some other flavor, as long as I’m living in alignment with my values, my vision and my passion I know I’ll feel fulfilled and inspired. 

CARMEN: What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail and fear didn’t exist?

JENN: Even though it can be uncomfortable and challenging, I believe in feeling the fear and doing it anyway and that tons of learning comes from failure. But when it comes to physical stuff, I’m a big chicken so I’d say… I would be an aerial acrobat. Ha! I’m really afraid of heights BUT it looks very fun and freeing. 

CARMEN: What’s next for you?

JENN: Geez, there are so many creative projects swirling in my head or are in various stages of manifestation. The next big thing, though, is finishing up the remaining details on my book gearing up for the book launch. I’m also working on licensing programs, I’ve got a couple of new e-Courses brewing, and I’d love to start brainstorming on the next book. Oh and in September I’ll be heading out to Squam Art Workshops for some creative time and connecting. Can’t wait!! 

CARMEN: What are you working on right now that you could use some support and encouragement on?

JENN: As I mentioned earlier, I’ll be heading into the marketing phase for my book. It’s new territory for me and I imagine I’ll be stretched in unexpected, exciting, and challenging ways. I’d love some expert support in how to navigate the process and also encouragement to keep me moving forward. 

CARMEN: What advice, tips, resources, and overall good-to-know information would you offer someone just starting out with regards to finding passion & inspiration and digging in? 

JENN:
Pay attention to what lights you up. Write a list of 50-100 things that you love. These are clues to your passion. What are some simple ways that you can have more of these things in your life right now? 

Explore and dabble. Allow yourself to follow your creative urges, your curiosities, your inspiration. It’s okay if you don’t know exactly where they’ll lead. You won’t know if something’s right for you unless you try it. How can you play with your passions this week or month? What are some small actions you can take right now to get more clarity or to move forward? 

Enlist support. Find like-minded, supportive souls who are also pursuing their creative dreams. Ask for help and help others. Remember you don’t have to fly solo. I’m grateful to be part of a Nurture Huddle. We’re a small group of friends/creative bloggers who connect on a conference call every other week for 90 minutes. We hold each other accountable to actions that move us toward our big dreams, we celebrate our successes, and we encourage each other when things get tough or scary. Who would you love to be part of your Nurture Huddle? How ‘bout asking them this week? 

CARMEN: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

JENN: Two things: 

One: My next session of the Right-Brain Business Plan e-Course starts on September 20^th. This 8-week interactive program is perfect for you if you don’t have a business plan but the very thought of writing one scares the bejesus out of you. Through an accessible, playful and visual approach, you’ll finally get your business plan done and you’ll have fun doing it! Yay! Sign-up now and get the early-bird special. 

Two: Thank you, Carmen for this awesome opportunity to connect with other inspiring, creative souls. You are a rock star and a true champion of creativity!  

CARMEN: You are so welcome Jenn!  It's been such a treat featuring you! Where can we find you online and what is the best way to connect with you?

JENN: Coaching website: http://www.artizencoaching.com

Right-Brain Brain Business Plan: http://www.rightbrainbusinessplan.com

My personal blog: http://www.lifeunfoldsblog.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/artizencoaching

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jenniferlee  

BIO:  Certified coach, author, and artist Jennifer Lee empowers professional and entrepreneurial women to awaken their inner muse and live life in full color. After spending 10 years in the corporate world, she took the leap to pursue her passions and now helps others do the same. Jennifer is a certified coach through the Coaches Training Institute and International Coach Federation, a certified yoga instructor, and a certified intuitive painting and expressive arts facilitator. She holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from UCLA and an M.A. in Communication Management from USC. When she’s not coaching, writing, or leading groups, Jennifer is either painting up a storm, reading in a hammock, practicing yoga, getting crafty, indulging in a mid-day nap, or hanging with her hubby and their adorable beagle-mix. 

Thank you so much Jenn!

xo & belief in YOU,

Carmen

 

I'm brainstorming. Tossing around ideas for how I can connect with other motivated, creative, entrepreneur types locally.  My goal was to come up with 3 solid ideas for ways I can connect here and now. 

One of the things I'm working on with my goal setting is making sure my goals are S.M.A.R.T.E.R. Not just smarter, as in more brilliant, although that rocks too, I'm talking S.M.A.R.T.E.R. as in the acronym.  Feel free to add your own terms for the acronym you use! They're YOUR goals, make them your own!

MY GOAL: CONNECT WITH 3 LOCAL GROUPS OF MOTIVATED, CREATIVE, ENTREPRENEUR TYPE PEOPLE BY THE END OF AUGUST. 

Specific = I want to meet and connect with local motivated, creative, entrepreneur types now (by the end of next month.)

Measurable = I will know I've made progress when I have met with at least one group of 5 or more people that are motivated, creative, entrepreneur types.  I will have accomplished my goal when I've met with at least 3 groups. 

Achievable = Are there at least 3 groups locally that I can meet with?  YES, although one of them, I want to create! (Note to self, make creating a group a separate goal.) Are there times when I can meet with them? YES.  Is there anything in my way? Just fear, but I'm walking through it. 

Relevant = Is accomplishing this goal in alignment with my overall objectives? YES.  Connecting with local peeps will give me opportunities to support others and also be supported, plus network and create an opening to invite in potential clients.  win/win

Timely = Is this goal timely?  Is now a good time?  Yes.  Is the timeframe on this goal effective and do-able? Yes.  No time like the present.  I know connecting with like-minded people will generate motivation for me and also be energizing and empowering.  I accomplish more when I'm motivated, energized and empowered. 

Evaluate =  Mid-month, I will evaluate & make sure I'm enjoying the process and making progress.

Re-Evlauate = Last week of August, quick re-evaluation and either Renew or Reward!!!  Rock on!

Your turn! What is your challenge with making connections? Online? Social Media? Blogging? Forums? Galleries? Shows? Speaking gigs? Local groups? Fear? Finding people to connect with?

I can't wait to hear what your brainstorm session leads you to and what goals you set afterward! I'd love for you to share in the comments! 

xo & belief in YOU,

Carmen

___________

Need someone to brainstorm and conspire with? I'd love to brainstorm with you! Contact me for a complimentary consultation call and we can toss around some ideas to get you moving towards your next goal!   

Journaling is a great way to put thoughts on paper...
and there is no wrong way to do it.  
Whether you choose to write, draw, doodle, type, paint, collage, or a combination,
doesn't matter one iota.  What does matter is that you get your
random thoughts, dreams, goals, brilliant ideas and most importantly,
your feeling out and put in a safe place.  
A place you can refer to often, flip through and go to for inspiration, motivation,
a swift kick in the back-side, or a loving pat on the back.

I feel so strongly about keeping some kind of journal that I ask all of my clients to keep one. 

I'm using my new moleskine journal as a non-traditional, no rules journal.
I'm writing in it.  
I'm working through my goals in it.
I'm doodling about how success feels in it. 
I'm allowing myself to fully express myself in it.
No holds barred.  

I challenge you to do the same.

xo & mucho belief in you,

Carmen

CARMEN: Oh my gosh, Molly, you are such an inspiration! I love what you’ve got going on over at Stratejoy. Can you tell us a little about yourself and the inspiration behind what you do? 

MOLLY: Awww, thanks Carmen!   It’s a complete honor to be featured on your site in the company of some amazing women.  Big smooches to you for being such a warm, enthusiastic cheerleader for dreamers!

I’m 29.  I’m live in Seattle (for now). I love mangos, and skinny-dipping, and vipassana meditation.  I’m an entrepreneur, life coach, joy enthusiast, adventurer, workshop facilitator, and speaker, and creator of the online-pay-what-you-can-afford-course, The Joy Equation.  I’d love to add author, piano player, burlesque performer, momma, and artist to that list someday!  Right now, I’m focusing on Stratejoy, my coaching/training company and megawebsite.  

Stratejoy stands for “Strategies for Joy and was inspired by my own “Quarterlife Crisis”. I was 25 when I first started admitting I’d made the wrong career choice, felt totally disconnected from myself, and had no idea what do to about it…  I was stuck, frustrated, and drinking way too much wine!

Long story short: I quit my job, traveled around the world for 10 months with my boyfriend, journaled my little heart out, started meditating, stopped spending unnecessary money, danced more, took myself less seriously, and talked to anyone I could about courage and freedom and joy.  It was some serious seeking, and when I made it back to Seattle, I dove into creating Stratejoy--a business that would help other women reconnect with their authenticity and define success on their own terms.  A site that would share honest stories, offer inspirational AND useful services, and offer a dose of positivity in the world.  

It felt like there was this big gap in the personal development sphere--Sassy, modern women who wanted camaraderie, guidance and some accountability- but without too much woo woo or motivational fist pumping…  I’m no guru, but I try my very best to live by my personal mission, “Celebrate life authentically and inspire others to do the same”.  And I absolutely adore working with women who aren’t settling, whether they be coaching clients or workshop participants.   

CARMEN: We’re dying to know, what inspires you more than anything else in the whole world? 

MOLLY: People.  Those who are genuine, who wear their hearts on their sleeves, those who chase dreams and never give up.  I’m inspired by people who face adversity with courage, are kind regardless of who’s noticing, those who laugh out loud.  I get jazzed when someone faces a fear, asks for help, speaks from their heart.  I’m so inspired by people who play big, those who live in the present moment, and those who aren’t afraid to love hard.

I also seek out live music, summits with ridiculous vistas, poetry, little kids, and unflinching bravery when I need a dose of inspiration!

CARMEN: What is your big dream?  Yes, the BIG one!  The really, super big, pee your pants when make it happen dream.  The one you feel a wee bit nervous saying out loud.  Yep, that one! 

MOLLY: Getting invited to speak at TED.   It’s so big, I still don’t know how it’s going to happen…  But, it’s there.  (I’m getting heart palpitations just admitting it!)  

CARMEN: I love it! Tell us how you’re going to feel when you make it happen!

MOLLY: Nervous!  Thrilled.  Honored.  Inspired. Like the effort and love and passion I share with the world are going to be taken to the next level, multiplied, carried on a bigger wave than I ever imagined.   

CARMEN: What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail and fear didn’t exist?

MOLLY: Take off on a trip around the country: speaking, sharing, teaching, coaching and writing and photographing a luscious coffee table book.  Oh wait, I’m already doing that!   See Question #6.

I might also go offline for months at a time.  That just sounds ridiculously lovely—working solely in person, writing in journals, no pressure to “have a presence” and trusting that my business would be bigger and brighter because of it.

CARMEN: What’s next for you?  

MOLLY: Well, I’m getting married to the love of my life (known on the interwebs as The Big Man!) on August 28^th. And then we’re taking off on our next adventure- a crazy, fun-filled, Stratejoy-sharing roadtrip around North America.  

We’ll be exploring, connecting with new friends, playing, and working from the road.  We may be traveling for 3 months, a year, forever…  I’m ridiculously excited to teach workshops in new cities, continue coaching clients via Skype, and connect with Tribe members all over the country.  And I will start work on the coffee table book I’ve been dreaming about!

Oh, and the food!  When people ask me about our 10-month trip around the world, half of what I talk about is what I ate!  So, I’m assuming this trip will be the same. Bring it on, culinary adventures!  

CARMEN: Congrats! How exciting!!! What are you working on right now that you could use some support and encouragement on? 

MOLLY: I haven’t officially announced the “Road Trip” over on Stratejoy yet, although plans have been slowly leaking out as I wrap things up in Seattle…  So, I could use tons support and encouragement with the planning!   I’m in need of excitement, P.R. connections, workshop hosts in various cities, coaches to surf, gutsy Quarterlife Women (in their 20’s & early 30’s) to interview, and just general love and shout outs.  And maybe sponsors?  

I’m also working on a ridiculously fun workbook, tentatively titled, “The ABC’s of Loving Yourself”.   And  when that’s ready to launch- I’ll definitely be back in touch! 

CARMEN: Awesome! Can't wait to see that unfold and I hope your trip brings you to Florida! So what advice, tips, resources, and overall good-to-know information would you offer someone just starting out with regards to finding passion & inspiration and digging in?  

MOLLY: Ah!  I have a lot of these. 

One.  There is juicy goodness to be found when you start getting really, really curious about everything:  yourself, your schedule, your preferences, your judgments.  Why do you do what you do?  If you were to let yourself spend a day “wasting time”- what would that look like?  How do you interact with others and they with you?   What kind of mark are you leaving on your world?  Curiosity is a lovely way to explore tingles and sparks and glimmers of something new.   Practice paying attention to yourself, your preferences, and the things that make you happy.  And don’t be afraid to explore something, as crazy and out-of-character as it may sound!

Two.  Surround yourself with love.  Purge toxic people, activities, habits, or environments.  This can be super scary for people and it’s one of the major stuck points that I work with a lot of my clients on…   When you’re digging into passion, you need support.   You need cheerleaders (right, Carmen?!).   You’ll get plenty of constructive criticism and doubt along the way -- so make sure you know whom you can turn to for a big dose of faith.  

Three.  Expect to “break down” every 5 days!  It’s part of the territory when you’re pushing yourself to connect with your deepest desires, grow as a person and stop accepting good enough…  I have never felt so scared, so joyful, so intensely ANYTHING, as I have on this journey!  I’m finally coming to the point where I just accept the scary leaps, the tears, the feeling off continually having to push myself.  I may not like it, but it’s worth it to me, because this life I’m carving out is amazing. This connection with true passion and inspiration?  Remarkable.

Four.  Read.  And journal. And make time for YOURSELF everyday with a little self-love ritual.  In the winter, I love baths with citrus salts, candles and inspiring books (try The Invitation, Women Who Run With Wolves, This Time I Dance, Life is a Verb, or any memoirs by strong women).  In the nicer weather, I’m a walker with my own personal soundtrack on Pandora (try mixing the “Sex on Fire”, “Josh Damigo” and  “A Fine Frenzy” stations).  

Five.  Believe that you deserve every bit of happiness you desire.  Yup. It’s true, and if you can’t wrap your mind around that, you’ll unknowingly sabotage every attempt at passion.  It all starts with belief.

CARMEN: Excellent advice Molly! Is there anything else you’d like to share? 

MOLLY: You’re not sick of me yet, Carmen?   Okay, then, climbing up on my mountaintop to shout,  “This is life, sugarpops.  This is it.  It’s never too late, nor are you too busy or broke, to dive into your own life!  YOU have got so much to offer, so much to share, so much to learn.  Don’t be afraid of disappointing others—be wary of disappointing yourself.  It’s within your power to love your life.  It’s within your power to appreciate the beauty and possibility in the present.  The choice is yours. Open your eyes and jump!”

And don’t be a stranger!  I’m easy to get in touch with and have lots to offer to help on YOUR quest.

CARMEN: Where can we find you online and what is the best way to connect with you? 

MOLLY: Website:  http://www.stratejoy.com   Make sure you sign up for the eNewsletter to get the monthly videos and the Gutsy Girls Guide to Success eBook!  Woo!

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/stratejoy

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/stratejoy   

Flickr:   http://www.flickr.com/stratejoy   I just started the 365 challenge!  One photo a day, for a year…

BIO: Molly Hoyne is the founder of Stratejoy, a training company that provides women the tools, strategies and camaraderie to live life well.  She is a life coach, an enthusiastic speaker, and editor of a website full of resources and inspiration especially for 20 and 30 somethings, including the online Joy Equation Course.  You can find her on Twitter and Facebook — connect away! 

Inspiration Line Kits
available in limited quantities in the shop. 

What a great week so far (and it's only Wednesday!!!)  Here's the run down...

• A brand, spankin' new Services page, where you can get all the details about the cheerleading/coaching/consulting/conspiring services I'm now offering.
• Major updates to my About page, including photos of me in uniform (USMC & Cheerleading!).  Yep you read that right! Check it out.
• Kate Swoboda turned the tables and interviewed me, Inspiring Minds Want to Know style.  Those questions are tough to answer.  
• I have a new article in The Wish Studio and it's all about getting your brave on! 
• Check back tomorrow for an inspiring interview with Molly Hoyne of Stratejoy.

Have a great day!  I'm headed out to pick up my new bowling ball and hit the lanes with my kiddos! 

xo & belief in you,

Carmen

LOVE BOMB

I taught a "Girl's Rock" class to a small group of Girl Scouts yesterday.
We painted rocks, shared how we rock, talked about things we think rock,
and talked about how we could spread kindness with our creations.

When we talked about what we were going to do with our rocks,
we settled on keeping one, giving one away and using the third as
a Love Bomb to drop out into the world to brighten someone's day.

I hope my little Love Bomb rocks someone's day...
and maybe brightens yours.

xo & belief in you,

Carmen 

 _________________________________

Popping back in to let you all know that I love the excitement in the comments about this workshop!!! Several of you asked for the details on this workshop and I'm feeling generous...
Download all the info right here, absolutely free. ♥ 

(right click to save each pdf) 

Rock this Workshop (worskhop details pdf)
Rockin' Name Tags (pdf)
Rockin' Word List (class hand out pdf)

Oh and I know this workshop is made specifically for girls, but boys love rocks and creativity too.  If you change it up for boys, I would love to see what you do and how it works out!!!  

Enjoy!

Lisa Sonora Beam

CARMEN: Lisa, your book and all that you share online have been, and continue to be such an inspiration to me! Can you tell us a little about yourself and the inspiration behind what you do? 

LISA: I’ve always been intensely curious and a kind of spiritual seeker, from a very young age. When I was five years old, my grandfather gave me my first journal -- it was a blank book he found when we were rummaging through books at the Salvation Army thrift store.

The combined love of thrifting, recycling, hunting for treasure and for old books, new books, any books was formed even before I went to school. My grandfather used to read to me out of National Geographic magazine (instead of children’s books) and my love of people and places and cultures and travel was ignighted then. 

I loved geography in school and would spin the globe and plan out my future adventures of world travel—while growing up very poor and being raised by a single mother who had me when she was still a teen. 

It was really the gift of a pretty difficult childhood that got me so intensely into art and writing. I used to just hang out in libraries (we moved a lot) and find a private space where I could draw and write in my sketchbooks, which I always kept with me.

As a young therapist, I used to do visual journaling with my patients, then after I left working in psychiatric hospitals, I gave workshops to colleagues in the advertising and design field. This developed over the years to using visual journaling as a way to unblock our creativity and nuture the creative spirit. 

Finally, about six years ago, I started giving workshops to artists on how to make their business aspects more successful. This was because my artist friends kept asking me the same questions about how I made a living with my creativity. 

I thought what I was doing was obvious, which is the curse of knowledge. When they said, no-- it’s not obvious! Help me!, that’s when I started using visual journaling to learn and master and put into practice the business stuff we all need underneath our creative dreams.

My book, The Creative Entrepreneur, was written based on the workshops I had been teaching, integrating devloping a strong and healthy creative practice with sound business tools. 

No more starving artists is my mantra. It’s a ridiculous waste when our talents and gifts are not being utilized. I hate to see people suffer, especially creatives. There’s no need to suffer, starve, or try to reinvent the wheel. There’s a way to prosper as an artist. Believe me, if I can do it, anyone can. Really.

CARMEN: We’re dying to know, what inspires you more than anything else in the whole world? 

LISA: The act of creating something new brings me alive in ways that are difficult to put into words, really. I’m inspired by it, but more: creating brings me in touch with a deep sense of peace and expansive joy. When I’m creating, I’m in the experience of love.

It’s not unlike the feeling I get every once in a great while during meditation practice, when there is an experience of “no-mind”, where, just for an instant, I’m not thinking.

Then there is the whole topic of what inspires me to create in the first place. 

I’m hardly ever not inspired...the beauty and wonder of everyday, ordinary life is captivating and full of mystery. To be alive and walking around and seeing is inspiring. To connect with like-minded creative people inspires me.

Travel is my passion and is like rocket fuel for inspiration. So is teaching other people how to visual journal for healing, to gain insight, solve problems and make creative breakthroughs. 

I combine travel with visual journaling, and then I get to be sort of a travel guide on both an inner and outer adventure. That’s a dream come true. Making dreams come true, mine and others: that’s a huge inspiration. 

CARMEN: What is your big dream?  Yes, the BIG one!  The really, super big, pee your pants when make it happen dream.  The one you feel a wee bit nervous saying out loud.  Yep, that one! 

Since you so cleverly asked for one that makes you nervous to say out loud, I’ll take you up on your challenge! 

I dream of having my 1008 Paintings Project exhibited in a mobile installation that travels the world. The installation is a recycled shipping container that is a mobile gallery and classroom. 

Since the paintings are 1008 Meditations on the Human Condition, and look at the intersection between psychology and spirituality and creativity, I am calling the installation “Dharma Lab”. Dharma is the Sanskrit word for “teachings”. 

It’s an experiential (lab) place to learn about the healing and transformative power of art-making. How creativity can be used for healing and spiritual growth, as it has been used in so many indigenous cultures cross culturally. 

The installation is a way of creating a different kind of “museum” experience, kind of how a book mobile brings the library to the community. 

CARMEN: Tell us how you’re going to feel when you make it happen!

Grateful, and in awe of the creative process. 

CARMEN: What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail and fear didn’t exist?

LISA: I’m already doing it. That doesn’t mean I don’t experience fear, I do. But I’ve learned how to dance with fear so that it doesn’t ever stop me. At least not for long. 

Fear, shmear. It’s gonna be there whenever we are pursuing our creative calling. That’s why I say that creativity is a hero’s journey. We have to be bold and proceed. Over and over again, no matter how much “failure”, or how much “success” we’ve had. 

Every creative idea is a new blank page. A sign we’re on the right track is that we’ll probably be have the bejeezus scared out of us. Fear is a good sign. That’s how I see it.

CARMEN: I love your outlook Lisa! What’s next for you?

LISA: I’m developing a new series of online visual journaling classes that are the kind of classes I wish I had when learning all this stuff over the years by trial and error. I’m also developing some special subjects classes, like working with teens, and how teachers, coaches and therapists can use visual journaling with their clients.

I started my career as an art therapist, so my work is deeply rooted in using creativity for healing and change-making. Art-making literally saved my life as a child, and I’ve seen the same thing happen over and over again with others in the last 25 years (yikes, that’s a long time!) since I’ve been teaching this stuff.

CARMEN: What are you working on right now that you could use some support and encouragement on? 

LISA: The 1008 Paintings Project. It’s my version of a marathon, without the actual running. Ha ha. I’d love it if people stopped by and looked at the project on my blog and left little love letters of encouragement in the comments, or sent me an email, whatever.

The comments I’ve been getting so far, by the way, are just heart-opening. They are sharing their own stories of healing through art. And this is what I hope the project will raise awareness about. Art-making is vital to a healthy individual, and a healthy society. When we crowd it out, or cut it out, we get sick in various ways. So come on over and leave your two cents on this topic. I’d love the encouragement, and to hear your experiences.

CARMEN: What advice, tips, resources, and overall good-to-know information would you offer someone just starting out with regards to finding passion & inspiration and digging in?  

LISA: Start keeping a visual journal filled with images of things that inspire you, things that make you tingle and come alive. When you start collecting images and adding them to writing about what you would like to experience more of, you subconscious mind gets in on the program. Things start to move in your outer experience because you started on the inside.

That’s science, that’s how our brains work. That’s the power of visual journaling. It helps us align with who we really are, what we really want, even if we can’t yet articulate it with words. 

I could go on and on about this (and do, on my blog!) so I encourage your readers to stop by and read more. I publish all sort of tips and ideas for how to visual journal and lots more on my website. 

CARMEN: Is there anything else you’d like to share? 

LISA: Yes, another big dream. 

This is a dream for everyone:

Libraries were my refuge growing up, so I would love to create a library of visual journals and sketchbooks for the public. It would be both a library and a museum, with experiential classes so that everyone can learn about the power of visual journaling.

CARMEN: Where can we find you online and what is the best way to connect with you? 

LISA: My website/blog is my name: http://lisasonorabeam.com/ 

You can learn about the 1008 Paintings Project here: http://lisasonorabeam.com/2010/1008-paintings-project-what-i-can-tell-you-about-it-so-far/

If you want to learn about my workshops, including my annual creativity retreat in beautiful Mexico, go here: http://lisasonorabeam.com/work/

I’d love to connect with you on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LisaSonoraBeam

and Twitter: (send me an @ reply to let me know so I can follow you back!) http://twitter.com/LisaSonoraBeam

My book, The Creative Entrepreneur, has a page on Facebook, too:  http://www.facebook.com/LisaSonoraBeam#!/pages/The-Creative-Entrepreneur/45154599842?ref=ts  

Bio: Lisa Sonora Beam, is an artist and practical idealist who is passionate about how creativity can be used for all kinds of good.  

Her professional background includes making the leap from being an art therapist to a designer and art director in ad agencies. In San Francisco, 2003, she founded the first design firm to market exclusively green and social initiatives (do-good products and causes!). 

She has an MBA in sustainable enterprise and loves to teach artsy folks how to improve their creative and business chops, so she book about creativity and business, called The Creative Entrepreneur. She also teaches workshops and does private, 1:1 sessions with folks all over the world.

Oh, and Lisa is location independent, which loosely translates as: friends and family often don’t know exactly where she is. When not roaming the world, she lives in eccentric town of Fairfax, CA, just north of San Francisco, in an old warehouse she has been renovating green.

Thank you so much Lisa!!!

xo & belief in you,

Carmen

Big 3 News - Making it happen!

One week ago today, I spilled the beans on my Big 3.  I decided to go ahead and put my dreams out there for the world, and more specifically, YOU, to see.  I also committed to share my progress and stumbling blocks along the way.  (Yikes! What was I thinking?!) I know that accountability is important and so is getting out of my comfort zone.... and I also know that my Support Squad rocks and will not only hold me accountable, I know they (YOU) will encourage and support me every step of the way!  (Thank you!!!)

As I mentioned last week, when I was in Kansas, before the Talk Show/Mic in Hand epiphany, I met with my whip-smart, business savvy entrepreneur friend, Haley.  Long before she was on my Support Squad, Haley and I were on the high school cheerleading squad together.  We go way back and could probably still bust out in a synchronized dance routine to Rapper's Delight.... but that's not a visual I care to delve into.  She's been giving me her "to the point" advice for quite some time and she has never steered me wrong. Even back in our poster-making-frenzy days, she never hesitated to end practice on time so that she could get her homework done... and she would encourage me to do the same. That's just how she rolls.  

I trust her.  I know her.  I believe in her.  And I know that when she tells me that she believes in me, or in one of my ideas, she means it... and when she tells me she wants to see results in 6 weeks, I snap to attention. Not because I wanna be a "yes-girl" or because I want to people-please.  It's because I know that if she says it, she believes it is POSSIBLE.  

I love possibility and I love a challenge.  

Sometimes just knowing that someone else believes in you is enough of a catalyst to push you to go ahead and take the first baby step towards your dream and your calling.  I believe in you. Yes, YOU.  I know there is a dream inside and it might just be so big that it scares the pants right off of ya. Sharing my Big 3 last week was a bit on the scare-the-pants-off-me side... but it was also empowering.  

So empowering in fact, that yesterday, I sent out welcome packets to my A-Team - my first 6 clients.  Remember the second bullet point of my Big 3, the one that read:

Create a coaching/consulting/conspiring program for creative women
and begin taking clients that are ready
to get fired up & take action to rock their creative lives.

It's official.  I'm super excited to go ahead and announce that I am open for business.  No, my website isn't updated yet.  And my (yet to be created) services page doesn't reflect this change yet, but I'M READY.  And I know there are creative women out there that need a cheerleader/coach/consultant/conspirer on their Support Squad to help them get focused, get fired up, get accountable and get moving towards those big scare-the-pants-off-ya dreams and goals!  

Hold me....

or Hire me to hold you.  

So excited over here!!!  

xo & belief in all things YOU,

Carmen

p.s.  Since my website hasn't caught up with me yet, if you are interested in learning more about my cheerleading/coaching/consulting/conspiring (holy wow that's a lot of C's) services, just shoot me an email and I'll gladly give you all the details!  

p.s.s  SO excited to UPDATE this.... my Services page is live and my About page it updated too!  Can I get a woohoo?

Haley Ibrahim

CARMEN: Haley, I am SO excited to be interviewing you! You have always been such an inspiration to me and your latest adventure is no exception! I’m loving the concept of your new business, Bizadigm! Can you tell us a little about yourself and the inspiration behind what you do?

HALEY: Sure!  But first, I want to thank you for the interview.  I am truly honored.  For the past couple of years I have been working with small businesses on projects such as training, process development and improvement, and social media integration.  While working with these business owners I was often exposed to the challenges that every business encounters, regardless of their size or budget.  One of the biggest challenges to business owners is that they, consciously or not, decide that they must manage every aspect of their business themselves.  The problem is, they're not usually qualified or able to manage every dimension productively, if at all. 

The percentage of small businesses that fail each year is staggering and in fact, it was a major factor in the creation of Bizadigm.  The inspiration behind Bizadigm is to assist business owners in sourcing the tasks or projects that are keeping them up at night and keeping them from what inspired them to start the business in the first place.  We'll orchestrate the match and manage the relationship from start to finish (at zero cost to the business) which saves time and money-- immediate benefits to any business.  On the flip side, we help our network of service providers find their next project which helps to reduce or eliminate the cost and frustration involved with project downtime.  It really is a win/win/win situation. 

CARMEN: I love the concept of your business. We’re dying to know, what inspires you more than anything else in the whole world?

HALEY: This one's easy, my family is my biggest inspiration.  They have and continue to inspire me and the decisions I make every day.  My family represents strength, compassion, motivation, and often with a healthy dose of sarcasm.  I strive to approach my life with the same determination and dedication that I see my  family demonstrate.  My parents, my role models and inspiration, have always taught me to focus on my priorities so that is how I divide my days.  To help me focus I remember the acronym MBSMBH-- Mind, Body, Spirit, Marriage, Business, Home-- all equally important to my well-being.  So when "my plate is too full" I step back and remove what isn't a priority.  

CARMEN: What is your big dream?  Yes, the BIG one!  The really, super big, pee your pants when you make it happen dream.  The one you feel a wee bit nervous saying out loud.  Yep, that one!

HALEY: Every month, without fail, my issue of Entrepreneur magazine arrives and I devour it page by page, front to back and back to front.  Someday, I know Bizadigm will be featured and that's when I'll know that we've "made it."

CARMEN: That rocks... I can absolutely picture it! Tell us how you’re going to feel when you make it happen! 

HALEY: Grateful, because I know that it took a team of my most favorite people to help me get there and for that, I will be forever grateful.  And satisfied, until of course, I begin working on my next big dream!

CARMEN: What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail and fear didn’t exist?

HALEY: The word fear brings two major events to mind.  One took place in June of 2001 when several of my friends and I set out to go skydiving.  I was so excited and not the slightest bit nervous until we had been up in the air for about 20 minutes and it was time to "step out on the wing."  Fear?  Heck, yes!  BUT, I knew that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I wasn't going to back down.  Moments later I was plummeting towards the Earth and seeing my abilities from a completely different perspective. 

About a month later, I was backpacking in Europe with one of my best friends and had the amazing opportunity to go hang gliding in what was known as "one of the best places in the world to go hang gliding."  After I landed, I realized it was misrepresented as it was "THE BEST place in the world to go hang gliding."  Now, to be honest, I have no other hang gliding experiences to compare it to but something about floating above the Bavarian Alps and the Neuschwanstein castle ranks right up there with paradise.  In all fairness, we should back the story up to about 45 minutes before the perfect landing.  I was standing on a wooden platform that jetted out from the mountain and strapped to a stranger whose only understandable direction was "1-2-3 run, run, run!"  Fear?  Hell, yes!  BUT, again, I knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I wasn't going to back down.  Moments later I was gliding over the castle and waterfalls and realized that all other fearful moments would someday compare to my adventures in the sky. 

I often think about these two "jumps" and how it shaped my perspective on fear.  Launching Bizadigm was no different.  Fear?  You bet!  BUT, I knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I wasn't going to back down.  My question to those who are stalled in fear is what "once in a lifetime opportunity" are you missing out on because of fear?  Trade the fear and possibility of failure for the satisfaction and reward of reaching your goal. "1-2-3 run, run, run!"

CARMEN: I love it!  I'm so stealing that "1-2-3 run, run, run!" line to use with future clients! What’s next for you?

HALEY: Connecting with our existing network and reaching out to other business owners and service providers.  We'll also be blogging about small business news, technology, social media, recommendations, and anything else we think provides value to both small businesses and service providers.

CARMEN: What are you working on right now that you could use some support and encouragement on? 

HALEY: Spreading the word.  We can't wait to meet business owners who need help sourcing projects and the amazingly talented service providers who want to work with them.

CARMEN: What advice, tips, resources, and overall good-to-know information would you offer someone just starting out with regards to finding passion & inspiration and digging in?

HALEY: If you want to love what you do, do what you love.  Personally, I love helping people-- especially the entrepreneurial types who are driven to succeed.  It takes character, spark, and determination to start a business and we plan to help business owners find their spark again.

CARMEN: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

HALEY: I'm amazed at the support and encouragement that we have received regarding our launch and business model.  I am committed to returning the warm welcome to other business owners and hope to offer the same level of encouragement and inspiration.

CARMEN: Where can we find you online and what is the best way to connect with you?

HALEY: 

You can find us on our website: www.Bizadigm.com

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/Bizadigm

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Bizadigm

My personal LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/haleyibrahim

Or email me at haley AT bizadigm DOT com

BIO:

Haley lives in Kansas City with her super hero husband Zameer and Jackson, their super-cool-hybrid-beagle-husky-pound-puppy.  When she's not working she enjoys traveling, cooking, playing tennis, and spending time with friends and family.  

Thank you so much Haley!!! 
I am SO excited for you. 

xo & belief in you,

Carmen

These 3 goals are what I'm focusing on and I plan to share my progress here on my blog.  I could really use your encouragement and support every step of the way!  

I would LOVE to hear your Big 3 dreams!!!  

xo & buckets of belief in you,

Carmen

p.s.  SO excited to UPDATE this.... my Services page is live and my About page it updated too!  Can I get a woohoo?  Dreams DO come true!!!