In ten days, Lara, Gina and I will be leaving our respective homes and meeting in Austin, Texas to begin our very last Making Things Happen tour. We are so EXCITED to do this one last time. Making Things Happen has changed our lives and the lives of over 550 alumni in the past few years. As part of the very first class (in Watercolor in 2009), Gina and I can attest to the fact that this movement changes people. It changes lives. It gives people a STARTING place. And THAT is exciting.
Nothing magic happens in that room. We don’t have fancy decorations or an event planner or even tons of fun swag to give away. Instead, we bring notebooks, encouragement and TIME. By attending Making Things Happen, you give yourself the gift of time to focus on what MATTERS for a full day, to reconnect with the WHY behind all the THINGS you’re doing and to reprioritize. It’s invigorating. Just typing about it makes me so excited (yes, even to leave my sweet family behind) to do this one more time. Austin, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlanta… get ready. We chose these cities because they’re all very easy to travel to. We’ll be hosting the intensives very close to the airports as well. Easy peasy.
Over the years, I’ve been on the receiving end of a lot of emails asking me about Making Things Happen. Those questions you’re thinking right now… those doubts and wonders and FEARS that are holding you back… we know. We’ve heard them all. 550 others have thought / felt them all. The biggest question we get is this: “I’m not a ______________ (insert pronoun –> photographer, business owner, type-A person, etc) so can I still come?”
Absolutely.
Making Things Happen is for people who are ready to do just that. It’s for people who are ready to take control of their lives and make them lives that mean something. They’re ready to listen to that little voice in their head that’s saying there’s something more. Maybe they know what that is, maybe they don’t. They want to love more, give more, serve more, create more, LIVE more.
The alumni who have come before you have made enormous things happen. They’ve gone home to love on their families more. They’ve refocused their time and energies to give more to people around them. They’ve connected with PURPOSE and put ACTIONS in place to CREATE the life they dream of – whatever that may be.
I would love to see you at Making Things Happen in October. Lara, Gina and I are so excited to meet so many new friends, to hug your necks, to ask you hard questions and to dig deep. We’re so excited for what this last group of alumni are going to make happen. It’s bittersweet, getting ready for our LAST tour ever. It’s been the experience of a lifetime and such an honor to be part of MTH. Next year, we’ll only be hosting one Making Things Happen intensive in Raleigh, NC – details to come early next year.
And now… HOORAY! We are offering TWO scholarships for this last tour! There are two ways to enter:
The Alum Scholarship: Leave a comment here an tell us what you want to make happen. Also, please tell us the city you would like to attend. Anyone who applies for a scholarship will be given the ability to register at 50% OFF if they are not chosen. So, you have nothing to lose and EVERYTHING to gain by entering.
The MTH Match Scholarship: Leave a comment here telling us what you want to make happen AND spread the word! Tell your friends about Making Things Happen, too! Tweet, Facebook, Blog, Pin this, send smoke signals… whatever you want to do to tell people about Making Things Happen and just link to this post. Leave a separate comment here telling us you did so. We will pick a random winner for this second scholarship, so the more entries you submit, the better!
Deadline: We’ll be announcing our winner on October 3! Again, if you enter to win a scholarship, you’ll still be given the chance to register at 50% OFF the regular rate if you aren’t chosen. We want you to be able to make this happen no matter what!
xo,
Emily
Beautiful images by Nancy Ray Photography
UPDATED:
The scholarship entries are all so amazing and so inspiring! Just reading your words makes our hearts so excited and SO HAPPY to imagine the big things down the road for each of you. If you aren’t one of our main scholarship winners, keep an eye on your inbox : ) You may be getting a little email from us in the next day or so.
CONGRATULATIONS to Erin McLean (winner of our Alum Scholarship!), Kirbi Knopp and Sarah Tucker (TWO winners of our Scholarships!). Email Marissa@LaraCaseyReps.com to get registered!
There’s still time to get registered! All of the cities are nearing sold out, so checkout www.MakingThingsHappen.com to join us!
Right now I’m working a part time job, staying at home with my new baby girl, and all the while running a full time photography business. My sweet husband works 50 hour work weeks at a job he doesn’t totally love and helps me on the weekends. I want to make it happen so that he can come home and put our family first. I would love to be there!! xoxoox, Lucy
I tweeted and shared on facebook! Thanks ladies!!
Oh Emily – where do I begin. I want to go to the Phoenix. It’s actually been on my calendar since you announced the dates. Originally I had a conflict and wasn’t able to go. My scheduled has opened and now I can go, I think the someone is giving me a sign. :) If Phoenix didn’t work, I would be able to make LA happen. I’m in the Bay Area, so either way I would have to fly. There are so many things going on in my life and in business right now. I want to grow my business but also maintain a balance. Something that everyone wants. Right? There is something more that I’m suppose to be doing. I know it. I just can’t put my finger on it. The best way to describe the feeling: I’m sitting in the car and I know where I want to go, but I can’t put my foot on the accelerator to go. There is something stuck. I really feel that by attending Making Things Happen I’ll start moving forward.
~ Caryl
This opportunity seems so timely for me! I am a graphic designer and I have been stuck in the in-between stages for a while now. I worked full time while starting my own Etsy shop (selling birth announcement prints) 2.5 years ago and worked very hard to make it grow so that I could have more time at home with my two small children and do what I really love. I scaled back to part time 1 year ago since my shop was beginning to be more successful. As I reflect back on these past 2 years, I almost think it’s taken more time away from my family because we’re afraid to let go of my steady “real” part time job with benefits, which leaves me less time to work on my own business, and I am not as focused as I should be with what is really important. I am in the process of getting my website up and running, but the energy is slowly draining and need a boost!
I’m at the point in my personal career that I need to jump full in and do what I’ve been working toward for the past several years and to not let that dream die, but it’s scary and would love the support from others who have already been where I am at today. I definitely need to sit back, focus, and reprioritize with an amazing group of women!
PS. I would like to attend in Chicago. Thanks for this opportunity!
I shared your post on Facebook. Thanks!
I tweeted and shared on Facebook. :) xoxo
You 3 ladies have always inspired me, and helped me take my leap of faith to open my own boutique at a very young age. Would love guidance direction focus and encouragement from other woman entrepreneurs who I have always looked up to. Attending in Atlanta and spending time with you ladies would be just the extra kick I need to push even harder and reach my ultimate potential. Would love the opportunity to attend MTH. XO
Wow! So much I want to make happen! I’m a budding photographer, blogger and business student interested in the area of creating a photography business, as well (future) starting a firm for churches that entails organisational, administrative and financial guidance for Churh plants, healthy and declining churches. I’m finally at the jumping point in terms of career and college converging (I’m in my last classes currently).
I have so much ambition but I don’t have all the direction on how to make it all happen! I would love to be a part of the MTH last tour as I have been following the blogs since the very first tour when I was in my second year of college. I have been inspired and spurred on by the information and movement through the Internet tracking!:)
I would love to be a part of the LA intensive!
I believe that you probably have heard every excuse in the book–when I read what you said about inserting a pronoun to tell you what we’re NOT, I thought, “Well, yeah. She’s right. I’m not anything. YET.” But I know I’m going to be. Hope has taken up quite a bit of residence in my heart in regards to what’s to come in my life. At the age of 21, I know there’s big things I have yet to uncover in the plan laid out at my feet; Making Things Happen will reinforce my belief that my map isn’t turned upside down in my hands, I just have to figure out how to read it!
Three cheers for Making Things Happen.
The Recession changed a great many priorities for my family – as a result, we hope to take our working family farm in NC and turn it into an event venue. My 60-year-old mother, 80-year-old grandmother (!), and 28-year-old self are throwing caution to the wind – going into business together and determined to make it happen – so that our farm can stay in our family and also, so that we can share the land we love with the public.
I believe that being a part of Making Things Happen will help me focus my vision for our business on the correct priorities from the beginning – and that with the guidance and support of Emily, Lara, Gina, and the rest of the MTH team, I will learn to embrace the fear, so that a year from now I will look back and take great joy in what we’re starting today.
I would be truly honored to receive your scholarship!
Hello Emily!
I started my boutique graphic design and custom web design business, Step Brightly, in 2009 and am craving that extra push to help me find the right clients, based on my experience, and create jaw-dropping work for them. I am inspired by your creative, authentic voice and would love the opportunity to huddle with like-minded creative and entrepreneurial women at your CHICAGO workshop. Thank you for the opportunity!
Lisa Guillot
Hello, I have been following Rhiannon from Hey Gorg through her change and rebranding. That is how I heard of you guys! Once I discovered this Making Things Happen event, I knew it was something I wanted to attend! I am from the Phoenix area and am so excited to see that you will be having an event here in October! With our upcoming wedding, I haven’t been able to gather the extra funds to attend :(. I would love to be able to get a jump start on my future business! The event seems like it would help me network and collaborate with all sorts of people just like me. I strive to be able to provide myself with a creative environment where I can be my own boss! I know this event would provide me with the inspiration, motivation, and tools I need to move forward with my future! Thank you for the opportunity to be able to apply for the scholarship!
Facebook and Tweeted! Thanks again for hosting amazing events! Can’t wait to be a part of your Chicago (and beyond)community,
Lisa
I pinned, Facebook shared and Tweeted about this post!
Dear Emily, Lara, & Gina,
Reading this post brought tears to my eyes and goose bumps to my skin, and I knew immediately that I had to apply. I am from a small town with three stoplights, one where everyone knows everyone and nothing exciting ever happens. It’s a small town where people don’t know that those crazy dreams that you have when you’re ten years old really can come true. I’m one of those people with big dreams. I am a college graduate as of this past May, and I’m so ready for my life to “begin.” What sets me apart, is that I don’t want another small-town life, I want more, so much more. I want big things, for my life and my future. I am a blogger craving inspiration for posts that will motivate others. I am an assistant wedding planner with a desire to one day own my own company. But above all else, I am a small-town girl ready for the tools to set my life on fire. I want to attend Making Things Happen to learn how to do this, how to make my story come alive. I am inspired by your websites EVERY SINGLE DAY, and I can only imagine what it would be like to speak with you in person. It would be my absolute pleasure to be a part of this experience in Atlanta. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Melody
Posted on Tumblr: http://isleofviewblog.tumblr.com/post/32341368951/last-making-things-happen-tour-scholarships
Posted on Instagram: http://instagram.com/p/QDLlfxS0jk/
I want more than anything to have my own online shop. I have had an Etsy shop for about a year and am so thankful to have that platform to be able to sell my goods, but know that I won’t really be able to take it to the next level without my own web presence. I have been working a full-time job and then come home to work on the things that really make me happy. It’s exhausting but I know it will pay off in the end. I want to simplify and work more productively so I’m getting more done but working less hours. I have been to Haiti twice (and am in the process of planning a third trip) and the people there have stolen my heart. I used to think I wanted to work for myself so in the future when I have a family I would have the ability to care for them. Now, I know I want to give back to the people of Haiti in some way and also have the luxury to go over there and do my part to help whenever I can. I would love the opportunity to attend MTH in Chicago or Atlanta! I’m in Nashville so both places are pretty easy for me to get to! :)
Hi, Emily. Your post couldn’t have come at a better time. A friend actually asked me to come to MTH Atlanta, but as a newlywed whose husband is getting ready to start real estate classes (by night, another career by day), I simply couldn’t say, “Yes” to the cost. I would love to Make Things Happen in Atlanta. I am a blogger, cook, baker and really want to dive into what that could look like for my life in the next few years. I want to be asked the hard questions so that I am FORCED to answer them…not just shake them to back of mind whenever they float through my thoughts. Sending best wishes to you as you prepare for the final tour!
Best,
Brittany
I am ready to make big things happen but the main question on my mind is how. How to have the time to pursue a dream (as a marketing consultant) that isn’t tied up in my day job. I have dreamed of going to the MTH tour since the inception but have never pulled the trigger due to multiple reasons (budget, location, time, business direction, the list goes on). I am ready to make things happen now and know this is just the jumping point of big things to come. If awarded the scholarship I would be there bright and early in Atlanta. I’ll even pick y’all up from the airport ;)
Pinned it to hopefully win it! http://pinterest.com/pin/16395986114905324/
Thanks for the chance :)
i would love to be a part of this “game changer”. i have lots of big ideas for my small business but lack the focus to make things happen. and i am SO ready for that to change! also…i would love to be a part of helping others in their journey, even if its just in the capacity of listening to their dreams & giving an encouraging smile.
i would love to be a part of the atlanta experience and it would be my pleasure to bring the pastries.
i tweeted. i pinned. i facebooked. oh how i grateful i am for the opportunity.
Hi Emily! As I’ve said before, I’ve been such a fan of you and your success. As a new stay at home mom, I’m looking for the opportunity to not only launch my own business, but to also create flexibility and stability for our family and our son. I’m so passionate about education and I’m looking to flush out ideas to create an educational consulting business/product line for teachers. It’s a way for me to combine my creativity + love of the classroom + excitement to start my own business in one. I’d love to surround myself with the passion, wonder, and inquisitive people at Making Things Happen Atlanta. I think this would be just the boost I need to get my feet off the ground. :)
I also tweeted this link. Tweet Tweet! @chandraverbic
This has been THE year. You know….the one where you know you are about to give birth to something amazing…but you still have labor pains and question yourself…”Can I really do this?” Wrapping this first year as a full-time photographer I have been blessed with opportunity after opportunity, BUT (Isn’t there always a but??) I know I can do bigger and better and not just in the sense of work…but for my family and life in general. I have a new home studio, an insane number of weddings…and I am just trying to figure out me. I would LOVE to join you in Atlanta or Chicago. I appreciate all you girls already do:) xoxo
I have been a stay at home mom for almost 2 years now and I know it is time to have something for me to put my skills, effort and college degree towards. I want to start my own internet boutique from my home so I can still be with my children and fulfill goals for myself. I know being with my children is the right thing to do but I love having something to put my mind to and strive for. Starting a business would give me that. And there is the financial advantage too. I feel terrible sometimes that my husband is paying my student loan payments each month, although he does not mind, I do. Making Things Happen would be able to re-introduce me to the working world and help me see a larger picture than just “my business”. I would love to go to the Phoenix, Arizona seminar with my friend, as she would be doing some business with me.
This would be a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and I will be counting the days until the winner is drawn!
For everyone else’s sake, I’ll keep this as brief as possible. I almost just belted out a 5 paragraph essay. ;)
I am young- graduated from college only a year ago, got married this summer, and I have a small business in it’s baby years. In the past 5 years, I’ve made HUGE leaps of faith. I left my family in Minnesota to study business as a small, private school in Seattle. At this point, I was studying business with almost no career direction. I took advantage of every internship I could get my hands on. One summer, I worked in Connecticut at a job completely out of my comfort zone. This resulted in meeting my husband. One of my internships led me to my dream career, and I was actually offered a job there. Facing a ridiculously large amount of student loan debt (80k+) from my fancy college education, I was ecstatic to find this position. Seemingly, the answer to all my problems. Until the offer was reneged on me, leaving me jobless, ringless, directionless. I was devastated, but my former boss told me that the reason for her change in heart was that she saw an entrepeneur in me- someone who should be on her own. From there, my beloved proposed and we made the tough decision to move to Michigan to be nearer our families.
Since this big move a year ago, we’ve gotten married, I’ve been running a business successfully in addition to a full time job, and we’ve had a major change in our finances. For a wedding gift, my grandfather paid off my student loan debt. Yes, you read that right. An incredible gift that I don’t have the words for in this blog comment. This change is allowing me to pursue my dream career full time. Now is the time more than ever that I need MTH. I want to pursue my intentions full force and honor this amazing, freeing gift. I want to be successful, balanced, and have the tools to tackle the intensity of the months and years to come. This is an intensive that I couldn’t dream of attending for financial reasons. Attending MTH in Chicago would be life-changing, and life-giving in so many ways. I’m ready to take my event design business to the next level. I want to love better. Be more intentional. Support others. I want to make things happen!
I can’t wait to share more with you- Thank you for the opportunity for this scholarship. :)
I want to Make Things Happen because I will be taking over the company that I currently work for when my boss moves to expand our business in new location. I want to learn and be inspired and be ready for this new exciting adventure. I love reading Emily Ley and Lara Casey’s blogs and instagrams because they always inspire me. And the people they associate with are also amazing, driven, Christen people like themselves. It’s so refreshening and wonderful to read that you can Make Things Happen without losing your faith and your family time. Being driven doesn’t mean losing sight of things and as much as I’ve learned just from all of your wonderful blogs I want to learn even MORE at Make Things Happen in Phoenix!!! I tweeted (@CoachsLilGirl) and facebook posted all about it!! XO! Safe travels ya’ll
Oh boy. I have been wanting to go to MTH so badly. I am located in Southern California and recently became a full time wedding photographer and I want to make things happen. I don’t want to wait around for them to happen. I don’t want to do what’s expected but want to break the rules and go beyond my dreams. I want to dream bigger and pursue those dreams and surprise myself in the process. I feel like MTH would be such an incredible opportunity to do this and much much more!
Shared on fb! :)
P.S. I shared on Twitter and Facebook. :)
There is something missing in my life. The Little Mermaid song, Part of Your World comes to mind. I have the blessing of a beautiful healthy family, my parents are very supportive and always there to help take care of my two little girls. My husband is always making sure I’m happy. We live very near to Laguna Beach, CA which is paradise, redifining staycations at its best! …BUT… I want more! That sounds very selfish. I know. I feel guilty. You would think my life is complete. But as a mother of a 1 year old and a 3 year old girls, I also work full time trying to find my place in the healthcare world as a business woman. On my own time, (non-existent) I’m a photographer. I shoot weddings and portraits and I love it! I would like to make a balance of being a mom, wife, career woman and photographer. I would love to make it happen. Know that its possible without feeling guilty. Thanks for doing this!
Scholarships are such an amazing opportunity for those who can’t yet afford to go! so thanks in advance for the opportunity!! I’m a photographer in Mexico and this January I left my job at the family business and jumped into fulltime photography… however due to our beautiful and HOT summer I had to get back in the family business due to low bookings. Talk about a step back…. I’m building up the courage to step out again to fulltime and I think MTH would be an AWESOME opportunity to get the courage and jump again. I would like to attend the Phoenix course!!!! It would be a GREAT early birthday present :)
I would like to reach the end of my life and feel that I lived every moment and opportunity to its fullest. I would like to use every gift that God has given me to bless my family, my friends, my life, and people around me. I would love to attend Making things happen in Austin, Texas. I am a wedding florist, coordinator and event planner. Thank you for this opportunity!
Shared on FB, Tweeted and Pinned!! :)
i want to make the jump from my current corporate job to my own design studio that gets back to the essence of design for me: design is universal – it should touch + improve everyone’s life. i have made so many improvements and stepped through opening doors since the spring tour, i would love to go to atlanta and refocus and get myself to the next level of making things happen!
This year I gave up my dream of getting my PHD in sociology to take a sales job to provide for my family. Though I love my wife and kids and I’ve never once regretted choosing to care for them, I am left trying to figure out how to live out these dreams I have to change the world and the systems that so often trap people while I work 9-5 selling fruit and vegetable packaging to farmers. I want to figure out God’s calling on my life. And I want to be a part of changing the lives of others. Of taking the way I see the world and helping to fight for justice for the overlooked. I feel disoriented and ready to figure out how my life can be a part of changing lives. And since I live approximately 20 minutes from your stop in Atlanta and my wife, Amy, (who adores you guys) has already told me she would gladly watch our kids – I’d love to go to the Atlanta seminar.
And…I’ve officially Facebooked and tweeted. And my wife did the same. She also put it on Pinterest.
I would love to win a scholarship. I am trying to figure out how to balance being the best mother, wife, wedding blogger, photography business owner, photographer who pushes every time to create beautiful images for my clients, and still have time in the day to be a healthy me. I am very grateful for all of these wonderful things, but just need to find a better way to “make them all happen!”.
I pinned it! Oh and I’d love to attend either Chicago or Los Angeles.
I also tweeted about MTH!
I would love to win a scholarship and be able to spend time with others who are dealing with the same challenges in life right now. I am feeling so overwhelmed between my work and life balance, the balance of keeping clients and my family happy. I feel like I often lose to time to focus on things (such as family) that are what inspire my creativity in my work life.
Tweeted. ;) Oh and my location choice would be Chi town for sure.
Tweeted and Pinned. :) Ready. Set. GO.
I’m at a crossroads in my job- about to make a decision on whether I should quit or stay. Two quotes comes to mind as I make my decision – “A year from now you will wish you started today.” The second is “If you want to fly, you have to let go of the things that way you down.”
I started a photography business three years ago and haven’t gone full speed with it… simply out of fear. I want to dive into what those fears are and conquer them. I nearly booked Atlanta a few months ago, but at the time I had plans preventing me from going. Now that those plans have changed, I want to find a way to make it happen.
I have spent this summer working on IVF and trying to start a family. I would love to make the leap and do my business full time. I envision having the flexibility to work towards starting a family and take care of my family from home. I want to be happy and I need to spend devoted time just to making my dreams happen- MTH Atlanta would be a great start to that. No matter what, I trust in God’s plan for me.
Dearest Emily, Lara & Gina,
My name is Mary Coules. I am an Interior Designer with a passion for creating inspiring spaces, a drive to stand for something amazing and a belief in dreaming big! I am intrigued and feel so inspired from every detail I continue to read on the ‘Making Things Happen’ website.
After having my son and juggling my full time job I began to search my sole and soon realized I was not in a place that brought me the most joy and felt an inner pull to dream bigger (unsure how at that time) and believed in myself enough to go for it! I decided to leave my job and stay at home with my son. I have recently started my own business and soon realized that I have some personal fears and road blocks that I am eager and ready to face and grow from. At least that is my best assessment of why I keep holding back. I am ready to push myself forward and really make.things.happen. I feel that the timing for this event is divine intervention in my life. I am ready and excited to just put myself out there and really share the passion I have inside through building and growing my on-line website and business. I can not express enough gratitude for just the small amount of encouragement and inspiration that I have felt from some of your video’s and personal stories you share on a continued basis.
It is my dream to create amazing spaces by learning to listen to others and pulling out a bit of passion and creativity from each and every individual I have the pleasure of working with, all while reflecting that in their personal homes and lives.
I am in the Tampa Bay, FL area. I would love to attend the Atlanta workshop.
I appreciate all your fabulousness and the words of encouragement on your blog.
Sending much love and continually embracing daily intentfulness.
Warm Regards,
Mary Coules
xoxo
I just shared some love ~ Facebook, Pinned, Tweeted & Instagram {love it!}
A year ago I launched an event styling and planning business (SpreadLoveEvents.com) with my sister. In so many ways it’s been amazing – our relationship as sisters grew (through stress and respect) and what once seemed like a “imagine if” is actually starting to happen. I still work full time for a charity I’m passionate about in marketing, while trying to grow our business in every other moment of spare time to reach a tipping point. My sister has recently chosen to step back in our business (though she LOVES it, and is superwoman and mom – she has three young boys who need more of her attention). So here I am, totally in love with what I’ve been spending evenings, weekends, and nights doing – but struggling on how to find balance and reach the tipping point, and I’ve just “lost” my partner (and two really are better than one). While I know “balance” looks different to everyone – I know I can’t put my friends, husband, and future kids on hold to make it happen. I’m seeking some insight on finding the balance and still pursuing and creating this dream career that I’ve fallen in love with. I’d love be participate and get to know you all. I’m based in Vancouver, B.C. but if chosen would love to gift the flight to myself for my 30th birthday! Thanks for the opportunity.
Hi MTH team!
It has been a dream of mine to be successful photographer. Five years ago, I graduated with a degree in biology promising myself that I would revisit my dream at a later time. Since then, I’ve been working towards finding a balance between my work life and the creative lifestyle I desire.
More than anything, I want this to be a transformative year for me. I need the empowerment and encouragement from alumni who can relate to the daunting feeling I am experiencing. Like a polaroid picture, please help make my dream go from blur to clarity.
Let’s make this happen in Atlanta. :)
Hello,
I became a mama in the Spring and one night while feeding my daugther at 3 am I stumbled accross Lara’s blog “The baby blues” which led to the MTH website. Something in me is urging me to attend. I would love to meet you all in Chicago. I feel lost and need to find myself. I am ready to make some serious changes and become a better version of myself, for my daugther and my husband.
Oh my heavens, I SO wish I could attend one of these just to give you ladies a big hug and say thank you for already inspiring me so much. I have personal friends who have gone through this and I know it’s worth it. I just want to start inspiring people around me to LIVE life and not just let it pass them by. I love that you ladies are doing exactly that. Living in Florida, I would probably only be able to make it to the Atlanta conference. If I can’t make it this year, I will definitely be trying to go to the one in Raleigh!
Almost forgot! Tweeted as @sweetbeebuzz xoxoxo
Ready. Set. GO! ~Pinned it.
Inspire Love. ~ Instagram’ed it!
I am a single gal, with a huge love for people, photography and the gospel. I want to photograph weddings and have a successful business so I can be self supportive in the industry. I want my business to help provide home for orphans, or aid those who are adopting. I believe that each couple I photograph has a chance to help give a child somewhere in someplace a chance to even have a story.. I want to write a book, design a tshirt, work with church plants by telling their stories (make a magazine like kinfolk) to spread his name. Find time in the day and get married (that one is out of my control:)). I want to make things happen!
Pingback: Tuesday, I love thee. No 14 » Kristin Shyla
I’ve been meaning to blog about my experience…..now I’m motivated to do so! I’ll make sure to encourage others to apply for the scholarship. MTH changed my personal and business life. Love you girls so much!!!! Your post was very well written and exactly how I feel about MTH.
Tweeted it!!!
I blogged about MTH.
(http://www.kristinshylablog.com/2012/09/tuesday-i-love-thee-no-14/)
I instagramed MTH (user name kristinshyla)
I Facebooked MTH from my photography page (Kristin Shyla Photography)
I Pinned MTH on Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/pin/150800287494020569/)
I tweeted MTH
Oh my goodness – just tried to turn a squeal into a cough after reading this at the office. :)
After following you, Lara, Gina, Natalie and others from MTH since its conception, I finally have the opportunity to make big things happen. For years I knew I wanted to use my passions/skills/knowledge to serve others. I knew I wanted to do the things that set my heart on fire. I knew I wanted to work in a positive environment where my hard work was valued and respected. I also knew that I wanted to do something that could allow me to one day juggle a business and be a good wife and mom gracefully – my ultimate dream job. This summer I was given the opportunity to venture out and hopefully make some big things happen in this next year. It’s just the beginning, but the beginning is so important and I could use some wisdom and guidance from some of the industry’s best.
I would love to meet you guys in Austin or Phoenix. With Simplified Planner in hand, I would be so honored to learn more from y’all! Thank you for sharing this opportunity!
Just pinned!
Shared it with my other entrepreneurial friends on Facebook!
And Tweeted…thanks again!
Pingback: Using My Simplified Planner™ | Emily Ley
Hello Ladies :)
I first heard about MTH from the mother, now friend, of two boys I used to nanny. When she first hired me, she was in the midst of finishing up some classes and starting her own business. After she attended MTH, the change within her was instantaneous and, from that moment on, she just radiated confidence and seemed to have a defined sense of direction for her business. It was truly inspiring.
This year I gave birth to my sweet daughter who has spina bifida. With her diagnosis, it became nearly impossible to find traditional work, even as a nanny, because of her surgeries, medical treatments, and therapies. But it is within my daughter’s daily treatments and activities that I found inspiration to make a change – to turn my hobby into a business. However, I’m lacking the confidence, the ability to gather my thoughts, to put things into action and, honestly, to make things happen.
So, in a nutshell, I would like to make my business happen. A business selling handmade (by me) items that strengthen the connection between parent and child as well as promote healthy sensory development for baby. I’ve already begun selling some items, which are made as natural and eco-friendly as possible, and am excited to finally get things moving.
I would {love} to attend the Atlanta event and absorb everything needed to make a change in myself that will clearly resonate in the lives of those around me.
Thank you for your consideration!
Shared on Facebook. :)
Shared this on Facebook!
Tweeted it!
Pinned it!
Shared this on Instagram!
Find inspiration! Pinned it!
For me… the reasons are clear. Surround oneself with like minded, creative, inspiring women and all things are possible.
Today I feel so inspired!
Shared via a pin!!!
I am an interior designer with a passion for events and people. Like everyone else wanting to attend MTH, I am ready to take the leap and start working for myself. I would love to join you in Atlanta or Chicago to find out the next step. Can’t wait to meet you!!!
Finding inspiration in my every day life.
Pinned it!
Pinned it!
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. ~ Artistotle.
Pinned it. ~Dream BIG.
Just blogged about it!
http://www.yasminsaraiblog.com/2012/09/why-i-want-to-attend-making-things.html
First of all, THANK YOU for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. Wow, how amazing would it be to win… it would truly be life-changing!
Okay, so now, what do I want to make happen in my life? I want to learn how to overcome the fears and distractions that hold me back from reaching my fullest potential. There is so much that I want to become and I don’t want to be held back be those things any longer! Just the thought of possibly going to this workshop gets me fired up!!!!
I graduated college and got married the summer of 2011 and at the beginning of 2012, decided to pursue a career as a photographer. I want to have strong relationships with Jesus, my family, and my friends. I want to be a wife who loves her husband and makes our house a home. I want to serve within my church and use my gifts to glorify God. I want to become a better photographer. I want to develop effective organizational systems within my life and business that will lead to me be successful and efficient with my time. My main question is: how?
That is what I sincerely hope to learn through this workshop :) If you select me, I would like to attend in LA, since I am from the SF Bay Area. Thank you so very much!
So inspiring to see everyone so excited!!! YAY!
Tweeted it.
Hello ladies. Through Gina’s photography blog, I learned about your MTH conference and have always wanted to go. I’m just beginning my photography business and would love guidance on how to “get out there”, and also advice on the organization of the the behind the scenes of a biz. I’ve always had excuses on why I couldn’t go to MTH, and even now I have one (I don’t live very close to any of your conference sites) but I’m just going to put this entry out there and if something good comes of it then I know it was meant to be =) I’d love to meet you in Chicago!
-Stephanie
Also, I pinned it! /twayphoto
Emily, Lara, Gina,
Do I know what I’m looking for through MTH? Not exactly. But I’m a big time dreamer and a super hard worker and I’m ready to find out! You know that feeling you get when you’re doing the wrong thing? The warning signs and gut instincts God gives you when you aren’t following his plan for you… that’s where I am. Overly educated into a huge hole of not-what-I-should-be-doing. My biggest fear is that I’ll get stuck if I don’t make a change soon. Enter, Making Things Happen.
I’ve been hovering over the “Order Now” button for days, but let’s be honest, I’ve known about you guys from the beginning. I’m sure it was through planning my own wedding that I stumbled upon (stalked) Southern Weddings and ultimately discovered MTH but for some reason, now is the time I’m supposed to do this. The most exciting part, one that I’m having a tough time wrapping my mind around, is the idea of meeting so many kindred spirits and exploring the steps I need to take to move forward. Wow.
Thanks for this opportunity! And I hope to see you in ATL!
Share. Like. Pin… Check!
I would love to attend the Atlanta workshop. I am in a stressful job that brings me no happiness and I’m trying to figure out where to go from here. I need a change, I need to let my heart, my creativity, and my passion combine to find a fulfilling career and an outlet… but I don’t know how to start, or whether I should really take that leap or more manageable steps. I love following y’alls blogs and I think you could help me to ignite the fire to make the changes I need. Would love to start Making Things Happen!
Tweeted! Thank you!
I want to change my life. I want to make things happen in my life, rather than see life pass me by. You see, it’s been 6 months since I lost my sister to a blood clot in her lungs. It was instant, and no one saw it coming. She was 24. After her death, I was very aware that life is short and I was determined to make every moment count, but sorrow took over. The loss I felt clouded my motivation to really do anything.
Now, six months later, and 30 lbs heavier, and nothing to show for my resolution after she passed, I’m ready to do something. I’m ready to make my dreams a reality. But I don’t know where to start, and when I saw that Hilary Rushford completed your program, I felt like it was a sign. I want to change my life and make every moment count – I’m done sitting back and doing nothing. I would like my journey to start at the Making Things Happen stop in Los Angeles, CA.
Tweeted it :)
It would be a dream come true to attend the MTH tour in PHOENIX!
I have gone back and forth between so many different ideas and options for myself to begin my own business- but it always ends up the same: I decide I don’t want to do it… for various reasons, and then decide on something else. I have so many interests and hobbies, and I want to turn one of these things into a passion where I can excel at. There are so many talented women that inspire me in so many different ways, and I feel pulled in so many different directions. I want to be able to find my true authentic self, and find that one thing that I turn into a career. I want to be able to be decisive, and have faith in my decisions, and not be afraid of what other people will think. I want to find my authentic self, and I want to MAKE IT HAPPEN!
FACEBOOK**
TWEET TWEET!
PINNED! Pick me!!
I recently finished graduate school and I had a previous career that I want to tie in with my graduate school degree. My husband and I also recently had a baby and I want to focus on my family while also pursuing my career dreams. I know I want to make it happen, but I’m having a hard time figuring out the steps to actually make it happen. So I would love to be a part of Making Things Happen.
I just posted this link to my facebook!
And I just pinned this link!
I just put it up on instagram!
Just tweeted it. I want to MAKE THINGS HAPPEN!
Wow ladies, just when I think there is no chance of even going to this conference the Lord continues to put it right in front of me and open doors. I have been in the photo business for a few years. I started right out of college and then had a baby and have basically been in “maintain” mode for the past several years. As my youngest will be entering kindergarden next year, I am beginning to explore what the next steps would be for my business. I feel likeI have no direction and am just keepin’ on, keepin’ on. I would love help in creating a clear vision and direction as to where to go next. (Plus I’d love an excuse to get to get away!) Thanks for the continued encouragement, you are a blessing to man!
Facebooked!
tweeted and pinned!
What can I say, this is something I have followed loosely, on the back burner ever since I went to WPPI with Gina and others in 2009. I’m a wedding photographer, kind of. I say kind of because I spend most of my time selling drug urinalysis over the phone to companies in Florida. It is mind numbing, passion sapping.
What keeps me going is my passion to create something that glorifies my creator, exalts the love present in my couples, gives them a memorial to that for the rest of their lives to come. I want my business, portrait process to be impactful. I want to show the heavenly beauty present in sacrificial love. I want more and more chances to do this, through the growth of my business. I want to network with artists and creatives across the country, facilitate conversations about art and worldview with young adults. I want these conversations to provide a place for people to examine their faith and worldview critically, see if/how it stands up against other truth claims. I have frighteningly huge plans for how these two things come together, so much so that I can’t imagine how to make the transition. As of now, I want my business to grow so that I can support my new family with it, have more time to work out the transition to “phase 2″. But, I’ve been stuck for the past three years, not knowing how to grow my business.
I average about three “wedding” clients a year the past few years since starting in 2009. I feel that these goals are too lofty, but worth aiming for. I don’t know what stands between me and growth. I want to discover whatever it is within me. I want to put the tires to the pavement and shift into gear, not have my energies split between maintaining a job 9-5 and saving the best for my heart and for my new wife at home.
I think MTH could help because I’ve talked to Gina about it, others who have attended. I’m thrilled it’s next year because if I’m still at the 9-5 I’ll have a fresh crop of vacation time. I would want to go to Chicago, where I went to school and have friends who I would love to see afterward. Thanks so much for this opportunity, I am super thankful for your generosity already!
Much love,
Tom
Where to begin…you ladies have been such an inspiration to me! I am currently a full time graduate student, but after planning my own wedding, photography has been tugging at my heart. Our photographer captured our day so beautifully, and I want to be a part of that for others. God has been opening doors like crazy. I keep telling my husband that photography is my true passion, but it seems so overwhelming to dive in. I have been dipping my toes in the water: meeting and second shooting with some great photographers, being pushed by Gina through emails, practicing shooting on family members, but I am ready to take that next step.
I want to be self-employed. I want to wake up every morning doing something that makes my heart sing. I want to capture the beauty that God has placed all around me. I love how supportive this community is, and I know what an incredible opportunity it would be to attend. Any location would be amazing, but my best friend lives in Atlanta and being able to see her would be the cherry on top. I am ready to make it happen!
Facebooked and pinned :)
Talk about God sending us friendly little reminders that he is there and always listens. I am the owner of Sweet Occasions. I started S/O in 2010 after a long talk with God about my lifes desires. My passion is to run S/O full time but I have not found the courage to break away from my full time career in corporate america. I know that Making Things Happen 2012 is just what I need to leap into action. So I’m at the mountain top shouting to all who will listen, run and check out MTH today.
MTH Atlanta, I want to be there. Check out my post on Sweet Occasions blog!
Posted on Facebook! MTH Atlanta, I hope to be there!
I sat as the cursor pulsed thinking of what to say and how to say it appropriately. This last year has been a whirlwind that has left me with a pot full of mixed emotions: giddiness, joy, doubt, excitement, insecurity… a melting pot of emotions that take me on a roller coaster every single day of my life. It wasn’t a path I planned on taking, nor was it a journey I was fully ready for, but I have learned with life you are never fully ready for the ride it will take you on. So buckle up and let’s go!
I went to school for business and communications and boldly stated I wanted to be a CEO of some corporation someday, leaving college with a full backpack and spirits blazing I entered the corporate world only to find that it wasn’t what I dreamed and was far from glamourous. With a little faith and a strong drive God stepped in and decided that my path was going to be far different from what I had thought. I picked up my first camera from a girl I led in youth group and started to play, this quickly lead to a business that allowed me to leave my great paying corporate job and begin working from home as a full time photographer.
After quickly booking an entire wedding season, I dove in head first to get started on this new adventure, one that has been truly blessed and still leaves me pinching myself on a daily basis. Although this is a dream, being a photographer and blogger, I am left in solidarity to think about life, where I want to go, how I want to do it, and who will support me along the way. No longer having a boss to manage your expectations or offer feedback, I find myself doubting my talent and questioning where this journey will lead. I want to attend MTH to both support and be supported by other women who can understand and grasp this alternative life. I want to set goals and write those goals down to make them happen in my own life.
I want to take what I learn and use it to encourage others in their walks and to help lead my business in the direction I want it to go. I would be honored and consumed by love to be in a room with you women talk ing about dreams…. Chicago is the city I would love to be at, I can only imagine what it would be like.
Cheers to making things happen and fearless women. xo
facebooked. tweeted. pinned. xo chicago!
So inspired to keep believing.
Pinned it!
Tweeted it!
Pingback: GO AND DO. « Lara Casey
Hi!!I attended Jan. 2011 in Charlotte and the experience transformed by business, life, and direction. I would love to attend Atlanta! I am working on some new business ideas and directions and would love to be refreshed, refocused, and inspired!! xox,
Erin
I would love to do MTH again BECAUSE IT CHANGED MY LIFE. I feel like to go again would give me the “out loud spoken direction by me” that I need to keep moving forward with my company that I love and also be able to find time for me and loved ones in my life. :) I would love to come to MTH Atlanta (or any city) and get my dreams back on track!
Blogged! Oh, I am SO excited about this. Check out my post for more on my intention… http://occasionseventdesign.blogspot.com/
thanks for the chance to attend!
I have been thinking about the possibility that I might be able to attend Making Things Happen everyday since I heard about this opportunity, and I am STOKED! I would love to put all the distractions behind me that are holding me back from making my dreams happen. And I want to dive forward and embrace everything that life has to offer. I want to find the perfect balance between loving God, my husband, and my baby and achieving my career dreams. Your blog and the Making Things Happen blog have been such an inspiration to me, and being a part of Making Things Happen would truly be a dream come true.
I just moved to Austin about a month ago, so it would be a dream to attend in Austin. Meeting people in my new city would be an added bonus to it all.
Thank you THANK YOU for having this scholarship!
Here we go MTH, here we go! Facebooked :)
I’m MAKING THINGS HAPPEN by tweeting, facebooking, instagraming, and pinteresting about this!
Attending MTH in Austin would be my dream.come.true. It gives me chills to think about it. I just emailed this link to a bunch of friends to share my excitement with others!
Hi! Attending MTH would be absolutely the best thing that ever happened to me besides meeting the man I love. Everything is so clear in my head of what I want to do, but I guess I’m just terrified of the unknown and of failing. I’m really good at event planning and it’s my goal, but that dumb fear is holding me back. It sounds ridiculous to even be typing it. I’m saying to myself right now, “yeah, you know what the problem is; just deal with it–it’s not that hard!” But, I’m freaking out. Currently, I’m working a full-time job and thinking about picking up a part-time job to help pay the bills. Unfortunately, the first thing that falls by the wayside is my dream (which drives me bonkers). I want to be able to blog everyday and work steadily toward becoming an event planner and inspiring others. I just need a shove! It would mean so much to me, and I would be so stinkin’ ridiculously excited to get to go to MTH Chicago and meet you! It would also be aMAzing to get to meet other people who want to make great things happen and be able to help them get there as well!
Thank you for being awesome, real, and such an inspiration and blessing to a lot of women!
I would love to go to MTH! So much work to do and so much help needed :)
Shared on FB
Oops forgot to say Phoenix would be my pic :)
Still sharing the sunshine friends… {So excited for a future full of promise & to be in Atlanta and share in the amazingness of MTH!} xoxo
Pinned it!
{Make Today Ridiculously Amazing.}
Pin!!!
Tweet! Tweet!
I will be grateful for this day!
Pin!
Tweet!
Hi lovely MTH girlies. I am writing this entry into the contest on behalf of a brilliant, like-minded, strong, witty, over generous industry colleague now became close friend of mine, Annie O. She is a wedding planner who splits her time between Denver and Phoenix and is one of the most hard working individuals I have come to meet in my time as an entrepreneur. She not only encapsulates the qualities of an incredible business owner but has a heart of gold when it comes to thinking about others before herself. She puts her heart and soul into her work with each client and is a person who encourages you to own and shine as yourself and live to your fullest potential. With that said, everyone needs a break and a breather to finally work on and focus on oneself. This could not be coming at a more perfect time in her life as she embarks on growing her business in two new markets and making a big move with her husband to a new state. I would love for her to finally have the chance to be pushed creatively and spiritually by a group that has been so influential. I think she could learn so much about balancing her yes mentality with every day life and learn the importance of business boundaries and grow on such a new level. Every ones deserves the chance to step back to regain ones center and energy by learning from inspirational people. So the stars clearly aligned that this conference is going on 1 week before her crazy busy season begins and during the last month she’ll be living full time in Arizona. I know she would take all of what you will instill in us at the MTH and shine so much brighter after this intimate event. She brings so much to the table and you would not be disappointed granting her a scholarship to attend the PHX Making Things Happen.
— Shannon Rice, Riso Studio (phx)
Tweet Tweet and Facebook :)
-Shannon Rice (Riso Studio)
I would LOVE to attend MTH Atlanta.
I blogged about it on my personal blog- http://www.fairytalesaretrue.com/2012/10/making-things-happen.html
I tweeted!
I pinned (:
Emily –
I recently heard about the Making Things Happen Tour and it resonated with me in a HUGE way. I am twenty years old and haven’t got a restless bone in my body. I am always on the go and as a result I get caught up in the rush of life and never fully appreciate what is going on around me. I wasn’t always so stir crazy.
Over the past year I recently had a failed engagement with a man I loved who was in the military. I was never one who wanted to get married young, but it was different with him. However, people grow apart and such is life and therefore I felt I had a blank slate in front of me to redirect my life. However, I am unsure of exactly what that direction is. I am ready to Make Things Happen; to LIVE more.
I have always found solace in blogs and the inspiring words of others as a call to action and I think this scholarship would change my life.
If at all possible, I would attend the event in Chicago.
Thank you so much.
Michelle ^_^
sent up smoke stacks. just kidding, i facebooked.
Shared on Twitter.
I am a budding wedding floral designer who was recently laid off of my “day job” two days ago due to the company filing for bankruptcy. My husband and I just bought our first house and are now living on a teacher’s salary. I would love to turn my hobby into a substantial living and learn how to make it happen! I would love to attend the Atlanta session!
I don’t think its ever been an issue of what I wanted to make happen… its just narrowing them down! I’ve always been a dreamer. I am an ideas person. I just have never been very good at nailing those dreams down and acting on them. This would be the perfect opportunity to set aside intentional time and clearly focus on my goals, aspirations and the reality of making them happen. What do I really want to spend my passion on? Design? Photography? Event styling? It’s time to make it HAPPEN! :)
Pick Brittany W!!!! She was one of my brides this past spring and we’ve chatted about collaborating on future career endeavors. I’m coming to the Atlanta MTH and would love for her to be able to come, too!!!! Pick her, pick her!!!
Tweeted! :)
Shared on Facebook and Twitter
Facebooked :)
Good morning MTH ladies! I’m so thankful for you giving the opportunity for people to share their stories for a chance at this scholarship.
My husband Alan and I are a photo team from Lexington, KY. We have shared an unrelenting passion for photography since college. No matter what event, wedding, or portrait we shoot,we pour our hearts and souls into our craft.
A little over a year ago, Alan got in his car to head to work. Immediately, he knew something was wrong. In the frenzy of juggling two kids and two jobs, Alan had broken one of his steadfast rules since he began his career in photography.He packed up his gear in his car the night before, so he wouldn’t forget it.
This would prove to be a devastating mistake. He saw scratches on the outside of the door and realized the it had been jimmied. Someone had broken into the car.
It was clearly a very well planned crime, the thieves had left everything, including money, completely untouched, except what mattered to us the most, the camera gear. All of it was gone.
We lost four camera bodies and seven lenses along with our flash, wireless radio transmitter and receivers, countless filters and cords and of course tons of film were stolen.
To add insult to injury, Alan’s lucky white poker chip that his dad had carried in his camera bag since before Alan was born was also in the bag that was taken. Just as devastating were stolen memory cards, one of which held the photos Alan had taken of his marriage proposal to me just a few days before. We never even got to see the photos.
We really felt like it was over at that point. Everything we had worked for the last five years. We had put ourselves through hell and back with sleepless nights and weeks and years working more than full-time and going to school and everything. It had all been taken with that bag.
Ultimately we knew they couldn’t take our passion or our fight away from us. Last month some very good friends organized an Indie-Go-Go campaign to help us raise the money to re-purchase our equipment. We didn’t make our goal, but we feel like we are on the brink of new life for our business. We called it Second Shot, and the love and support from our friends and our community has made us feel as though we might actually get that oh so elusive second chance at pursuing our dreams, of making a better life for ourselves and children, of proving that the midnight hustle really is worth it in the end. (You can see the resulting portraits here: http://www.rideoutphoto.com/second-shot-the-portraits/)
Now that we are on the brink of this rebirth, we could use MTH more than EVER! We are about to take our first steps for a second time and this time we want to make sure that nothing holds us back. With the right guidance and direction and inspiration, I know we could be unstoppable!
Everyone has a gift. Some people are brilliant scientists or mathematicians or historians. Alan and I aren’t those people. The gift we were given is one that lets us show the world how beautiful it really is. We’re here to capture love and truth. It’s a big job. We’d love to join you in Chicago or Atlanta to learn more about how we can make this happen every day.
Thank you. – Kristina & Alan Rideout
Pinned on Pinterest!
Also shared on Facebook!
Hello Emily!
Thank you (all – Emily, Lara, Gina) for this amazing opportunity in offering scholarships to MTH! Reading this has certainly brightened and energized my day… :D
Long story short, I’m an owner of an event planning and award-winning floral design company. I’m in the process of re-vamping my business again as I’ve had to completely step away to deal with family challenges over the past 2 years. My husband and I had to focus our undivided attention on our teenage son and dealing with what seemed like never ending challenges with him. This season of my life has truly left me deflated and uninspired to continue operating my business. By the grace of God, our son is doing much better these days… He has since graduated high school and is now on the right track. I must admit, trying to revamp my business again is quite challenging and it feels like a constant up hill battle sometimes. I’m so in love and very passionate about our amazing and inspirational industry look forward to diving back in. I know winning a scholarship would be an absolute blessing to me and my family… I’d get the jump start I need to get me going and running full speed ahead again.
I would so love to Make Things Happen in Atlanta.
Thank you once again for this amazing opportunity!
God bless,
Samara :D
I would love to win the alum scholarship to Atlanta!! I actually attended my first MTH in Atlanta in Feb ’10. While it was an amazing experience and jumpstarted several new business ventures that are now going strong for me, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have a refresher. I was preggers at that MTH session and now my little beanie is a growing two year old. She and her 5-year-old brother keep me busy. I am now working my business full time (which was a goal of mine at MTH 2010) and want to be sure I’m living my ideal day each day, instead of slipping into a “normal” routine. I want to help my children learn to craft ideal days from their young age forward. Attending this LAST tour session of all would be such an amazing way to “end” my MTH journey, although we all know it never truly ends!! :) :) Thanks Ladies for your consideration!! :)
MTH Girls,
I would love to attend MTH Atlanta. I am currently dabbling in a few wedding things and I would love to make a career out of it. First, my husband and I make custom wood cake topper and sell them online http://www.etsy.com/shop/crossmyheartdesigns2/about/(can't wait for our ad to go live on the Southern Weddings General Store)! I am also trying to break into the event planning industry. I have started my own wedding planning business and I am also helping a local venue get started. Lastly, my dream is to own a Bridal boutique in my hometown. I want to offer couture looks at affordable prices. I want to offer everything from the bride’s gown to an affordable dress to wear to a bridal shower.
I still work a full time job and complete my other 3 jobs on the side (cake toppers, wedding planner, planning a store). I would love to turn these “3 side jobs” into a career. It is scary to jump in head first, but I think MTH would help calm my fears. Some people think I am crazy to take this leap of faith at 23 yrs old. I just say to myself “Never put off tomorrow what you can do today”. I feel that it is the perfect time for me to start my dream. I want to turn my love for everything weddings into the best job in the world! I would cherish the opportunity to be able to attend MTH Atlanta.
spread the word on twitter @courtkcross
posted on Facebook and Pinterest!
I think this is a beautiful thing, and it’s quite a miracle that I stumbled up on this right now. At the moment, I don’t know exactly what I want to do. I’m considering either going to college for Video Production or Writing… I feel so young and so unprepared to step into my life, my future, right now, but I can’t say I’m terribly worried. Whatever I’m here to do, whatever God has planned, I want to make it happen, and I can’t do it on my own.
I want to make my business a full time business. I have the hardest time taking time out for my business because I always feel like everyone else needs something from me. I almost feel guilty taking away from my kids or husband to create a business that so many see as a hobby and that it doesn’t pay. I’m scare and at the same time feel like I’m losing part of who I am because I’m not making anything happen for me.
I tweet and pin….
I have been dying to work with with Lara and Emily for months, but my small business budget has only allowed for webinars so far (which have been AWESOME!) Emily and Lara have been such an inspiration in my imagination, hard work, and execution of York Design Company and I would love to foster the growth with a Making Things Happen Intensive! It would be wonderful to meet other women who are dealing with the same issues that I am personally, professionally, and spiritually. My friend Sarah has always recommended that I do it, as she has been able to apply what she learned from MTH to her brand, her career, and her life. Please choose me! (pretty please…with a cherry on top!)
Emily, I have been following yours and Lara’s blog for years, and find what y’all do beyond inspiring. I have big dreams to change the world. To start my own company that will fund non-profits who dedicate their lives to save young girls, women and children from the very real problem of human and sexual trafficking and exploitation in Atlanta, GA and around the world. The trafficking industry boasts more than a billion dollars in revenue a year, a YEAR. As much as non-profit organizations want to help, they are grossly underfunded and understaffed to compete with the profitability. I want to start an accessories company that will bring in enough money to be able to compete with the profits of the traffickers…that will also compete with the apparel demand of today. I know this is vague, but I don’t want to give to much of my heart away before I get my feet of the ground. What I could use most from this conference is the confidence to sell my idea to investors and the direction to take a step forward…I also struggle with time management, as I try to bridge the gap between my day job (IT client support and PR) to my dream job. I want to be a woman who is “connected with PURPOSE and put ACTIONS in place to CREATE the life they dream of – whatever that may be.” I would love to attend in Atlanta! Pick Me! :)
I made things happen by tweeting about it! @BrittniFaith
Pinned it.
I desire to inspire people the way you ladies do, only in a spa setting. I’ve begun taking steps toward my dream of opening a motivational spa retreat. My journey has evolved from bridal makeup artist to esthetician to luxury spa manager, my current position. I need help developing the vision and encouragement to take the leap.
I Tweeted and Facebooked this! :)
I really have wanted to get into event planning my whole life. I just haven’t found my ‘in’ so that I can learn and do it financially. (Excuses again!!) I’d love to attend the Los Angeles event. It would truly be amazing!
I tweeted! @itsmehollieann
I have heard so many great things about the Making Things Happen brand and love the fact that you empower and ignite people to make the things they desire in there own life happen. After going through a tragic situation in the latter part of 2011 and getting 2012 off to a slow start I knew something had to change. I needed to make things happen in my life and business. After attending an industry conference in May, I decided to relaunch my brand and focus on what I had dreamed and desired for my business. Though I believe I am on the right path, the process can be slow and reassurance is needed. I believe I could use a push and MTH could be just that for me. I would like to attend the ATL event but if I am chosen for the scholarship I will “make it happen” wherever you decide for me to go! ;-)
just tweeted from @tiffanychalk
I have been following SW blog for a few years and I haven’t paid much attention to MTH. After stumbling upon their blog and finding the Fall 2012 tour a few weeks ago I haven’t been able to shake the thought of attending this amazing workshop. I would LOVE to make a change in my life and MAKE THINGS HAPPEN in regards to my business (or lack thereof). My life is very busy, I’m a wife and mommy to 2 small children and I work a 9-5 that doesn’t fulfill my passion (wedding planning/design). A few years ago with my husband’s encouragement I decided to take a small leap and “launch” A Day of Wedding Coordinating business. It’s been word of mouth thus far, no business cards, website or branding. I absolutely LOVE my brides and their families. I average 3-4 weddings a year. It isn’t much but being able to dabble in the industry a few times a year really helps satisfy the desire I have to be in the business fulltime. I’d LOVE to attend this workshop in Atlanta if I’m chosen!!
Oh! How I would love to go to ATL! Please pick me :)
I also Tweeted it :)
aaand I blogged about it. ok yaay!
I want to make more time for my baby son and my amazing husband. Life is too short!
Oh and I want to go to Atlanta!
Still sharing the love and feeling the inspiration!
Pinned it!
For everyone that ever had a dream to do something amazing! Never give it up. Always believe in yourself and make it HAPPEN!
Tweeted it!
One more Pin! xoxo
My dream to attend in a nutshell……
Making Things
H – HOPE – It is what I cling to, and helps me make it through.
(Deuteronomy 31:6)
A – ALONE – again at the middle-age of my life, trying to wear a pair of shoes I am not comfortable in and just struggling through my daily life, work, school, family, church, finances, etc…..
P – PASSION – I have a passion to create, dream, invent, I am constantly thinking up new exciting things and creating. It could be jewelry, paper, art, photography, graphics, pretty much whatever I envision I create.
P – PHOTOGRAPHY – my true passion, the older I get the stronger my passion is,
I know if I don’t start now, I’ll regret it a year from now. Your quote stirs me to my core!
E – ENCOURAGEMENT – I need guidance, advice, and just someone who will believe in my dreams as much as I do and nudge me in the right direction.
N – NOW or NEVER – It’s like your quote says. “A year from now you will wish you started today.” -Karen Lamb
Enough said…….Atlanta is my hope!
I am so inspired by you ladies, just found you a few weeks ago, started following Lara on instagram, and then saw the post about this workshop.
Your values, faith, and ideals give a girl hope.
Pin!
You can go your own way! Dream BIG!
i do not believe in coincidences… i believe that everything happens for a reason, and God led me to your site as an answer! i’m only 23 but i have found myself asking all of the questions “how can i do more?!” “how can i be more?!” i have so many dreams and passions, and I KNOW that it is fear holding me back . I NEED HELP!! i could never afford this on my own (and my parents would think it is sill,) but i would LOVE to attend the one in Atlanta!
i just tweeted ( @ACP_OnTheGo ) and pinned :D
Tweet, Tweet!
I have been a portrait/wedding photographer for many years, extremely grateful for the opportunity to be creative and have met many amazing people along the way. Although I have been successful and enjoyed this journey in my life, I always knew this wasn’t my true passion. I know I am meant to make a difference. I have always been told/ felt my entire life that I would never be able to make a living pursuing my true passion which is helping animals in need and educating my community through awareness. I want to create a place where pets and their owners unite and focus on their health and well being while educating and giving back. I truly believe that I have finally come up with that idea that will work. The business plan is complete, research has been done extensively and I am close to being able to take this HUGE leap…but it is just that, a HUGE leap, a very SCARY leap. I would be honored to be a part of this workshop where I would have the opportunity to be around like minded people to encourage, influence and jump start my ideas, erase my fears, and help me turn my dream into a reality…
I would love love love to be a part of Chicago!
Cheers to you!
Hi MTH ladies!
First off, I can’t begin to tell y’all how inspired I am each day by the strong, successful, and warm women you are. At the young age of 23, I may be one of the more confused and naive individuals who will reach out to y’all, however, I believe I am one of the most passionate and hopeful recent college grads who will ever seek to attend MTH. A few weeks ago, my mother suffered from a brain hemorrhage down home in Florida. Thank God, she made it through and will be fine after a long recovery, but I can’t help but question my own decisions about living in Chicago. Is searching for a job and finding my own way worth not being with her during this time? She sure thinks it is and is adamant that I do not come home. It’s driving me crazy, but nothing is worse than not listening to mama! At this point, as I am unsure of the direction I want to take career-wise and confused as to where my priorities should be at, Making Things Happen would 100% give me ease of mind, the push I’ve been searching for, and a feeling of renewed faith that I am, in fact, doing the right thing.
Talking, listening, and just being in the presence of other women in search of meaning and action, is something that I am desperately in need of. I would love nothing more than to attend MTH in Chicago and to meet the women that will forever change my life.
(Ok, and maybe I’m hoping Lara will bring Grace. I just NEED to meet that little one!!)
I am holding my breath, crossing my fingers, and saying my graces that I will be selected!
XO,
Mary
PS- Pinned and Tweeted and emailed to some girlfriends and just climbed on my roof to scream it at my neighbors. They were confused…
Greetings!
Oh my goodness, I don’t even know where to begin. First I will say that I am so excited for each of you, to see the manifestation of God’s favor is simply breath taking. I don’t know either of you personally but I’m so proud I can rejoice not only in your success but the joy that each of you have and don’t mind sharing!
I have been trying to push myself to the next level in my business, my family, as well as spiritually, I’ve had my struggles but fear seems to have been the biggest issue. I know I’m capable, I know that God is able to see me through, I’m just ready to “make it all happen” not only for myself but for my family, my community and all those that I have the potential of encouraging or making some sort of difference in their lives. This year I have challenged myself to step out there, I mean me writing this alone is a HUGE step, I have pushed myself to do and say things that I would not even come close too doing even 6 months ago. I’m ready to push it to the next level. I’m ready to admit that fear has been my torn. Admitting it but knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for me, and His strength is made perfect in my weakness. I pray that I will see you ladies soon! I would be so honored and ecstatic if I win this scholarship. Thank you for offering such a wonderful opportunity!!
I tweeted, I pinned, and I posted it on Instagram! ☺
xoxo,
Chiantia
I would be honored to attention either of the locations.
Emily, Lara, & Gina;
Part of this scholarship entry is actually a piece from an email conversation I sent to Emily way back in January of this year. I was feeling at an all time low, and her blog had been touching me daily. I knew she would be warm and receptive and understand my plea for help in making sense of it all. Emily, your words about what balance meant to you and the encouragement to dismiss all my guilt from wanting MORE out of life – were so touching. But here I am 10 months later and I still face the same unwelcome feelings about where I am headed in life personally and professionally. I want more. But I struggle knowing what ‘more’ is to me, and how to get there from a professional standpoint.
So, I am taking the leap of faith here and adding this scholarship entry to the many others out there who are in search of something more than ordinary in their lives. I have been a loyal follower of Emily Ley Blog, Lara’s SW Mag, and the amazing Making Brands Happen team ever since stumbling upon it all in the summer of 2011. I was naturally engrossed somewhere online dishing about weddings, perhaps the SW Mag blog, and saw the side bar banner that simply read ‘Making Things Happen’. There it was; a bright yellow and white beacon in the form of any other ol’ website banner advertisement. Something in my gut was telling me I had to know more. One click from there, and boy did that change everything about my perspective on life, finding joy, fueling passion, trying to discover a balance to it all, and I became so utterly grateful to read your words that fired me up and made me feel graciously accountable for my life and chasing and creating my own dreams. Emily, you spoke to the deepest part of my heart with your anecdotes of Grace and not Perfection. Suddenly, I felt like I really could do it, I really could Make Things Happen. But then that lump unwelcomingly would rise in my throat….the fear…the uncertainty…”What do I really want,” I ask myself. “What fires me up and how can I create a life based around it while keeping every other things properly balanced?” “Why can’t I find fulfillment, when I have been Blessed in so many ways others would die to feel just an ounce of?”
I can not tell you how many times a day-week-month the words ‘Grace not Perfection’ are mumbled from my mouth now in between cleaning up toddler messes, trying to be a committed partner in a creative Event Design and Prop Styling career, and truth be told – just trying to make it through the days. The days that are overwhelming, confusing, and leave me asking myself ‘Who am I?’, ‘What am I trying to do here?’, ‘How in the world can I even handle the capacity of my own dreams?’ Ever since discovering the Making Brands Happen team and each of your individual inspirational stories, I have been so incredibly thankful to you ladies who keep it so real, have SO much Faith and passion, and make it a point to reach out and touch the lives of other women who are going through similar journeys. Seriously, like from across this huge virtual pond – huge bear hugs! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve visited your blog and found the exact words I was needing to hear — an encouraging word, an inspiring feat, uplifting statements about balancing mommy-hood and baby-having, or just plain creative design beauty. It’s the most warm, genuine kind of “push” I need day in and day out to hold me accountable and not curl up under that big rock of Fears accumulating in my scared subconscious. And having said that, I know that is only the tip of the iceberg of what each of you has to offer people just like me. Everyday people who don’t want to settle, but don’t where exactly they are going and the best way to get there.
I was so excited to see that you guys will be visiting Austin, Texas this year. As a Texas resident, I was dying to attend the MTH tour and praying it would work out for me financially and logistically. I am a DREAMER. I have lofty goals and lists of things I would be so grateful to accomplish one day: Do more commercial styling work, become a Creative Director or Consultant, create and Edit a digital magazine, and spend less time running myself in to the ground and more time doing what MATTERS. And here I sit, because I have kept putting it off telling myself I’m unsure and possibly incapable of affording the workshop. But like so many other people I am sure have expressed their thoughts here, I often feel that despite my huge dreams for creating in life — I am stuck in a huge rut. It all comes down to figuring out how to balance my role as a stay at home mom, wife, and loving servant to my family first and my role as a passionate, creative career pursuer who creates, inspires, and spreads joy by doing so. How do you find balance? How do you let go of the guilty mommy feelings if every minute of your life doesn’t completely revolve around your child day in and day out? How do you balance work-time and family time? How do you know when what you’re doing IS truly meant to be, and to keep pressing on despite these feelings of overwhelm? How do you believe in your own dreams and not let fear squash them? My whole being is ready to take my passions to the nest level. But I am dying for more clarity and more confidence that I know he MTH intensive would help to establish in my soul. I am currently in a wonderful partnership doing the things I thought would totally fulfill me. But many days, I find myself burnt out, having a creative block, and truly questioning the purpose for my life as a mom, wife, and creative. I want to take a leap of faith, but I have no idea where to jump first. Personal endeavors or working harder where I am at now? I keep finding myself taking one step forward and then two steps back in reservation. And the truth is, I am TIRED of silly fears. I am TIRED of doubt. I am READY to make things happen, but how?
I know all start-up businesses and new creatives face the same business fears – finances, when will I ever make profit?, long hard hours, finding a work flow, marketing, making quality work, getting noticed, etc. But on top of the typical hesitancies one faces, I find myself constantly baffled at how to chose between just being a 100% stay at home mom — maybe one who writes a cute blog here and there and helps plan family parties for free — and pursuing the dreams I have always had for myself — to CREATE and INSPIRE and let it light up my life from the pure joy it brings me. But to do that — I have to figure out when the leap of Faith is right. My husband works ridiculous hours. Sometimes 90 hour weeks. It’s not unusual for him to work to midnight some days. He makes great money, and I don’t even need to work — but this ‘there is something missing in me’ feeling started arising last year when I realized I sacrificed my own career goals and dreams when we had a baby and I decided to stay home. I’ve gotten used to being the only one home now, but his hours put even more strain on my potential career and ‘work’. I feel it’s a constant struggle of time. I still can’t find enough time in the day. And to make this incredibly long story short — I am just struggling right now. I don’t know where to go — forward or backward. I just know others out there have felt this way at some point. I’ll be 25 in February, most of my friends my age are still single or are newlyweds so it’s really, REALLY hard for me to even find a circle of support of those who can relate to me. I am a firm believer in our mighty God who is all-knowing, perfect, and has a plan for my life and our family. My prayer each night is to just be still and learn to listen more and talk and ask LESS. I look for wisdom and signs from God always, but I guess sometimes my own confusing thoughts can drown out his soft little melodies in my life.
I’m SO, SO sorry to write a novel — but something in my heart just made me feel like you would all get my struggle and maybe, just maybe I would win the opportunity to take an amazingly huge step in climbing out of this rut and MAKING THINGS HAPPEN.
Regardless — please know that I am forever grateful for the inspiration you have all been to me in my own journey. Each of you girls are touching SO many lives and changing the way so many people think, act, and create in their own lives and businesses — it’s truly contagious. So thank you, immensely, for that. And until I can meet you all in person, I will be following closely as always. :) Thank you for the opportunity to be more than I ever imagined for myself.
Warmest regards and BIG Southern hugs,
Kirbi Knop
Also, I am pinning away!! :)
xo
Kirbi
I loved reading all of the comments above.
They all have such a similar vein and are inspiring in their own right. Intelligent, creative, passionate individuals that are ready. Some are young and fresh- ready to start their careers off the right way. Some are in the throes of parenthood and trying to keep their precarious balance. I fit in the latter category.
This scholarship comes at a time when I feel ready. My creative pursuits have taken a backseat to motherhood as I, like all parents, try to find a way to fit it all in. To say that I am not fulfilled by motherhood would be false- I love it and more than that I feel that it is one job that I was born to do. But.. There has always been a whisper in my ear, nudges out of nowhere that remind me that there is more. That I have the talent, the energy, the passion to do more. My problem is not what to do, rather it is what not to do.. I write children’s literature, am a design consultant at a interior design boutique and write a blog that marries all of my interests~ design, literature, healthy living, education, fashion and all things beautiful and inspiring. I looked into Making Brands Happen as a way to help me put all of my creative pursuits under one awesome umbrella of a brand… I knew it would be perfect. Now, I know most of you will relate with what i’m going to say… I couldn’t spend the money on myself, my ideas, my passion. What if it didn’t work out? There were piano and choir lessons to pay for, soccer teams to sign up for, family vacations to try to squeeze in the budget. I felt guilty. I didn’t do it.
Now, those whispers have become shouts. Everywhere I turn it seems like there is a sign. Maybe I am looking for it.. maybe it’s someone bigger than me reminding me that this is the course my life is supposed to take? I am excited and I am ready to take my career and my life to the next level.
Thank you very much for the opportunity~ I would love to attend the Chicago workshop.
Hello Ladies,
I completely ran across you all and this conference by “chance”. I really think it is divine intervention! I am a thirty-something who has been on the search for purpose, passion and productivity in my life (for what it seems like years). I am blessed but I know God has called me to more. I feel like I have been living my life on “pause”…one of my co-workers called it “default-mode”. I need to stop just letting life happen to me (I can’t believe I am already in my mid-30s!!) and become an active participant…I truly believe this conference could be the start of me getting off of “pause” and on to “play”! Thanks for all your are doing to inspire!
Blessings to you,
Kimberly
I’m a believer and a dreamer. I believe that you can take your dreams and make them come true, and I want that fire and passion that burns inside me to pour out of every pore in my body. I want to tell the world that whatever you can believe, you can achieve. And I think MTH will help me broadcast that message.
I have a full-time job, a part-time job, and I am a budding photographer. Eventually, I’d love to bloom into a full-time photographer with a part-time job doing odds and ends things. And I’ll do whatever it takes to get there. :) It would truly be an awesome opportunity to be a part of this!
I’ve also posted this link on my Facebook page.
I am currently living in Atlanta and would be honored to be selected to attend this year’s MTH in Georgia. I have to be honest and say that I had not heard of the series before, but feel I came across it at a perfect time.
I am turing 29 this year- am happy, healthy, and in a wonderful relationship with my boyfriend. However, professionally, I am at a crossroads. I have spent my entire career in non profits and am wondering what is next for me. Currently, I plan special events/fundriasers for non profits, but have been debating over the past year and a half what my next step is. Not only would this be a great opportunity to push me out of my rut and comfort zone, it would also allow me to meet new people in Atlanta. I moved here after college and over the years realized the friends I was surrounding myself with were not “real” friends. I am open to meeting other women who can build me up while also being motivated to see what is next for me! plain and simple- i’m very excited about this opportunity.
thanks y’all-
lek
I’m so ready to make things happen! Please pick me!
just posted to Facebook!
just tweeted and shared on Facebook @tchalkevents
Retweeting away! :-)
I want to answer the question, “What would you do if you were not afraid.” I stare at this poster everyday in my office. Even thinking about it gives me shivers and makes my mind go blank. It’s easy to dream, it’s hard to make those dreams a reality. It’s hard to make “them” happen. That is what my blog is about. Making dreams tangible. The clincher – I am scared to chase mine. Fear holds me back. I have a great ability to encourage others to jump, fly, skip, chase those dreams. But when it comes to me, I freeze. I have a buddy photography business – and it would be a small secret dream to make it grow large, possibly a full time job. And it also a secret dream to finish that book I started on “Joy” Fear holds me back. That question still haunts me. “What would you do if you were not afraid?” I think the first step would be to join a community and learn how to Make things Happen with Laura Casey and team! I would love this opportunity to help make a small buddy dream a reality!
Location: Miami
Website: http://www.sheilasheridanphotography.com
Blog: http://www.thefailtehouse.blogspot.com
I will spread the word :)
I’m originally from NC, but have been living and working in the incredible city of New Orleans for the past 3.5 years. I would absolutely love to attend MTH in Austin, because I know I have so much potential and so many passions, but I feel “stuck” in life, and I don’t feel like I’m currently doing what I was made to do. Being able to enter the workforce right out of college was a blessing, but unfortunately I feel that my current situation is not conducive to fostering my creative, out-of-the-box side–a side of myself that I miss tapping in to dearly. At 26, I find myself more confused and discouraged than ever. On the same note, I’m struggling with how to clearly define my goals, and how to attain the resources necessary to propel myself towards a newer, better, more “true-to-me” course in life. MTH sounds like it could be the springboard I need to help open my mind and my eyes to how to pursue my passions and draw from my own untapped potential with more confidence.
Please pick me for the MTH Match Scholarship!
Just shared the link to this post on FB!
facebook.com/stacyleeellis
…and just posted to Twitter. @nolastarlight
I also just pinned it: http://pinterest.com/pin/269793833898532801/
Though this is my 2nd post I had to say this, I believe that there is a time and season for everything and knowing what season your in is extremely important. Therefore knowing that I am in a season to move forward and excel in the things that have been ordained for my life this conference couldn’t have came at a more opportune time!!
Looking to join you in a few weeks in ATL! ;-)
just tweeted @tiffanychalk
I believe this is closed and I think I missed the deadline, but JUST IN CASE I have felt so called to write here. My heart has been yearning to attend as an alum for the MTH stop here in PHX. I attended D.C. just months ago and was so moved and inspired and just SO READY to MTH. God gives us lots of seasons in our lives and I had been in the waiting season for quite some time. After I attended D.C. there was a shift. Yes, I started to make changes, painful changes I had put off or thought about for quite some time with little to no action. I made a video of myself right after D.C. I knew I had to follow through, to document the shift and changes that were about to occur in me and in my life. Since that time, there has been immeasurable and unexpected change in my life. Painful, beautiful soul stretching change beyond most of my comprehension. I am now in a COMPLETELY different place than I was just those few shorts months ago in D.C. and I am scared! I am excited for the endless possibilities, but am like a newborn baby and I need to learn to walk, talk and understand the world all over again. I think this is why MTH Phoenix feels so perfect for me NOW. As I rebirth, I feel like the guidance, support and unraveling at MTH can really help me hone in on this new path I’m on. I’m not afraid, I KNOW God has my back, but this would be such a blessing! xoxo
What do I want to make happen? Live the life God created me to live! So much easier said than done. My world was forever changed June 10, 2011, my beautiful husband, my make it happen guy, went to be with the Lord. I have spent the year being grateful, trying to edit my life to be and do things that are meaningful and bring glory to Him. To keep the main thing, the main thing, trust Him with all my heart, love deeply and life full out- fearlessly.
Not just talk about it, Do it! Oh, and at some point I need to start a business that supports me and my 8 yr old beauty. All the while allowing me to be here for her, as if in some small way I could make her miss her papa less. I know I cannot do this alone, and so I pray,and trust and wait. I know He will show me the way.
I am a photographer, a writer, a passionate lover of Christ and student of His word.
I don’t want to just something . I want to with God’s help be what He created me to be. And somehow, I think spending the day with you could be a part of the puzzle.
I am beyond grateful to be considered. Thank you for reading my story…..
Oh, I would like to attend in my home town, ATX- Austin.
XO!
Pingback: Confessions | Writing | t+honey
i’m fine good work diflucan yeast Office. Peninah has post cards available in her store. Leave postcards and other things in the office in Wanyama