Doing the Work they LOVE: GloWomen share what gets them buzzed!

 "Look for a situation in which your work will give you as much happiness as your spare time." ~ Pablo Picasso

When we share our gifts and talents with the world and do the work that we LOVE to do, we are rewarded in so many wonderful ways.

Doing the work that we LOVE fills us with enthusiasm, inspiration and Good Energy as we tune into the Good Stuff and Get our Glow On! ☺

Some of our wonderful GloWomen share with us below, what gets them buzzed about the work they're doing:

Amasilys Palencia Ruiz, Maracay, Venezuela

Visual Artist and Designer at AmaSilyS art&design

What work did you do before?

I worked for many years as a Publicist, Graphic Designer and Radio Producer, because I studied for that and I liked it. Though art and design are my true passion!



What gets you buzzed about the work you do now - what do you LOVE about it? 



What gets me buzzed about art and design is the possibility of making an idea come true and the awe-inspiring feeling of that accomplishment.

Besides, to know what people feel when they look at my works and realise my idea reaches their souls. WOW!
I also write... I love to tell stories which try to inspire... to humbly share what I'm learning on my journey in life and may be useful or at least enjoyable!

Doryce Sher, Cape Town, South Africa
Founder and Owner of Aromatic Apothecary: manufacturers of ready-to-use Aromatherapy products.

I was a pharmacist before this. (What I refer to as a legal drug dealer - but that may be a bit toooo hectic to say )
*(hehehe I'm happy to leave that in - Bets)

 I LOVE and am passionate about people feeling better using something other than a drug for common ailments and everyday stresses.

Kristine Pearson, London, UK
Chief Executive at Lifeline Energy: addressing energy poverty for the poorest and most vulnerable, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Prior to heading up Lifeline Energy more than 13 years ago, I held an executive position with a South African banking group,.
My varied portfolio included leading the reward and recognition programme, the corporate wardrobe and various change management initiatives. 
My corporate experience and a strong results orientation helped prepare me for the next chapters of my life at Lifeline Energy.

What brings me joy now:

There is nothing as gratifying as travelling in rural Africa and spending time with the women and children that we serve. Countless times I’ve been touched by the generosity and hospitality of people who struggle to make ends meet, and for whom life itself is a struggle.

Over the years, in return for the gift of a solar and wind-up radio which are used by groups, I’ve been 'gifted' in return with a camel saddle, floor mats, skirts, a dresses, handbags, belts, a gallon of honey, a chicken, several goats and enough jewellery to start my own boutique. All of these items were handmade. People who are abjectly poor nonetheless used their meagre funds and their precious time to bestow me with gifts in appreciation for their radios and what the radios would bring – information and education access to the world beyond theirs.

The generosity, appreciation, warmth and hospitality of the poorest is often a story that goes untold. Whatever I have given to impoverished groups is dwarfed by what I have received in return.

Mary Gee, Adelaide, Australia
Founder/Director at Catch My Drift: a volunteer based program raising awareness for youth mental health & suicide prevention.

 I have been a high school teacher of Languages for almost 30 years but have taken a few years off in the past to be a social worker where I counselled families immediately after a suicide.

I now run my own organisation called 'Catch my Drift' which empowers young people to take control of their choices and raises awareness for youth mental health and suicide prevention.
The real buzz comes from the positive feedback I receive on a daily basis, from knowing that what we do really does make a difference. This gives me purpose; this completes me like nothing else ever has before.

Thank You to these inspiring GloWomen for Spreading the Glow with the work they LOVE to do ☺

We uplift ourselves and those around us, allowing creativity and inspiration to flow, when we do the work that we LOVE to do and Spread the Glow! ☺

With Love,

 Related Posts: 

• Rock Your Passion and Get On Purpose
• Stay True to You and Follow Your Own Path
• Allowing Opportunities to Get Your Glow On :)

Give Up? Never! :) GloWomen Share what Inspires them to Keep Going:

When we choose to follow our dreams there will always be challenging times, when we feel overwhelmed and start questioning our abilities and ourselves as to whether it's ‘really worth it’.

But there’s no doubt that persistence pays off. The only way to have, do, create and be what we want is to believe in ourselves, believe in our dreams and to keep going, diligently and courageously :)

Below, some of our inspiring GloWomen share what has inspired them to keep going as they’ve pursued their dreams:

Natasha Nay Avidan: Founding Fellow and Head of Partnerships, Sponsors and Communications at Afriversity, an organisation providing training, funding and incubation for promising African entrepreneurs.

• Have you ever felt like giving up on your dreams?

“Yes, but it has been a long time since I have thought that way. Sometimes life can throw challenges at us and everything feels hard causing us to slip into a fearful state of mind. Fear is what stops us from following our dreams. We give up because we are afraid, afraid of failure.”

• What or who has inspired or encouraged you to keep going?

"The first thing I did was change my environment and started surrounding myself with people and projects that inspired me. I was creating my "tribe". A tribe of people that encouraged me, supported me and allowed me to grow and be myself. During this journey, I encountered people that strengthened my faith that I had taken the right path - people that inspire me with their stories, determination and altruism. Individuals that have shown me that despite taking the path less travelled, the rewards are far greater. I take all these experiences and when I have a "rainy day", I bring them to the forefront of my consciousness and re-energise my perseverance and purpose."

Shauna Bruce-Hamburger: Life-coach, teacher, inspirational speaker and author of Beyond Adversity: Into Freedom. Shauna has faced many of her own challenges in living a life with Spina Bifida and helps others overcome their obstacles to live their most fulfilling lives.

 "Yes - I have wanted to give up on my dreams or certain aspects of my business before - especially when I have not known what else to do to make something in my business be more successful.

What has always inspired me to keep going - whether it be in life or business, is remembering that I am here for a purpose.  Reconnecting with my life's purpose - and the knowing that I am here with a purpose that only I can accomplish in the way that I can accomplish it - has always kept me moving forward.  This has been true in every aspect of my life whether it be in living with spina bifida, my business or other aspects of my life.  When we know we are on this earth for a reason and we have things we were created to accomplish - that knowing can spur us on to do the great things we were meant to do - even in the midst of obstacles and challenges.  It has always been my strong sense of purpose that has been the driving force for everything in my life - even when I am in the midst of a struggle."

Jess Ainschough: Australian-based freelance writer. Jessica was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer in 2008, and left her job as social reporter and online editor of a teen magazine, to focus on her health. She shares tips, resources, articles and nutritious recipes for natural healing and wellness on her wonderful blog, The Wellness Warrior.

"Nope, giving up has never been an option. I have had my days when I get a bit sick of everything I'm doing, but I have always been able to see the bigger picture. As bad as things can get, giving up would be so much worse.

Thinking about my future is what inspires me to keep going. I just think about all the things I have got to look forward to and reflect on all of the blessings that are coming out of my journey. This gives me the determination and patience to do what I need to do to get my health back."

Barbara and Amy Grafstrom: the mother/daughter team behind Siamese Dream Design (an awesome example of conscious business), based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Siamese Dream Design empowers local hilltribe women and provides beautiful, wearable art made from their traditional fabrics.

"No haven't wanted to give up. Its our baby, we love what we do and we love helping the tribal women provide a better lifestyle for themselves and their families while preserving their textile traditions.

Our customers inspire me, when they get their shoes or dresses and they write to tell us how excited they are. Today a customer wrote to say "she couldn't wait for sunny weather to dance in her new dress." On a day to day basis my husband always encourages me and my girls, Amy, my partner of course and the younger ones have ideas of new designs they think we should make." - Barbara Grafstrom

"No, I have never wanted to give up on my dream. I started this business in 2005 with only my own jewelry designs and it's definitely been a long journey to get to where we are today with a full range of products. There is still a long way to go, we have big plans for Siamese Dream Design's future.

My mother, Barbara, my partner definitely is my number one inspiration. She is the one who gave us that extra boost to go from just jewelry to so much more. The wonderful hilltribe women that we work with to create our unique products are definitely a major source of encouragement. Watching their age old textile traditions being passed down from mother to daughter is truly amazing. And of course, our very enthusiastic customers." - Amy Grafstrom 

Madeleine Fear: Owns and operates the Small Furry Hotel, a small animal boarding facility in the New Forest Hampshire, UK.  Madeleine was a finalist in the Business Mum Extraordinaire Hampshire Winning Women Business Awards 2010. Congrats Madeleine! :)                       

"Never! You only fail if you give up. Resilience is the key.  Don't be scared of making a mistake. Brush of the bad stuff and run with the good and success will follow.

The complete desperation to run my own life drives me on. I decide when I work, play and have family time. My own business allows me the freedom to enjoy all the things that I love. I "live" everyday. I do plan for the future but I also enjoy life now. I now think I would be mentally suffocated in an office."

Kathleen Quillinan: HRH at the Pesto Princess. About 10 years ago, Kathleen Quillinan discovered pesto for herself, and tried her hand at it with the help of a 1970's orange blender from a junk shop. She started selling to friends, small supermarkets and deli's in Cape Town, and now produces a range of pestos and exotic sauces that are available countrywide in South Africa.

Pic courtesy of www.capetownmagazine.com

"Yes, I've often wanted to give up. Following dreams can fill one's life with extremes: extreme hours, acute cash crunches, severe self-neglect,  copious worries,  colossal doubts, and fears bigger than barn doors. The triumphs are also extreme. The successes can be nothing short of stupendous.  Yet deep down, many of us long for a simple life which is much more balanced,  safe and predictable.

Pesto fans, self-appointed cheerleaders, wise mentors, husbands filled with admiration, financially needy staff with wide eyes, laughter, guaranteed personal growth, loathing of failure, expert consultants, true friends in business, supportive chefs, e-mails crammed with compliments, business coaches, loyal management teams, gratitude, delighted customers , dogged determination, sheer joy, love of creativity, freedom, unemployability, big bills needing paying, desire to do good, the taste for limitless possibility: these are some of the things that keep the Pesto Princess Palace a-pumpin'."

There'll always be challenges that test your commitment and it's not always easy to follow your heart, but if you abandon your hopes and dreams, you disconnect from your authentic self and your own happiness.

When you listen to your heart, follow your dreams and keep going :) you'll be inspired and empowered to Live your Most Joyful Life :)
Trust yourself, constantly re-commit to what's important to You, Rock your Happiness and Get Your Glow On :) 

With Love,

Related Posts:

• Afriversity's Natasha Avidan on Developing African Entrepreneurs, and Following Her Heart
• Jess Ainscough: Healing with Mindfulness Meditation.  
• Trust Yourself and Power Up :) 
• Recommit to Your Goals and Live Your Most Joyful Life :) 

People Directory: TalentFusion - fusing Top Clients with Top Candidates

Lianne du Toit of TalentFusion specialises in fusing Top Clients with Top Candidates in the areas of Marketing and Advertising.

She will assist you with career guidance, salary advice and industry knowledge, as well as finding the right candidates or career position that is right for you.

If you’re job-seeking, or looking for new recruits, please get in touch with Lianne.

Email: lianne@talentfusion.co.za
Tel: 021 422 4361
Cell: 082 498 0981
www.talentfusion.co.za

People Directory: RHDS - Food Packaging Design

Roy Helmbold Design Studio offers complete brand design and packaging solutions specialising in food packaging design.
Based in Cape Town, with over 25 years of creative experience, RHDS offers a creative and dedicated service, from concept through to repro and print.
Contact Theresa:
tel: 27 21 761 6767 or email: royhelmbold@mweb.co.za
View their website 

Products We Love: Sublime eco-friendly design and interiors

Sam Dell has a degree in Fine Arts and has worked as an art director and designer for commercials, television and film.
After the birth of her daughter she started Sublime, an eco-friendly design and interior company.

"We paint houses, design nurseries and interiors and bespoke furniture. We'll design whatever people want - their imagination is the only limit."

Based in Johannesburg, Sam will travel to consult on interiors, and ships smalls and furniture to any destination.
Contact Sam:  +27112345420 or +27745425321
View the website here

  

People Directory: Get Stuff Done, Cape Town

"Are you familiar with that niggling feeling that something is just not getting done around the office but it is just not enough to keep someone employed full time? Or even the intense stress of knowing the paperwork is piling up but you are still starting up and don’t have the cash flow to hire permanent staff to sort it out for you? Get Stuff Done can fill the gap." 

Lara Waters of Get Stuff Done offers outsourced professional secretarial and business administration services on an adhoc or regular basis.
Services include HR Consulting, Office and Facilities Management, General Administration, Property Management and Market Research.
No job is too small and pricing structure is flexible.

Contact Lara:

Cell: 0824563713,                                                
Skype: lwaters71;
email; info@getstuffdone.co.za
www.getstuffdone.co.za

People Directory: Elaine - Hairstylist, Cape Town

"The person you are trying to reach is unavailable. Please try again later".
So I sent him a text: "Where are you these days? My hair needs you!".

A few days later and he still hadn't replied. My heart sank. Panic...

My trusted hairdresser, whom I'd followed around from salon to salon for the last fifteen years had disappeared and the salon where he'd worked wouldn't divulge his whereabouts.

It was time to try someone new. Change.....panic...awful...where, who?
I decided to work on my affirmation. "I will find an excellent hairdresser, close by to where I live, who will do a great job for an affordable price".

That morning I bumped into a woman I recognised from our local beach.
I'd always admired her hair, so I asked her which hairdresser she went to. As it turned out she works at a salon two blocks away from me and told me to call Elaine for an appointment.

And Elaine was exactly what I asked for! Brilliant stylist and colourist - and affordable!!
I'm delighted with the job she did :)

Elaine is in Sea Point, at Shine on hair: 7 Albany Mews on the Main Road, next to Posticino.
call her: 021 4331011

People Directory: Female Panelbeater in Cape Town

Sandi from A Team Coachworks has been highly recommended.
Call her on 079 8013973.
Unit 2, Mount Villa, Lekkerwater Road, Sunnydale, 7975.

People Directory: Book Design and Typography Specialist

Stefanie Krieg-Elliott is a freelance graphic designer, specialising in book design and typography

.

She's designed art catalogues/books and architectural brochures/books.
 

Steffi's worked in New York, Frankfurt and Cape Town.

CV, project list and samples on request.

 




Contact Steffi:                                                      

Telephone: +27 21 685 6992
Email: steffigraph{at}mweb.co.za