A Dream Realized

Melody Biringer (left), founder of CRAVE, has started over 20 businesses to-date. Haynal Papp (right) has founded 2 businesses and helped to launch a city guide in Hungary.

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. Continue reading “A Dream Realized”

WonderWomen at Crave DC

If you enjoy hearing about inspiring and inspired women in business, this is the blog post for you! Last night I attended the Crave DC pre-launch party and met some hot DC women who are all about manifesting their own destiny via the entrepreneurial spirit.

Roxy Rowton & Haynal Papp

Upon entering the Beacon Bar & Grill, I right away bumped into some women I already know working in DC’s special events industry: Katie Martin and Heidi Kellet. If you haven’t already heard of them, they’re each impressive. Katie Martin owns Elegance & Simplicity and is the area’s expert in Green weddings. She’s written 2 books, heads up a magazine and is a social networking wizard. Heidi owns and operates The Dandelion Patch, a fantastic resource for anyone in need of beautiful design and high-end product. At the registration table I was greeted by Wendy Mcallister, the vibrant personality who invited me to be featured in Crave’s newest book covering the DC scene. Crave’s tagline is “An Urban Girl’s Manifesto,” and it is. If you want to meet the Who’s Who of female-led business in the nation’s capitol, hold onto your pocketbooks because the book will be launched late this summer and will be available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Here’s a sneak peak too. Continue reading “WonderWomen at Crave DC”