A Dream Realized

You’d think with the title “A Dream Realized” featured in a blog written by a wedding videographer, I’d more likely than not be talking about a wedding.  For many couples, this special day is a dream realized. But the dream I wish to reflect on today is different in nature; it’s about a personal goal being realized, a chapter in life accentuated by a significant moment.  So now I pin my heart to my sleeve.

I have a childhood memory of sitting on the floor near the foot of my bed and looking at a magazine featuring stories about women in business.  The magazine was touting the women featured as role models for striving towards one’s dreams.  I clearly remember thinking, “I want to be featured like this when I grow up.”  I wasn’t yet thirteen, yet I knew then that I would want to own my own business someday and be recognized as ‘accomplished’.   When I finally started my own business, some 17 years later, I remembered this moment and was motivated by it.  I knew that I was doing something different from the mainstream.  Many friends and loved ones worried.  What would I do without health insurance? (I bought some). What would I do without benefits? (I invested). What would I do without someone telling me what to do? (Tell others what to do).  Somehow, our society isn’t necessarily geared towards self-employment as a rational pursuit leading to a stable life.

Two weeks ago I attended the launch of a new book: CRAVE DC, The Urban Woman’s Manifesto.  Self-labeled as “The ultimate guide to the places women CRAVE in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area, including more than 100 women you need to know.” And I am featured as one of them.  Wow.  The moment is poignant because it speaks of a 17 year journey from that childhood wish to this adult triumph.  Sure, it’s not the biggest deal in the world.  It’s not an Oscar, it’s not a Pulitzer.  To most, it’s nothing more than marketing.  To me, it’s something real and true and joyous.  I have made it to the place I wanted to be: an accomplished entrepreneur who stands as a role model and inspiration for other women and young girls, touting the possibilities of what may come.   And standing in Eden Lounge, packed wall-to-wall with female entrepreneurs, I felt damn proud to be among them. And inspired.  As I step forward into the ventures still to come, I carry that inspiration in my heart as a buoy to cling to in times requiring fortitude.

A special shout out to Melody Biringer (founder of CRAVE), Laura Weatherly (owner of Engaging Affairs and author of the Annabelle Archer series of books) and Heidi Kallet (owner of The Dandelion Patch), sisters in the special events industry, who are also featured in the book (pages 82 and 63), Laura Lee Williams (founder of Laura Lee Designs), Meredith Rizzo (who photographed me for the book) and also to Pum Lefebure (owner of Design Army, page 68) who designed the award-winning Dolce logo 7 years ago!  Thanks also to Wendy McAllister for putting together an excellent guide and an excellent party!  Click on her name to watch a video about the event (not produced by Dolce).