We are so excited to announce that Empower Her, Inc. is partnering with the "Passport PartyProject" a philanthropic initiative that aims to provide girls ages 11-15 from diverse backgrounds the tools they need to obtain their first passport! This initiative was started by Tracey Friley an award-winning travel blogger, and Founder/Executive Director of OBG Adventures, and OneBrownGirl.com®. I connected with Tracey years ago and she has always had a passion for travel and spreading that love to girls and women especially. To see her vision grown into this national project helps me to know that your gifts and talents can grow into big things that will make a HUGE impact in the world. We just have to go out there and do it! .
“I hope that by getting girls their first passports, they view themselves and their place in the world in a whole new way. I hope they continue to learn and teach tolerance of other cultures both at home and abroad. I hope they see the change that is needed in the world and then consider
how they might help."~Tracey Friley
Tracey is inviting ten girls in ten different American cities to participate in these travel-themed celebrations, or “Passport Parties". Expedia, the world's largest online travel
agency, is the offical Travel Sponsor for this project as well as a Grand Prize! After the 10 city tour, six grand prize winners will be selected out of the 100 girls that received their passport. These lucky girls (along with their respective parents/guardians) will receive an all-expense paid 5 day and 4 nights trip to beautiful Belize, Central America in July 2013. What a great way to their first passport stamp! Thank you Expedia..whoohoo!
We are honored to be the 7th stop on her tour and that 10 girls from our non-profit agency will be able to participate in this life changing event being held at the Omni Hotel in the CNN Center on February 23rd, 2013! As a thirty-eight year old woman who just received her passport and started traveling outside of the US within the last few years this project is so important! When I received my passport I flipped through the empty pages and immediately began to dream about the many places that I could travel to. It opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. How awesome would it be for a girl to start this journey early in life and realize her place in the world and plant the seeds of global awareness! Thank you Tracey for spreading your passion for travel to girls in our area and around the world!
Photo Source: The Passport Party Project Website
For More Information About This Awesome Initiative Visit
Since I stepped out on faith two weeks ago today and left my job of almost 5 years to pursue opportunities that would allow more flexibility for my family and time for my dreams (read about my leap by clicking here) I'm not going to lie, I have had many doubt filled moments and thoughts that say, "What the heck were you thinking leaving your steady job!". Unexpected expenses or bills seem to be popping out of no where, making my decision seem even more crazy!!! Then in each moment, I decide to dig in and trust that God will make a way, and that I am taking the cap off of my 'salary' (thanks Elisha for helping me see the bigger picture :-) and now God can take over and there is no limit on what can come my way. I feel like Peter walking on water, I look down sometimes and feel like I"m falling but then I look up and know who I have to focus on. It seems that when I turn it over to Him and changed my focus He seems to be working things out each time. This morning I had another one of those moments which lead me to post this update!
This is a new level of trust and faith for me, but the reward is so worth it. The joy and peace I have now is truly immeasurable as a mom and wife and helps drive me forward to create this life that will serve me, my family and the world . Words can't explain how much more present I am when I am with my family. I wake up and go to bed feeling calm and patient. I am truly very thankful today!
A BIG thanks to my supportive hubby (love you babe!) and faith filled friends and family who are there with the right words of encouragement to help me keep going.
To all of you pursuing your dreams, there truly is a power out there that can make this journey easier! I am super excited to see what things will unfold for me now that I have enlarged my vision and putting my trust in God who has always taken care of me in the past. Let's continue to move towards our dreams!!
Make it a great one Empowered Peeps!
Had to share this beautiful song by Forever Jones, "You Can Do Anything", that I listen to for encouragment..may it encourage you today!
I dreamed about the moment for years, the day I would finally stroll in my bosses office and say the words, "I've enjoyed my 4 years and 8 months here, but it is time for me to put my family and dreams first.... I Quit!" The months and days leading up to my decision to leave my company were tough as I flip flopped back and forth between the pros and cons, and would make up my mind and then chicken out when the cons would literally slap me back into my reality. Then about 4 months ago when my youngest daughter came down with pneumonia and I had to miss a lot of work to care for her and other family issues, it was as if God was making things really difficult to stay comfortable in my job.
I joined my company years ago because my then boss and team worked from home, and they were rocking it as moms in the office and on the home front. Then things changed a few years ago, and the flexible work from home model slowly evolved into the typical 9-5. I was very successful at my company, so I powered through the now required long office hours and ate through all of my paid time off to care for my sick children, sometimes myself and the many things that come up as a mom. My stress levels went through the roof and it started to effect me physically, mentally and emotionally. I came home exhausted, snappy and no good for my family. I read a blog by Brenda Chapman, the visionary behind the awesome Disney Pixar movie Brave, who wrote about how she realized that she was her best self at work, putting up with lots of different thing and showing her employers her best self, but when she got home from an exhausting day at work, she took everything out on her family, they got the worst side. She writes in her blog article Balancing Work and Family, The Art of Diplomacy .."Why do I spend so much effort trying to make nice with people that don’t mean as
much to me as my family – yet I don’t make the same effort with my family? Am I
an idiot?” She wrote how this was her light bulb moment and immediately made changes that would allow her to give her family her best self.
A light bulb went off for me in that moment as well, I had to make a change! I began getting more messages that seemed to be shouting at me to make a change. It's funny how they start out as whispers and then become screams and then finally you are faced with only one choice. So I made the decision in my heart and an opportunity came about that would give me more flexibility for my family and more time to pursue my dreams with Empower Her Inc. However there was one catch...it would mean walking away from the success and money at my company. My dear hubby was so supportive of me, and knew my agony and how my job was taking a toll. We ran the numbers and scenarios and felt that it was a good move that would put me closer to my dreams and have flexibility for my girls. The school season rolled around and I decided that I had to make the move as I wanted to be home when my girls got home from school and be able to give them my best self. It seems like when you make a decision to move to another level, the enemy comes on with full force to throw every obstacle and doubt your way that he can think of. I was in tears so many times leading up to the 'day' and questioned my decision constantly, but my daughters faces reminded me of my 'why'.
I woke up the morning of my 'quit' day, feeling soooooooo nervous! OMG..it was horrible. I got the girls off to school and started my shower I was in full on panic attack mode.. I was like "I can't do this, what am I doing??!!?" Then I heard this voice say, "It's not about you.....It's not about you..." At that moment I felt as if God put peace in my spirit that truly surpasses all understanding. I was immediately calm and heard Him say "This is about your family and the girls and women that need to be empowered in this world that is constantly tearing them down. I put many gifts in you that need to be used..it's time to move closer to what I have destined for you." It was so clear, and from that moment on, I was ready to take that leap of faith that would change the trajectory of my life forever. I never understood how faith really feels until now.
It's been five days since that day and I feel so free, and truly in God's hands right now. I'm holding onto His promise that He will use me for His purposes and be a lamp unto my feet. This quote from Martin Luther King really speaks volumes on where I am right now...I truly am on the first step of my staircase, but I do have faith that God will help me on this next leg of my journey, but I did have to take the first step towards the life that I want to create.
One of my dreams when I made this change was to greet my daughters when they came home from school, to do homework with them and just be a present and focused mom and wife. I snapped these photos of my new reality that I hope will encourage us all to truly seek God and have faith for the dreams that He has placed in our heart . To truly value and cherish our family and the time that we have with them. I'm not sure what the future holds and I know its going to be scary and bumpy, but I feel so much peace, joy and hope for the things to come. Continue to dream big and take steps even if they are small to create the life that will serve you and your family best. My faith tells me that God will meet you right where you are!
Photo Me after I quit..desk packed..ready for new things!
Me in the carpool line at my daughter elementary school..no more getting home at 6pm for now!
Helping my daughter with her homework that day..so priceless!!
Video of me before my moment..I have others of me when I was scared..but I won't post those..lol!
Let's all find the courage to do what we love and be our best selves!!
One of my many passions is photography. I am known for whipping out my camera at any given moment and capturing moments. It drives my family crazy at times when they are my subjects!
Photo Credit: Kustom Kreations & Photography
My dear photographer friend captured this picture of me recently at Spark and Hustle in Atlanta a few months ago. Notice the camera and pen in my hand! I was trying to take notes, but I could not resist whipping out my camera and taking shots..lol! It is a powerful example of how I struggle to figure out how to merge my many passions into my career. I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I know I have several gifts that God has given me and as I forge forward on my mission to empower, different talents seem to pop up at different times on my journey causing me to question what exactly I am supposed be doing. I'm good at empowering girls, yet I have passions help women as well. I love planning amazing empowerment events, parties and programs yet, I love being behind the camera capturing moments. It sends me spinning in many directions at times!
I was talking with a powerful woman in the empowerment movement, Derschaun Sharpley, founder of H.I.S. Agency, the other night and she summed up this perfectly. She described it like getting in your car ready to go full speed a head towards your dream/mission and then a squirrel (in my life this would be obstacles and setbacks) darts in front of the car and you slam on the brakes to avoid hitting it. Then once that passes, a car comes out of nowhere and cuts in front of you and you have to slow down for that, and you find yourself puttering along with all of these different things that come your way, not getting any traction! Can I get an AMEN to that!
I experienced this last Sunday as I was feeling a little stuck and decided to take my daughters and my camera on an adventure to a local nature and heritage center in my area. I had heard earlier that day, that if you want something different in your life you need to do something different. So we hopped in the car. We had an amazing time and I felt so alive exploring with my daughters and capturing them and the beautiful sites.
Here are a few of the pictures...
Loved this white picket fence!
Loved this barn and red door!
Sisterhood Rocks!!
I was blown away at how beautiful the pictures turned out and the overwhelming feedback that I got when I posted them to my online communities. I can take no credit for how they turned out and really feel that God truly blesses us with talents that are hidden and known. This experience helped me to realize that if He gives us these passions and gifts He will also show us how to combine them and create a career with them if that is our desire. We just have to trust the process and take it a day at a time as He unfolds that plan for us!
I came up with the following posters with a few of the pics that I took that I plan to use for marketing materials for Empower Her, Inc. I was actually playing around with my images and quotes that I love and realized that I had marketing materials that now featured my very own daughters! Again just in awe at how God does amazing things to guide me on my journey and all through my little hands and vision!
My youngest daughter..I know she will change the world and inspire others!
My oldest daughter..after I looked at this shot it looked as if she WAS dreaming
about a bright future!
I always like to end with a little video inspiration, so I wanted to share this powerful speech given by my new role model Nell Merlino, the founder of Count Me In and Make Mine a Million a non-profit that helps women business owners take their businesses to new levels! She also was the vision behind the Take Your Daughters To Work Day movement! I tell you one woman's vision can change the world!!
Please feel free to leave a message and tell us about your vision or ways you are merging your careers and passion!!
I don't know about you but I feel like the last few months have truly been kicking my butt, one obstacle and battle after the other. Geesh!!! After such a great start to my 2012 it would seem that everything came to a screeching halt and it is as if I have been pulled into a boxing fight that I didn't sign up for nor was I prepared for, physically mentally and spiritually! It started with my youngest daughter getting pneumonia, having two allergic reactions to medications and several trips to the ER/doctor's office, then going through a crazy move, to battling things as a mom, wife, employee and every other area in my life. You name it, it seemed like forces beyond my control have been throwing everything but the kitchen sink at me and my family lately.
I looked at myself the other day in the mirror and was like WHOA..what happened, I truly feel like I have literally been in a battle, bruises and bandages all over my body, spirit and soul. I woke up today in tears as it seems that I get through one thing and then another thing pops up out of no where. As I drove to work today blinded by my tears, I began to get angry, as all my life I seem to have battled craziness and I was finally getting a break and that great things were coming my way and I was on the right path. Then BAM out of no where I was dragged into this boxing ring of life ducking, dodging, getting punched and knocked out! I was crying out to God like... "okay what happened what am I doing wrong..PLEASE make it stop!!
God brought to my mind the controversial boxing fight this past weekend between champion fighter Manny Pacquia and Timothy Bradley. I am not a big fan of boxing but happened to be watching the fight with my hubby and family friends. All I knew was that this Pacquia guy was supposed to be one of the biggest and best champion fighters. Everyone knew that the odds were against Bradley. For those who didn't watch the fight, Bradley got his butt kicked during all the rounds, but managed to get in punches and keep going. I was totally rooting for him the whole time..something about underdogs!!
Boxing Fight June 2012 Timothy Bradley (left) vs. Manny Pacquia (right)
He even broke his foot and twisted his ankle during the second round and had to be wheeled out in a wheelchair after the fight..but you know what, he ended up WINNING THE FIGHT! The scorecard was a split decision although it clearly should have gone to Pacquia. As I dried my tears today I heard God say, "You are Winning, Kara, no matter what it looks like you are winning, in fact you have WON already"! That word exploded in my spirit and I immediately remember how shocked everyone looked during that boxing match and how much controversy the decision has caused and how they want to take his belt and everything, but the decision stands.
Bradley with his belt after the fight..bruised and battered but he won!
NOW WHERE IS MY BELT!!!
I realized today that I am winning and that this is part of life, especially when you are called to empower and change the lives of people especially women and girls. These things have thrown me for a loop, but today I realize that I have won this fight in the end with God on my side!
I heard TD Jakes say the other day that when trials and obstacles come, instead of thinking that they are pushing you further from your goal, think of a bow and arrow and how in order to hit the target you have to PULL the bow further and further back before you release it.
He said that each obstacle..trial..and thing that comes your way is pulling your bow further and further back and when it is time to let go and release it.....WHOOOSHHHHH...that arrow flies through the air with such force and hits the target!!!!!!! So today I am choosing to believe that instead of being beat up, being knocked down, and being pushed further from my goal, I am closer than I think. I am ready to RELEASE..and hit my target and do what God has called me to do through my non-profit, Empower Her, Inc., my event planning company, Events By Kara and our girls mentoring program G.E.M.S. & Jewels Empowerment Group for girls!
I realized this week that during the last 12 months before all of this mess started, I obtained my 501 c (3) status, obtained my LLC , planned, designed and executed my 1st conference for women (PLWG Leadership Conference in October 2011), put together 4 fabulous events for family and friends some of which had over 50 people, did two empowerment parties (my passion), became a Certified Event planner in Jan 2012, was a featured panelist & sponsor at Dr. Tanya's Unplugged Retreat in February 2012, and was a vendor and photographer at Tierra Destiny Reid's Design Your Destiny Event in Atlanta in April! It hit me, according to my score card...I am kicking butt in this fight and accomplished all of these things in the last 10 months!!!!!
I heard this message last night right before another battle (I truly think that things get really hard because something so great is right around the corner) that put my focus back on track. I know that something BIG is coming my way with what God has given me, and I wanted to share all of this today to empower us all to keep going no matter what stage we are in, whether its a battle or if things are going fabulous!
I know it's been a while since I posted anything and I appreciate every ones support and patience with me and my vision! Let's get ready to HIT THE MARK in this second half of 2012!!
Here's the message..let's do BIG THINGS:
"Something Bigger Is On The Way"-Joel Osteen (audio..kind of long but worth it)
I always like to end with a song of inspiration, and I heard this, this morning, I hope it will uplift someone like it did me today! This test is your storm, but let's keep holding on!!!
Let's continue the fight and fly with like the speed of an arrow and truly live empowered lives!
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.”
-Marianne Williamson
You truly never know how God will use you to inspire and empower others. What started out as theme for my empowerment birthday party last month has now inspired other women to think about how they are leaving their mark on women's history! After sharing pictures from my Women's History themed party last month we began getting requests from women who wanted to also see themselves amongst powerful women both past and present. There is real power in visualization and that we are no different than the amazing women that we admire on a day to day basis! I was so thrilled with how my party came out (see blog post for more details) and to now partner with Kustom Kreation Photography & Celebration Decor to offer these collages as inspiration to amazing women making a difference everyday blows me away!!!
I am also sooooooo excited that a portion of the proceeds from each collage will go to our non-profit Empower Her, Inc!. We plan to take the proceeds that are raised from this empowerment project and provide a woman with a Empower Her Grant (my 1st of many) to help them with the launch of their dream business or help a woman in the trenches trying to build her vision. Often times it is just the little things like getting business cards, marketing materials, buying a domain name for their business or even application fees to return or start college that can help get a person's dream off the ground or the boost to keep going! Whoohooo..I so love the 'gift of empowerment'... if you can't already tell!
We are also running a mother's day special which is a great gift idea for the moms and women in our lives! For more information about this Empower Your Image Project please click here or visit us on the web: http://empoweryourimage.webs.com/ and email empoweringherinc@yahoo.com!
Big Thank You to Elisha Akram, the creative founder of Kustom Kreation Photography & Celebration Decor for helping to make my vision a reality and using your special gifts and talents on this project! You are truly leaving your mark on history!
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to our Empower Her Grant fund that will empower a woman or girl please donate by using the secure paypal link on our webpage!
What a perfect end to a great week! I am happy to report that being a sponsor and one of the photographers for the Design Your Destiny Atlanta Event was AMAZING!!!!! Being able to stand in front of my sign for Empower Her, Inc. was an experience that I can not put into words. The event was so powerful and the tips that were provided were truly life changing and helped me realize that what I have to offer the world has extreme worth and incredible value! I am truly excited to walk in this new area of my destiny. To view some of my pictures from the event Click Here.
Founder of Empower Her, Inc. Kara Norman at DYD Atlanta 2012
As I always say this road is not easy juggling your dreams, passions, work, family, and all the other things that life deals to you. I left the event over the weekend feeling excited but overwhelmed on how to truly kick things up to the next level. I have all of these wonderful ideas during the day and then when I get home after a long day, and put on my mommy and wife hat, just getting to any of those things seem impossible and I get frustrated that things are not happening fast enough. So just when I felt myself slipping into a pity party yesterday (I seem to have those moments often..huh..lol), I came across the story of a powerful lady by the name of Shawn Brown, the creative vision behind the Georgia based company CheeseCaked. Her story of a near death experience, tragedies that included being pronounced dead twice after being hit by a drunk driver, losing her 10 week old son in the same accident, then years later losing the father of her young children and countless other obstacles, made me realize that I HAVE NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT AND NO EXCUSES).
Ms. Brown's story had me crying (I seem to do that a lot too) as she described what it was like to almost die, lose loved ones, recover from all of her injuries and build a business. Yet she continued to pursue her passion and created a successful business despite everything!
Shana Brown, Founder of CheeseCaked
Photo of the car that Shana was in after the accident-(From Shana Brown's photo collection)
Shana Brown with her son, Jakori after his birth. He was killed in the car accident
(Photo Credit: Shana Brown's photo collection)
Her journey hit me like a ton of bricks and I feel that her perseverance will forever be in my thoughts especially at times when I feel that things are too hard. We MUST keep going no matter what, even if we have to take small steps one at a time. I am reminded of the saying based on two scriptures that states that "The race is not given to the swift or to the strong but to the one that ENDURES until the end". We must endure many things when we pursue our dreams or just when we go through life in general, but the key is to keep going!
Please take a moment to read Shawn Brown's story it truly is amazing (Click Here)! Thank you Shawn for having the courage to keep going!
I also heard this song, "Hold On" the other day and had to share...let's keep it moving!!
