Henna Inam’s five steps to reigniting your career passion will help you fall in love again with what you do. Sometimes you don’t need a new career – just a different lens to look at the career you already have.

1.      Peak Experiences

Start by writing down the job tasks or experiences in your career that you absolutely love. Focus on those that bring a spring to your step, according to Inam and look for common themes. These are the things you want to do more of.

2.      Personal Brand

Reflect upon your purpose, strengths, and core values. A big part of personal engagement is whether or not you are playing to your strengths and honoring your professional values. What is your personal brand? You must know what gives you a sense of purpose in order to maintain the passion in your career and seek out opportunities to enact those values more regularly in your workplace.

 3.      Position Alignment

Does your current job align with your personal brand and your values? Do whatever tweaking is necessary to realign your career to be fulfilled at work.  Are you playing to your strengths every day? If not, find ways to transition into work tasks that better match your authentic professional self.

4.      People

Relationships are very important in our feeling of fulfillment and engagement at work. Do you have a direct supervisor who recognizes your contributions and encourages your development? The perfect boss is not always possible so seek out mentors and sponsors to foster positive professional relationships and play that role for others in an effort to pay-it-forward.

5.      Past-times

Having hobbies or avocations outside of work can energize you while you are on-the-job. This personal passion on your own time is contagious and spills over into your work life in positive ways. Your energy is a precious commodity and you deserve to spend this on non work related activities as well. Having outside passions will keep you motivated at work.

Consider Henna Inam’s 5 P’s to help you reignite your passion at work. Sometimes a little jumpstart can make all the difference in bringing more fulfillment back into your work and your life.

During what she describes as the crazy eighties, an earlier recession rocked the economy and the big money went away in the corporate sector so “…M&A was not as fun as it used to be.” according to Nancy.

Making the Deal

Nancy had always served on Boards for arts organizations so when it was time to transition from the financial sector, an opportunity presented itself in an off-Broadway non-profit theatre company. Serving as the Executive Director, Nancy learned quickly to use her business savvy in a new way, frugally navigating the realities of the non-profit world where both sides of each piece of paper were always used and waste was not an option.

She took pride in keeping her company in the black and always had her eyes on the realities of their profit and loss. Nancy says her guerilla business instincts were really honed in the non-profit world where she appreciated every dollar earned and cultivated audience members, donors, and sponsors since fundraising was also part of her position.

At age 38 Nancy was aching for something more.  Still involved with her beloved arts organizations as a volunteer, she left the theatre company and enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America, the world’s premiere culinary college in upstate New York.

Metamorphosis

Nancy remembers fondly the intensive course work that really tapped her creative side and the internships that allowed her to get experience in the industry before completing her curriculum. One such internship was not only a fabulous professional experience – it also introduced her to James Laird, a Sous Chef at the time who later became her husband.

Growing up, Nancy’s family entertained a lot and she worked many a restaurant job during the summers she spent on Long Beach Island in New Jersey. The hospitality industry was a refreshing homecoming and part of her full scale metamorphosis from the corporate sector.

Nancy and James have been married for 15 years and this husband and wife dynamic duo opened their own fine dining Restaurant Serenade in the New Jersey suburbs as newlyweds. Nancy’s skills and talents are found everywhere at Serenade and she is a force behind the success of the restaurant. Serving as front of house, General Manager and Chief of Operations, her sound business background and good judgment, coupled with her culinary training and natural charm have propelled her to the forefront of today’s successful restaurateurs.

Working with your husband can be a challenge for many, but Nancy and James make an ideal professional couple. With James as Chef of Serenade, he has earned numerous accolades including a NY Times mention as “…one of the best classically trained chefs in New Jersey.”

Cleanse Your Palate

Restaurant Serenade is known for its active Bar and signature contemporary French cuisine. The ever changing tasting menus are to be savored and paired with selections from their extensive and carefully assembled wine collection.

When I asked Nancy about her career transition she offers others the advice to get your nerves in check and know that risk is ok and to have faith in your abilities. She and James took a great financial risk opening their own restaurant and she admits to “…not sleeping for a few years.” until things really became solid.

Even so, the restaurant business is a constant fight for loyal clientele and Nancy holds her breath when a new restaurant opens within her geographic region since new establishments can be a vacuum suck on existing restaurants.

But Restaurant Serenade has earned its rave review in the Zagat Restaurant Guide since they have a loyal following and consistently exceptional food and service. Nancy and James have also been reviewed favorably in New Jersey Monthly, New Jersey Life and Yoga Journal magazine.

A Love Song

Nancy and James bought the existing restaurant 15 years ago from a previous owner. They closed the deal on a Tuesday and re-opened under Laird management on Thursday. They soon learned the importance of renaming the restaurant and putting their brand and signature on the establishment. Nancy calls James’ cooking a love song to her (and the customers) but Serenade is also the name of the first George Balanchine Ballet ever produced in America.

James’ cuisine is similar to Balanchine’s choreography – a deconstruction of simple ingredients, refined and presented in an elegant manner. And so, Restaurant Serenade was named.

While it may sound like personal and professional bliss (and it is) Nancy and James work around the clock on their labor of love. She keeps the same hours as Wall Street but is happy to be in charge of the business decisions and enjoys the total autonomy and accountability of being an entrepreneur.

Nancy and James have assembled an excellent staff that they treasure. The house rules require that everybody greets each other by name and all kvetching is to be left at the door. They keep the atmosphere fun and challenging and the energy is palpable and appreciated by the customers.

Future plans include writing a book and maybe even opening up another restaurant – when the time is right, according to Nancy. For now – life is very busy and very nice. Nancy always strives to expand the reach of new customers and she hopes to get James more visibility on TV shows and in-print reviews. They work with a Publicist to spend their advertizing dollars most wisely and staffed their team with trusted experts like their Sommelier and Maitre ‘D from their culinary network.

While the restaurant business is no place for the faint of heart, Nancy and James are thriving. James has an organic mini farm at home which produces fresh herbs and vegetables for the restaurant and their personal kitchen. At home, Nancy does the cooking and enjoys the quiet moments she and James can share together.

So the next time you are in the tri-state area, consider a worthwhile stop in Chatham, New Jersey to enjoy Restaurant Serenade. You will be glad you did!

Nancy’s Advice and Action Steps:

• Have faith in yourself and your abilities.
• Risks can be scary but they are also well worth it.
• Network until you find the right opportunity – jobs will find you if you put yourself out there.
• Throw away your safety net and just do it.

Quote:

“You need to be well capitalized – or naive.” Nancy Sheridan Laird

Resource:

Restaurant Serenade: www.restaurantserenade.com

Like many women, Jess struggled with her body image and was challenged by an eating disorder at one point in her life. During this personal struggle, she was always able to find peace and a place of confidence through the practice of yoga. It was from this place of empowerment and finding her healthy self with yoga, meditation and breath-work that Jess also tapped into her career calling.

If You Can See It – You Can Do It

Jess employed visualization techniques to help her realize her future goals. A firm believer in the – if you can see it, you can do it philosophy, Jess started to plan for her new career path with mental illustrations of the future. The healing profession was still gnawing at her but she moved from aspirations of becoming a Medical Doctor to naturopathy and herbal remedies.

Here is a quote from a recent blog entry on Jess’ website:

“I was speaking with a friend today about clearly visualizing the future yet staying open to infinite possibilities. We visualize clearly in our minds what we want our lives to be like in love, career, family etc. but being rigid in this thinking can lead to disappointment. Are we so focused on the goal or vision that we don’t see the opportunities the Universe presents to us?”

She enrolled in school to credential herself as a naturopathic healer, medicinal herbalist, and yoga guide who blends ancient healing practices with modern-day science to create a practical approach to holistic health. Taking 16-21 credits a semester while working full-time was exhausting but Jess was motivated and this propelled her to move forward towards her ultimate career goal.

Jess studied biology and physics along with naturopathic healing and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wittenberg University. She kept going and entered a graduate program at Wright State University until she was fully qualified to practice as a naturopathic healer and medicinal herbalist. She is blending the ancient healing practices with modern day science to help her clients achieve holistic wellness.

Feed Your Passion and Pay the Rent

Before Jess was able to set up her own practice which she calls Holistic Yogini full-time, she phased out of her technology freelance work incrementally to generate income. She developed a solid business plan and dealt with financial challenges by learning to be a prudent and savvy spender. At the end of each month, Jess still had to pay her student loans and her bills. Realizing her career passion was difficult financially, Jess knew this was an investment in her future and consolidated loans to make it all work. Her strategy was to re-evaluate often, stay focused, and to keep her eye on the prize.

Always an entrepreneur at heart, Jess knew she would enjoy running her own practice. She learned how to brand and market herself and even designed and built her website. Resources like Savor the Success were tremendously helpful as well as her local Chamber of Commerce and the small business advisors at SCORE.

A New Age of Wellness

Utilizing the many resources available to new business founders, Jess was truly appreciative for the it takes a village mindset and eager to reciprocate and help others on their journey. Part of her challenge as a new business owner has been educating prospective clients about naturopathic therapy. Here is a passage from her website that says it all:

“Naturopathic therapy guides the body back to homeostasis with herbs, nutrition, movement, energy work, breathing and meditation based on your body’s unique attributes to encourage natural and sustainable healing.

Have allergies? Unexplained digestive issues or breakouts? Trouble sleeping? Stiffness or pain? Taking a holistic approach helps ease your symptoms while increasing your overall health.”

Jess shared that people are craving this kind of information because there is a new shift in health consciousness.  She is on a mission to educate people to think about their wellness holistically and she enjoys the individual connection she makes with each client. Some people are fearful because the concept of holistic health is new to them. Once they gain awareness that the approach will give each person individual tools to achieve wellness, Jess finds it exciting to see them embrace the practice.

Jess is very clear about how her practice does not offer information to diagnose or treat, and her intention is not to take the place of a client’s medical doctor. In fact, she encourages clients to consult with their doctors about health conditions and the use of herbal/natural remedies so the ancient healing practices can be a true compliment to modern day science.

The Continual Journey

In addition to her three pronged wellness practice that focuses on naturopathy, medicinal herbs, and yoga, Jess is now a YogaMint publication contributing expert. She writes articles and blogs for many sources including Ecomii to empower and inspire others about holistic wellness.

Jess lives and practices in Los Angeles where she gives lectures, workshops, and classes on herbal/naturopathic healing, breathing exercises, energy work, meditation, and yoga. She’s currently working on her new book which will focus on teaching a practical approach of holistic health through energy, nutrition and science. She is a member of the American Botanical Council and the American Herbalist Guild.

Jess is a terrific example of someone who visualized her dream and made it happen. Through hard work, determination, and a willingness to shoot for the moon she is practicing what she teaches in her classes and living her light.

Jess’ Advice and Action Steps:

• Visualize your goals and continue to revisit the plan until you achieve what you desire.
• Be emotionally charged about what you want – that unlocks your true passion.
• Consider how you can pay-it-forward.
• Go big or go home – shoot for the moon.
• Darkness and light are both alike – honor both.

Quote:

“Don’t let the challenges in life defeat you – just keep going!” Jess Lewis-Peltier

Resources:

Holistic Yogini http://www.holisticyogini.com/

Savor the Success www.savorthesuccess.com

SCORE http://www.score.org/index.html

With this lack of passion, she decided to tap her creativity and enrolled in Aesthetic School with a focus on skin care therapy. She thrived in her Aesthetics program and embraced how truly impactful the beauty industry can be on building confidence in women. This is where she found out how exciting and fulfilling helping people feel special truly was.

Sandra attended the University of Massachusetts where she studied Hospitality and Tourism Management and gained valuable experience working as an event planner for a waterfront special events venue. Her foray into the aesthetics world was the perfect complement to her event experience. This is when she caught the event planning bug, although it was put on hold for a bit as she pursued and built a successful Bridal Beauty Agency.

Sacrifice Leads to Success

Initially it was a tremendous sacrifice to go back to school for the 5 month Aesthetics program but Sandra soaked up every minute of her training and soon launched her company focusing on weddings. Initially for the first few years, Sandra’s company focused on Bridal Beauty, but after a personal battle with a rare form of skin cancer and 4 surgeries, this gave Sandra a new lease on life. She fulfilled a desire to play to her strengths and honor her true career passion and love of design, creativity, entertaining, and crafting. Sandra’s company is a one-stop-shop for Brides and event clients alike looking to get all things pretty.

Sandra Downie Event Designs is a premier full-service boutique wedding and party design firm, based in Connecticut specializing in weddings, parties & social occasions. Nationally, Sandra is recognized for her wedding and party design services and her couture dessert tables. The business has earned a reputation for its ability to create spectacular settings while focusing on couture detailing.

Currently, Sandra and her team are proud to offer services in Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, across New England and beyond. They are also available for worldwide travel and love the destination wedding trend.

One Stop Shopping

With a sincere love for helping women, Sandra wanted to create a business where brides could create their dream event from beginning to end including on-location hair and make-up. Leading her award winning on-location hair and makeup team of beauty professionals, Sandra is dedicated to serving the unique needs of the modern bride and the discerning client. By offering Bridal Beauty services on location, she gives her clients the luxury of time and convenience by having their services provided on-site in the comfort of their home, hotel, or other special location.

Sandra believes she is more than a party planner but a true designer focusing on the presentation aspects of a wedding, party, or event. She designs custom atmospheres, with a personal touch and creative eye, to make memories unique to the client’s vision and inspired by their personal story. From conception to final execution, Sandra and her team will design an event with panache, elegance, and modern style.

The Business of the Business

While it all sounds magical and glamorous, Sandra admits that she learned her entrepreneurial skills on the job. She did it all on her own in the beginning starting with hair and make-up application for brides and working her way up to fully designed events.

She was the master of her own research, finding contract templates online and learning the ins and outs of a successfully run business by establishing professional relationships with vendors she trusted. She made mistakes and learned from them.

In the beginning she remembers not knowing what to charge for her services or how to put a value on her skills and talents. After learning the ropes and comparing notes with her peers in the industry, Sandra had confidence charging what she was worth and the clients started lining up. Referrals of course are the number one way to generate new business and Sandra’s website showcases a myriad of “Love Notes” from very happy clients.

Her staff now includes 2 professional event planners that found Sandra and were eager to share their creative talents in her successful business. Sandra feels fortunate to have a great team whom she trusts and she enjoys the flexibility of being her own boss.

As a self proclaimed control freak, this type A personality loves that she doesn’t have to report to anyone else. Being her own boss suits Sandra very well and also allows her to spend time with her 17 year old daughter.

How Sweet It Is

Sandra finds inspiration in many places from flowers to colors and has just launched a sister business – Pretty Little Party Shop featuring stylish party ware, supplies, paper goods, and delightful gifts available for purchase online. You can even join Club Pretty to get a monthly newsletter about all things creative, chic, and couture – Sandra’s tag line for her event business and her inspiration for design.

A specialty service that has become a signature trademark for Sandra’s business is her Couture Dessert Table. Stylized dessert tables capture the element of surprise as a sweet alternative to traditional party favors. According to Sandra – “A dessert table is a fun way to encourage conversation and mingling amongst your guests while also enhancing the overall visual aesthetics of your event.”

Lights, Camera, Action!

Sandra’s events have captured critical acclaim and have been chronicled in leading publications including The Knot, The Connecticut Bride, Wedding Nouveau, La Bella Bride, and Supermodels Unlimited, to name just a few.

Speaking of celebrities, Sandra has provided make-up and hair styling for such notables as Christina Aguilera, Scarlett Johansson, America’s Next Top Model – Jaslene, and Sharon Carpenter.

With an eye for beautiful things and a desire to take her creative skills to the next level, Sandra’s design aesthetic naturally results in a signature style layered in couture detailing, beautiful colors and timeless style. From make-up and hair to a formal wedding, or an intimate celebration event, Sandra strives to always create unique and memorable experiences through attention to detail and flawless orchestration.

Escaping the cubicles of corporate America to play to her strengths and ignite her passion, Sandra Downie is thriving as a multi-faceted business woman. Be sure to follow her on Facebook and Twitter and check out her delightful blog The White Library with inspirations and ideas in pursuit of domestic bliss flavored with humility, humor, and some great Do-It-Yourself tips to bring pretty things into your life.

Sandra’s Advice and Action Steps:

• Always play to your strengths.
• You can find inspiration anywhere if you look.
• Look for a mentor and stick by them.
• Do what you love and the money will follow.

Quote:

“It’s all about the pretty!” – Sandra Downie

Resources:

Website: http://www.sandradownie.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandradownieeventdesigns

Twitter: SandraDownie

Pretty Little Party Shop: http://www.prettylittlepartyshop.com/

The White Library Blog: http://www.thewhitelibrary.com/

While successful, she knew in her heart what she was doing was a job and not a career. She was paying the bills and earning promotions but she did not feel she was playing to her strengths since she had not yet identified her passion.

Good to Great

Friends had always told Robyn that she gave great advice and provided clarity in difficult situations. She was operating a perpetual Lucy Booth giving counsel to friends and colleagues who reported that they always knew what to do next after a conversation with Robyn. The big question remained – how to make a living at it!

The watershed moment happened the day a manager entered Robyn’s office followed by an employee in tears. The manager quickly handed-off the distraught employee since he could not handle the situation. Robyn deftly counseled the female employee about resources, options and next steps after she learned that the employee’s boyfriend held a gun to her head for 2 hours and then walked away.

It was then that Robyn realized that she was truly great at understanding complex and highly charged situations and her ability to break them down into succinct, workable pieces. This opened the door for career investigation and propelled Robyn to attend college with a passion to learn more about the psychology of people and how they interacted with others successfully, or not.

The Empowerment of Education

Growing up in rural central California, the oldest of 8 children, going to college directly after high school was not an option despite the fact that Robyn graduated at the top of her class. After 14 years in the corporate world, Robyn was hungry to continue her education and grow her career playing to her strength of helping people tap their potential even more by communicating well.

A lifelong athlete, Robyn was particularly interested in how sports teams worked together, or didn’t, as she witnessed all too often. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and then fast tracked a combined Masters/Doctorate in the Psychology of Organizations with a concentration in sport and performance. She learned that human communication, conflict, and performance are all intertwined. According to Robyn:

“It doesn’t matter if you are trying to achieve the most from your potential in the corporate world, on a sports field, or in life.  How we communicate (speaking and hearing ideas) and how we deal with differences of opinion is directly linked to performance and the use of our potential.”

An Opportunity Born Out of Frustration

Synthesizing her corporate, academic, and athletic experiences with strategies akin to organizational development and executive coaching, the newly minted Doc Robyn created a life changing message and success strategy for college students. Her company – Champion Performance Development was born out of the frustration that the needs of college athletes and coaches were not being met the same as they were in the corporate sector for team development and leadership coaching.

Robyn wisely understood that leadership and teamwork were skills that young athletes and college students needed to hone early so they could be well prepared and ultimately more successful in the world-of-work. She is now on a mission to empower students with the skills to address a problem, find a solution, implement it, and move on. Why should these emerging professionals have to wait 10-20 years into their career before addressing these crucial leadership and team development skills?

You Go Girls!

Robyn started her business focusing on the demographic she knew best – female athletes. There was a great need for resources and an opportunity for Robyn to distinguish herself and develop a niche. She knew that women athletes had to function in a team setting and that they were passionate about taking advantage of opportunities to give them an edge. Robyn finds it very satisfying to work with these young women who are hungry for the resources she provides and appreciative about the positive difference it makes in their lives. “Work doesn’t get much more rewarding than that.”  Robyn says it also doesn’t feel like work when you are doing what you love.

Stop the Drama

As her speaking and performance development consulting business evolved so did her Stop The Drama! campaign. This platform explains why women engage in backstabbing, gossip, and catty behavior (i.e. drama), and why it was reasonable to communicate that way a few thousand years ago, and why it doesn’t work anymore. Robyn provides the skills individuals and teams need to communicate more successfully and have productive conflict.

She finally discovered what she is really great at and has dedicated her career to make a difference in the lives of as many people that she can. Robyn’s book: Stop The Drama! The Ultimate Guide to Female Teams is now available and she has other products in the works to help illustrate her message.

Robyn helped me understand the reality that all teams, even great ones, have conflict. How a team handles conflict determines whether is grows through it or if the conflict ultimately tears the team apart. By teaching individuals how to be proactive and handle conflict, Robyn is empowering this generation of emerging leaders to be successful throughout their adult lives.

A Lifelong Learner

Since her formal college education was something she could not pursue until later in life, Robyn really values education. Always hungry for knowledge she frequently listens to webinars and participates in workshops presented by SCORE and the New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners (NJAWBO) to sharpen her business acumen.

Good old fashioned networking with mentors and business professionals in the know has also been a great resource for Robyn. She sees the classic networking lunch as an investment in herself and her company and also works with a personal coach to help fill the gaps in her business knowledge.

As an entrepreneur, Robyn really enjoys the ability to prioritize what she is most passionate about and strives to make a difference in the world with her business. The ability to set her schedule is also a perk but she says she loves what she does so much that time really does fly and it never feels like work. However, as a solo business owner, Robyn knows the reality of putting in a lot more hours than that of a traditional work environment in a 9-5 setting. Her labor of love takes time and she is committed to making it thrive.

Feeling Lost

Even though Robyn is thriving in her business now and her speaking engagements are ramping up as she anticipates the release of her new book, the beginning was rocky. When she finished graduate school she remembers the excitement she had to make a difference in the lives of people but she knew nothing about starting a business. The fear was daunting at first but it never stopped her from moving forward.

Learning by doing, Robyn is tackling marketing strategies to figure out what model serves her business best. It’s a bit of trial and error and she learns so much from every professional step she takes. She is so eager to get the message out fast that she has been frustrated by the reality of growing a business wisely in order to build a strong foundation and reputation.

Referrals come in regularly from people who have heard Robyn deliver a keynote or participated in one of her workshops. She speaks to students, athletes, parents, coaches, and faculty and has earned rave reviews from the NCAA Women Coaches Academy and the Academy of Athletic Trainers.

Be the Change You Want to See

Robyn is incredibly passionate about paying-it-forward to the next generation of leaders. She is committed to making as big a positive difference in the world as she can. Her message of communication empowerment for the 21^st century will help us deal with conflict and give us the tools for resolution.

A leader by example, Robyn wants to reach every woman (and man who interacts with women) who has a zeal to be more successful. If each person who hears her message takes away only one thing they can implement and use, then she will feel successful.

The reality of running a solvent business is financially scary but Robyn believes that dealing with that fear is worth it since the reward of having a dream and living it is priceless. A competitor and highly motivated and self-directed woman, Robyn is also tackling her fear of making mistakes. She has given herself permission to be human and learning from the mistakes she makes in order to move forward in her business and in life.

Like she tells her clients, “If you stand at a crossroad trying to decide which road to take – you are getting nowhere.  Choose one road!  If it turns out to be the wrong one, change roads!  Then you will know you are moving forward on the right path.  Very rarely in life does making a decision mean you are stuck with it.”

I am confident that Doc Robyn will soon become a household name with her inspirational book and speaking tour. She is on a mission to empower others with valuable tools for success in life and the professional world. Robyn is developing a Stop The Drama! boot camp for athletes and coaches. She hopes this experiential learning opportunity will also carry an accreditation that will carry her message nationally about the importance of effective communication and champion performance development.

Check out Robyn’s social media sites below to follow her progress and learn more about how you can Stop The Drama! on your team!

Robyn’s Advice and Action Steps:

Robyn has developed Nine Secrets to Great Teamwork and Seven No Fail Secrets to Stop The Drama! Here are just a few of her strategies – check out her website for the complete listing.

From: Nine Secrets to Great Teamwork

• Set expectations – you cannot expect someone to meet your needs or the needs of the team if you never tell them what those needs are.
• Hold each other accountable – if someone isn’t pulling their weight ask them what you can do to help them step-up to the responsibilities.

From: Seven No Fail Secrets to Stop The Drama!

• Speak from the “I” – own your stuff. No one can “make” you feel anything. You get to choose.
• Allow yourself space to feel – don’t let a conversation run away with you. Feel your emotions and label them before words are flying out of your mouth.

Quote:

“Have the kind of gusto you see in the eyes of a 7 year old when you ask them what they want to be. That kind of enthusiasm is what will get you through that scary place when you have to let go of one ring in order to reach for the next.” – Doc Robyn

Resources:

Champion Performance Development http://champperformance.com/

Stop The Drama! Campaign www.StopTheDramaNow.com

Champion Performance Topic of the Week Blog http://champperformance.com/topic-of-the-week

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

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/DocRobyn

LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard

This Renaissance woman has a sophisticated understanding of aesthetics and composition and her earlier career pursuits explain her profound ability to create moving works of art in her photography.

Melani enjoyed a career as a professional dancer while earning her undergraduate degree at NYU. Dancing with the world renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, she also danced in numerous off Broadway productions and as a featured commercial dancer during the birth of MTV when dancers were highly sought after for the emerging music video genre.

The Show Must Go On

While working as a dancer fed her artistic soul, Melani was routinely frustrated with how women were treated in that artistic world. Sexism and inflated egos were rampant and even though she stayed with it for a while, Melani knew this was not a long term career for her. She started her Master’s program at NYU while still dancing on the side but an injury precipitated a permanent change which launched her in a new career direction.

On full scholarship – plus a stipend, which was extremely hard to come by at a private school like NYU, Melani began her graduate studies in the Art History division of the Institute of Fine Arts. Her focus was on two subjects: 17^th century Dutch and Flemish artists and Ancient Roman sculpture groups. At the time she thought she would advance directly into the PhD program and pursue a career in academia but the birth of her first child changed her mind.

Objets d’Art

While at the Art Institute she studied photography and would archive works of art with photos as a way to catalog and study individual pieces. Melani worked with a studio in the basement of the Institute to photograph these historical artifacts from Ancient Roman sculpture to fine paintings and antiquities.

Through her NYU program she also studied photography at the famous Parsons School of Design in New York and learned the nuances of lighting, composition, and photographic technique. She further enhanced her study with a year at the International Center for Photography in New York and fell in love with the art form, especially the lighting which remains a favorite part of the photographic process for her today.

Open for Business

Friends started asking Melani to take their photos and before she knew it she had clients before she had an official photography studio. By this time she had three kids and it was a great way to earn money, go on location for a shoot, and then spend quality time at home with her kids. For 15 years including her school days, she enjoyed city life in the Big Apple before moving to Connecticut where she built a photography studio in her garage.

In the middle of her emerging photography business she got divorced which changed how she could spend her time growing the business while also caring for three children. He former father-in-law was extremely generous in sharing his entrepreneurial and business acumen to help Melani establish her business in Connecticut where she is now thriving.

With a full studio in her garage, Melani learned the essentials of tax ID, business insurance, trademarks, etc. and the necessity of beautiful brochures and printed samples showcasing her photos to share with prospective clients. In her line of work, customers expect something tactile, not just a website image, when considering whether to hire Melani for a shoot.

The showroom space was a big expense and Melani is at a point where she can say that she is now earning her living as a professional photographer. Initially she would reinvest a lot of her earnings into the business to upgrade equipment and keep products in stock. She recalls the importance of having a strong line of credit since in the early days she relied on that to get her business up and running.

Cutting Edge

In 2004 Melani went digital with her photography which gave customers more immediate gratification and the ability to see their photos faster. For example, Melani will upload highlights of a full wedding shoot to an iPad or smart device so a newly married couple can enjoy a sampling of wedding day memories on their honeymoon. The trend is to share these highlight photos on Facebook and Melani is able to use social media to her advantage in this digital age which makes her customers very happy.

Melani wants budding entrepreneurs to understand how intense running your own business will be. She advises others to be prepared to work harder than they ever imagined and be ready to lose sleep. Her former father-in-law was very helpful in coaching her on how to deal with clients. In addition to old adage that the client is always right, he encouraged Melani to become an active listener and to validate her customers since building a trusting relationship was essential for her kind of business.

Always prepared to keep things professional, Melani learned to check her emotions at the studio door when she was ready to meet with a client. They deserved 100% of her time and focus and she learned that the referral was the key to her business growth and currently forms 95% of her business clientele from referrals.

Poetry in Motion

The bread and butter of Melani’s business is wedding photography but she also does commercial, editorial and architectural photography, as well as custom portraiture, engagement and special occasion sessions. Melani’s images define a moment in time. With grace and playfulness she captures the poetry of the ordinary and her work clearly celebrates life. Blending journalistic truth with artistic vision, Melani captures moments in time that delight her clients.

Her studio offers complete post-production services including archival printing on museum quality cotton rag papers, cutting-edge printing on Plexiglass and large scale framed prints on canvas. All of the albums and books are hand printed and Melani’s art history expertise is evident in every inch of the finished product.

Fluent in Spanish and French, this multi-faceted artist also travels the world to pursue photojournalistic and editorial assignments in addition to on-location weddings, and portraits beyond her studio walls.

Melani looks forward to future projects where she will photograph cancer survivors and exhibit these photos in museums and art shows. Her exhibition “CarHavana” showcasing pre-embargo autos in Cuba has earned international acclaim and will be exhibited in Vienna in 2012. A sought after authority on wedding photography, future plans for Melani also include offering best practice tips for wedding photography on TV and in an online blog. She has won “Best Wedding Photographer” 2010 and 2011 in Fairfield County and is a member of the esteemed WPJA. Her work is regularly featured in magazines including Connecticut Brides, atHome Magazine, Architectural Digest, Greenwich Magazine and The Knot.

While growth can be good for a business, Melani has a desire to keep a boutique-y feel for her studio so customers feel special and honored in the process. A true artist with multiple layers, Melani Lust is living her passion as a professional photographer. Her roots as a dancer are evident in the movement of her photos and she is living the life she designed.

Melani’s Advice and Action Steps:

•           Be willing to take a risk to grow your business.

•           As an entrepreneur be ready to work your ass off.

•           95% of any business is referral so stay current and be ready to change and  adapt your business as the market dictates.

•           The customer is always right!

•           Believe in what you love.

Quote:

“Play the game for more than you can afford to lose. For only then will you learn the game.”

•           Winston Churchill

Resources:

http://www.melanilustphotography.com

A Stressful Environment Was the Deal Breaker

Jane was trained in the old school of doing layouts and mechanicals on a drawing table and shared -“By the time I was working from a computer, I was tired of last-minute deadlines, multi-tasking, and working for companies whose products and ideals I didn’t support. I needed a change.” Working in the corporate culture left her feeling unhappy and misaligned with her work ethics. Even as a freelancer she was still close enough to the action to absorb the high levels of stress. “Someone else may find that kind of work challenging and exciting, but it drained me.” Jane longed for a happier, healthier work environment that would make her feel good at the end of the day. Tapping into the advice of a dear friend, she contemplated reflexology and other hands-on wellness practices where she could connect with people and make a difference.

The beauty of New York City is that you have access to everything and anything. Jane easily found the Laura Norman Reflexology Center right in the heart of Manhattan. She devoured the training brochure and knew right then and there that this was what she wanted to learn to do. “I remember thinking to myself as I was reading the brochure, that this is exciting – all these health benefits from working on the feet! I could hardly wait to get started!”

Clarity of Focus

Hungry for her new reinvention, Jane immediately signed up for reflexology courses and began her new journey on nights and weekends. By day she was working as a freelance graphic designer and by night she was working towards her certification.

With four levels of required training under her belt, Jane traveled the island of Manhattan documenting hours of client sessions, attending workshops and health fairs, and reading every book, article, and piece of information she could find on her new passion – reflexology.

So what is reflexology, anyway? Jane describes reflexology based on research and principles that are most widely used to define the practice today.

“Reflexology is a scientific art based on the premise that there are reflex areas on the feet, hands and outer ears which correspond to all body parts. The physical act of applying specific pressures using thumb, finger and hand techniques result in stress reduction, which causes a physiological change in the body.

Many people call reflexology massage, but reflexology and massage are two different modalities. Reflexology has its own history, vocabulary, techniques and research studies separate from any other profession. It works primarily with reflexes through the nervous system versus the musculature. The intent is not to change the soft tissue of the body, but to bring the body into balance through the relaxation process.”

After two full years of course requirements, hands-on practical hours, and a three-part test, Jane earned her national certification in reflexology. Armed with clarity of purpose, Jane was now a Reflexologist on a mission towards a new career.

Putting Her Best Foot Forward

Jane was ready to take her new certification on the road since she faced a serious career hurdle in her New York City home base. Each state has different laws governing bodywork and in NY State, to practice reflexology legally, Jane was also required to earn a license in massage therapy. Always clear, Jane shared: “Well, I didn’t want to be a massage therapist. I wanted to be a Reflexologist!” And so the journey to find a new home to fulfill her career-dream began.

Reflecting on where she might land, Jane focused on Bloomington, IN – a place she had visited often and also one with no restrictive laws governing reflexology. After 19 years in her beloved Big Apple, Jane left and headed west to start a new chapter in her life and her career.

Setting out Her Shingle

Jane had a support group of friends in Bloomington which helped in her cross country relocation. With her work history in graphic design, Jane was able to produce her own fliers, cards, ads and marketing materials. She had the added challenge of educating a new population about reflexology so they would understand the practice and take advantage of her services.

Jane’s materials include user-friendly descriptions about reflexology and its health benefits. For example:

“Many health problems can be linked to stress. It is an acknowledged fact by the medical community that a body trying to function while under the influence of prolonged stress is less capable of organizing its defenses against illnesses and repair damage caused by injury. Reflexology can negate the effects of stress while it helps the body relax. Reflexology gently nudges the body toward better functioning by improving lymphatic drainage, circulation, stimulation to the nerve pathways, and muscle relaxation.”

With the availability of the internet, reflexology resources are plentiful now. A myriad of reflexology associations on a state, national and international level provide a wealth of information to keep Jane and her clients updated on studies, workshops and conferences.

Foot Loose and Fancy Free

Jane is quick to thank her teachers and mentors, Sande Rosen and Laura Norman who continue to serve as inspirational resources for her practice today. She values their personal commitment to her career and in return, Jane pays-it-forward by teaching an introductory reflexology course at Associates for Integrative Health in Bloomington.

While being a solo-preneur has its challenges, Jane is thrilled to be in charge of her own career destiny. She most appreciates not having others tell her what to do in a work environment, and sets her own schedule in a time frame that suits her lifestyle. Jane relishes being comfortable in her work environment, creating a space that focuses on calm and relaxation for herself and her clients.

You’re Not in Kansas Anymore

Or, in this case – Jane’s not in New York City anymore. For her, moving to a small Midwestern city has also created some challenges. Although a progressive university town, Bloomington doesn’t have any other nationally certified Reflexologists. That may seem like a no brainer for steering all the clients to Jane but in reality, competition breeds good business. Jane longs for a community of Reflexologists with whom she can collaborate, and a little competition never hurts either!

With Bloomington as her home for 10+ years, Jane has come to love this little oasis in Indiana. She is active in the community and has a network of friends and clients that frequent her practice regularly. Her client base continues to grow from strong referrals and she was recently featured in the city’s premiere periodical – Bloom Magazine.

Dream Big

Jane has learned a lot over the years and still has future plans and a passionate new dream. Recently, she was introduced to what is called a Reflexology Path. It’s a path or walkway made of stones, designed with the intent to stimulate points on the feet. “I’d love to see one built in Bloomington. What a great way to bring health and community together.”

And that’s what makes Jane special, her commitment to bringing people together in community. For years she’s had her own studio, but recently discovered that she enjoys working with like-minded people in a group environment. You can also find Jane at Bloomington’s Massage on the Square. Among a group of massage therapists, she is the sole certified Reflexologist. Jane is enjoying the camaraderie of other professionals dedicated to the wellness practice of bodywork. “There’s always someone to listen, and give advice or best of all, give you a massage. I love how we take care of each other.”

So if you live Bloomington, IN or find yourself passing through, be sure to look up Jane Bradley and treat yourself to a reflexology session. Once you start, you’ll never stop. I’ve been a client of Jane’s for many years and I treat my feet, and my entire body to an hour of reflexology with Jane regularly. She really can clear your nose through your toes!

Jane’s Advice and Action Steps:

• Have a plan and visualize your future.
• Stay positive, believe in yourself, and always strive for what you want.
• Build a community of people who also do what you do. They will be a great support system and serve as a resource.
• Never sacrifice your sanity or suffer through a stressful career you don’t like – you deserve the best.

Quote:

“You live the life you choose.” – Jane is inspired by this quote that has been used and adapted in countless motivational books.

Resources:

Jane Bradley Footzeus http://janebradleyfootzeus.com/

Twitter: Footzeus

Massage on the Square: http://www.btownmassage.com/

Laura Norman Wellness www.lauranorman.com

Reflexology Research Project www.reflexology-research.com

Reflexology Association of America www.reflexology-usa.org

American Reflexology Certification Board www.arcb.net

Tana worked for the GRDA in Vinita, Oklahoma, which is a state-owned public power producer. They operate 2 coal-fired generating plants, and three hydro plants which produced electricity for about 15 cities and towns in Oklahoma, as well as rural electric cooperatives. She worked for 20+ years in the Media/Marketing Department producing corporate videos, annual reports, company brochures/media and corporate photography. Tana also worked with many cities and civic organizations on their marketing efforts and although she enjoyed her job she never called it her career passion.

The draw of the rodeo always beckoned for Tana to participate more regularly than the weekend competitions that she continued to pursue in her spare time. The ultimate goal on the rodeo circuit for a Barrel Racer is to find that special horse that could compete at the top professional level. In 1999, Tana thought found him, a bay 4-yr-old gelding, whose official name was Perrymans Star, but she called him Amigo.

Competing with the Big Girls

Tana took her time training and seasoning him for three years, and Amigo continued to prove himself a winner. In 2003, Tana took the big step and entered the winter pro rodeos, sanctioned by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, to see how she would do against the “big girls”. Although their first run wasn’t good, Tana and Amigo came back and won the second round at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. For the next three years, she continued to work her marketing job and tried to rodeo on the side using accumulated leave, comp time, and unpaid leave.

Each year, Tana and Amigo would finish in the top 30, and only the top 15 qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. In June of 2006, she was ranked in the top 15, but she had run out of leave and had to make a decision, either quit her job, or quit rodeo-ing. But dreaming and reality are two different things. Tana didn’t want to look back and wonder what if? But she didn’t want to put her family in a financial bind either. After much prayer and reflection, Tana took the leap and left her job to pursue life on the road as a professional rodeo Barrel Racer. Her husband of 26 years, Marty, and son, Brodie encouraged her to go for it.

On the Road Again

After a month on the road, Tana had only won a couple of thousand dollars and after expenses, she was broke. She told her husband that she would finish out the next week at the rodeos and then she’d go find a real job again.

“I also had a long conversation with God about the whole situation, and He gave me a whole new insight. Although I didn’t win a lot that week, things started clicking, and I went another week. We found our “zone” and started winning, and climbed back into the standings, winning enough to qualify for our first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in third place!”

While the earning picked up with additional wins, Tana says her new career is more about passion than finances. It can be feast or famine, but she won $100,000 at Calgary in 2007 which has carried her through the past two years while Amigo had to have surgery in 2008. Tana also broke her ankle in 2009 so the unexpected expenses really did add up.  To an outside observer, it might look like Tana is rolling in the dough of her winnings but they don’t see the expenses of travel, veterinary care, and human health care. Tana admits, she has not “made it” yet but she is still going strong.

At the Top of Your Game

While the critical element is having a great horse for a partner Tana also learned that it takes perseverance and really knowing your horse to help him stay at the top of his game. In addition to the now 16-yr-old Amigo, Tana also has 9-yr-old Goose with whom she is partnering. It is definitely a partnership—she takes care of her guys and they take care of her.

Tana has learned the importance of financial planning since she cannot count on regular winnings. She advises others interested in pursuing a high risk career transition to never look back and never give up.

Family also plays a very important role in Tana’s success and she could not continue on this path without their strong support. Tana’s son Brodie kept telling her in the first few years when she wanted to quit and go home, “No Mom, you’ve got to keep going so we can go to the NFR!”

Marty, her husband, works hard to help keep her on the road. He is the reason she can live her dream. Tana’s parents hauled her to Little Britches and High School rodeos while she was growing up, and her parents still go with her on the road when they can. Marty’s parents also lend a hand helping to feed the horses and assist with housework while Tana is on the road.

Road Report

Tana loves to encourage others to follow their dreams, so she speaks at church services, at barrel races, rodeos, and other organizations. She has put on clinics for 4Hers, Girl Scouts and church groups and supports an equine-assisted therapeutic riding center. Tana also serves as the director of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.

Her goal is to make the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo again this year. Tana would like to give both her horses a chance to compete there.  “Amigo deserves the chance to run there when he is healthy. — A gold (World Champion) buckle would be nice some time, too!” according to Tana.

Friends and fans can follow Tana by reading her web road report at: www.tanapoppino.com and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association’s site at: www.wpra.com.

Tana’s Advice and Action Steps

• Take a risk and pursue your passion.
• Plan well financially.
• Seek the support of friends, family and your resource team.
• Do what you love and it will never seem like work.

Quote:

“Discover your God-given talents, follow your dream, work hard, and never, never, give up!”

Tana Poppino

Resources

Tana Poppino  www.tanapoppino.com

Rodeo Promotions www.rodeopromotions.com

Daydreamer

It all started one day when Alyson was sitting on the couch in her Newark, NJ studio contemplating her commute into Manhattan for work. She travels daily though Penn Station, the Big Apple’s major intercity train station and observed busy commuters disengaged with the people around them, glued to their smart phones and digital devices. Alyson herself admits how easy it is to fall into the zombie zone while navigating the masses of people around you.  The lack of connection, non-existent eye contact, and emotional void left Alyson wondering what it would take to get people to start reconnecting with the humankind surrounding them in one of the busiest rail stations in the world.

She envisioned wearing a t-shirt with “I love you” clearly emblazoned as a message to invoke some kind of reaction from passers-by. Alyson wondered, “What if this was the message that we led with? What if it is a fact? We are love.” And so the I Love You Project was born.

The Ultimate Re-Cycle

Alyson ignited a passion within her and is on a mission to spread the “I love you” message in a more universal way. She tapped the expertise of her brainstorm loving husband and came up with the idea of spreading the message by literally wearing it on her sleeve, or across her chest, as it were.

An experienced vintage collector, Alyson has spent the last 15 years finding hidden treasures at thrift stores, on Craigslist, and appreciating hand-me-down clothes, furniture, and household items. She values the history in things and honors this principle by purchasing her I LoveYou Project t-shirts from thrift and charity driven stores to celebrate their mission and pay-it-forward with the message of love.

Since she is passionate about keeping the I Love You Project shirts affordable for all, Alyson keeps the costs down by purchasing gently used shirts from thrift stores. She also likes the idea of not generating more stuff in the world by recycling. Alyson hopes these shirts become your go-to shirt in the drawer – soft, cozy, and comfortable like a favorite pair of shoes.

Pass It On

Her process is relatively simple. Alyson washes the gently used shirts then screen prints the “I love you” message and sells them for a very reasonable price of $10 per shirt. She learned to screen print from artistic neighbors in her building, a husband and wife duo that run Nightingale Projects http://www.nightingaleprojects.com/index.html. They swapped their artistic expertise for yoga lessons from Alyson. A wonderful trade-your-talent scenario that has proven fruitful for both parties.

The t-shirts are available in a variety of sizes from newborn to adults and the colors and styles vary depending on what Alyson finds on her thrift store excursions. Shipping is a flat rate of $5 and Alyson donates all profits beyond her material costs to charities that support others in need including: The Happy Hearts Fund http://www.happyheartsfund.org/, Angel’s Gate Animal Hospital http://www.angelsgate.org/ and Yele Haiti http://www.yele.org/.

Spread Your Love

Without consciously doing so, Alyson has become a role model social entrepreneur invoking social change, one t-shirt at a time. She aspires to create a worldwide community of love and to track where her t-shirts land with pins on a world map. Her Facebook page showcases photos of I Love You Project t-shirts worn by fans around the country. https://www.facebook.com/pages/i-love-you-project/260958851296

While the venture wasn’t started as a career endeavor, business is picking up and Alyson may soon need to recruit some additional help to screen print and mail the shirts to those who share her passion for spreading the love.  I told her to consider an I Love You Project Intern – perhaps someone looking for a career change opportunity to make a difference. She hopes corporate t-shirt manufacturers like Hanes, Gap, or American Apparel will consider donating t-shirt “seconds” that can’t be sold in retail stores to the I Love You Project for re-purposing. This would be a great way to keep her prices down and a way for those companies to pay-it-forward. Alyson wants the shirts to always be affordable so the “I love you” message becomes universal.

Double Take

I Love You Project t-shirt wearers report that reactions range from spontaneous “I love you too!” responses to knowing smiles and full-on double takes. Most people glance and keep on going but the perceptive Alyson knows that the message has given them pause and reboots their consciousness, at least for a moment, and that’s a good thing.

“Equal parts social experiment, self expression, art, and fashion – but all parts truth.” – Alyson dreams of a day when large crowds of people are wearing “I love you” across their chest. Not like an organized flash mob dance, but more of an organic movement to bring love back into our vocabulary and our behavior more often than not.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

I Love You Project t-shirts could become the hottest holiday gift item this season. An affordable expression of love that allows you to share the message with your people – one t-shirt at a time. Be sure to order your shirts early as this one-woman operation still works multiple jobs to earn her living but her I Love You Project is the most gratifying endeavor of all. You can contact Alyson at Alyson@iloveyouproject.net or http://www.iloveyouproject.net

Alyson is sharing a message worth spreading – Love. Consider joining the I Love You Project movement by ordering your t-shirt today.

Not everyone makes a career transition because they dislike their work. In fact, Carole Jo Bradley very purposefully cultivated a successful career as a theatrical Stage Manager and feels very blessed.

It all began at the Starlight Amphitheatre in Kansas City where she worked backstage the summer she was 16 and learned the craft of Stage Management. The Stage Manager serves as a liaison between the Director, backstage crew (sets, lights, costumes, and props) and the performers. The Stage Manager calls performers to the stage, calls lighting/set cues, and manages a myriad of people behind the scenes so the audience only sees the magic of what happens on stage. It takes a high level of communication, patience, tolerance for high stress situations, and amazing organizational abilities to pull it all together.

Carole Jo pursued a theatre major at University of Missouri – Kansas City and was drawn to Stage Management as a career learning that she much preferred to use her talents backstage than in front of an audience. While in college, she apprenticed at Missouri Repertory Theatre (known today as Kansas City Repertory) and only a year after earning her undergraduate degree joined Actors’ Equity Association which gave her membership into the theatre union and many job opportunities.

Time for a Change

With an Equity card in hand and a passion for her craft, Carole Jo carved her niche as a well-respected Stage Manager in Kansas City, Louisville, New York, and Hawaii. After 24 years in the business, Carole Jo experienced what she calls an “interests and priorities shift.” She was ready to try something new and move in a new direction to complement her existing career.

Carole Jo knew she wanted to add another dimension to her career that would help her shine her inner light even more. Stage management was something she did very well but she was searching for a passion to bring additional meaning to her life and others.  A constant learner, Carole Jo enjoyed reading books about quantum physics, metaphysics – in particular: The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes. She was intrigued by the practices of the Center for Spiritual Living that advocated using the tools: affirmative prayer, meditation, and visioning on a daily basis for profound change and abundant living.

Abundant Living

Carole Jo talked about how her desire to experience life more fully became clearer as she delved deeper into the study of the metaphysical world – the world beyond our five senses.  On a mission to experience the interconnectedness of life, Carole Jo became inspired to take part in helping others restore peace in their lives, especially those who were suffering from a feeling of separation.

Carole Jo sought out a Prayer Practitioner to help herself delve even farther into her spiritual connectedness.  Her Prayer Practitioner offered her compassionate support and a new perspective on the challenges of life. It was such a beautiful experience that it inspired her to pursue her own licensure so she could share affirmative prayer with others.

She set out on a journey to credential herself in an extensive three-year accredited program of metaphysical study so she could bring forth her vision of helping others reach their highest ideas. For a year, she studied the universal principles of the Science of Mind and spent the other two years in the program putting her professional training into practice.

After passing an extensive written and oral panel exam, Carole Jo is now a Licensed Religious Science Practitioner (RScP), also referred to as a Science of Mind Practitioner. A Practitioner is a person of high spiritual consciousness who is trained in the art, science, and skill of Affirmative Prayer. Bound by a high code of ethics to respect confidence, a Prayer Practitioner provides a professional service helping others learn to be present in the moment and achieve a higher state of conscious awareness.

Law of Attraction

When I connected with Carole Jo by phone she was very pleased to be setting up her home office in Kansas City to work with clients. While she prefers in-person sessions, she is also set up to work by phone. Since the concept of a Prayer Practitioner was new to me I had many questions which Carole was happy to answer.

While there are some parallels to therapy, Religious Science is a philosophy and cosmology – a way of life that bridges the gap between science and religion through the use and application of universal laws and principles. Since the principles are universal, they apply to everyone, everywhere, all the time so personal religious beliefs and customs (i.e. Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Muslim, etc.) are all welcomed but really don’t play a role in the practice.  There is no connection between Religious Science and Scientology – a common question for those new to the concept.

Some more mainstream examples are the Law of Attraction, Law of Circulation, and the Law of Cause and Effect. We all use these laws every single day, but often times unconsciously. Carole Jo will help you to activate these laws in an empowering, conscious, and constructive way.

Breathe of Absence

As Carole Jo builds her practice and her client base, she will continue to Stage Manage to earn a steady income and make her way financially. But, the ultimate goal is to transition into her practice full-time. When we spoke she was enjoying a well-deserved “breathe of absence” – a period of time she set aside to create her home office space and devote her time to focusing on this new passion and vocation.

Oz, a beautiful orange tabby cat is Carole Jo’s healing partner at home and in the practice. Since animals offer unconditional love and are attracted to the immediate atmosphere and healing energy of a Prayer Practitioner session, Oz has been a big hit with clients.

Carole Jo talked about how Prayer Practitioners are gaining visibility in the world. Businesses and organizations are looking to foster health at work. Offices are being designed with “quiet rooms” and being present in the moment has helped professionals cultivate more positive and productive work environments.

While Carole Jo looks forward to the day when more organizations can be more enlightened by the spiritual health and well-being philosophy she is eager to share her conscious living and personal empowerment through prayer one individual at a time.

Chalk Walk Talk

On the sidewalk outside of her Kansas City home, Carole Jo has a container of chalk that she leaves for passers-by to be creative and share their unique message. Inspiring notes and drawings magically appear from anonymous writers and this is indicative of the positive energy that exudes from Carole Jo – even on the phone!

She uses Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube to post affirmative stories and videos and Carole Jo is on a mission to help others understand that all prayer is valid.  From a conscious direction of thought we can discover an affirmative drive from within.

The concept of being a Prayer Practitioner is abstract and so it has been difficult to market her services and honor the process to those who are unfamiliar with affirmative prayer. Carole Jo is really on a mission to help others get quiet with themselves and “let the monkey chatter settle” so they can be comfortable in a state of silence.

If we can be still, get quiet, and listen on a regular basis – then we can have a more conscious direction of thought and empowerment.

As a busy woman who barely has time to sit still, I recognize that I need more quiet moments in my life to listen from within. Carole Jo was gracious enough to offer an affirmative prayer on the phone for me. I was delighted to experience this so I could more fully understand her practice and how it works. While I was not skeptical but curious about the prayer, I can honestly say that it was a peaceful, joyful experience that helped me focus and achieve an authentic sense of peace. She offered thanks and recognition, and released outside obstacles that were an impediment for my forward movement and I left the call with a sense of energy, and purpose that was palpable.

Zen Den

Carole Jo fondly recalled a story about when her sister found two fortunes in a Chinese fortune cookie and summed it up beautifully by saying that “Life is one big fabulous reality, charged with unique and unrepeatable moments!” Her goal is to help others be more conscious of their ability to heal and live abundantly through affirmative prayer.

“Whatever your faith background, I honor your path. My passion is to spread the message of wholeness and to assist clients in changing their lives by making changes in their thoughts. In the timeless tradition of New Thought-Ancient Wisdom, I use universal spiritual laws and principles to facilitate inner healing for outward results. There is a paradigm shift taking place within humanity that recognizes the calm, effortless power of “being” versus the struggle of “doing” to create change. This beautiful and mindful way of life benefits individuals, small businesses, corporations, organizations, and always, our planet.”

She aspires to help others create their own personal Zen Den and take advantage of the quiet so you can hear what your heart and mind are saying more clearly. Check out Carole Jo’s links below and consider an affirmative prayer session. I can say from experience, you will be glad you did!

Carole Jo’s Action Steps:

These are the 3 fundamental tenets of Carole’s message of spiritual wholeness, connectedness and affirmative prayer:

• What is spirit’s vision for my life?
• What do I need to release to let that vision unfold?
• What do I need to embrace to allow this to unfold?

Quote:

“Everything is happening for me not to me.”

Resources:

Carole@CaroleJoBradley.com

http://www.carolejobradley.com/home

www.BodyMindSpiritDirectory.org

www.religiousscience.org.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxKovdvQr0g&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL1E6D81C0CDE8866B

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RqFHYPhrT0