Passion. Inspiration. Awe.
It filled the air.
A few short weeks ago, I attended my first NAWBO-LA Annual Leadership & Legacy Awards Luncheon. Even as a relatively new member of NAWBO-LA, I had already experienced the great community of women entrepreneurs and business leaders that comprise the membership of our organization. But little did I know the greatness that would fill the room on that day.
It all started early that morning as I welcomed people to the money morning conference: Funding Your Inspiration. Those that attended were treated to some great insights and tips that they could literally “take to the bank” from the panelists and special guest speaker, Dave Logan. I noticed that I wasn’t the only one taking notes. I am sure that I am not the only one already started putting it all to good use – including a terrific suggestion for a new product for my chocolate confectionary business.
As the guests started to arrive for the luncheon, the vibrancy continued to mount. It was obvious that this was going continue to be a very special day. And so it was.
We all took our seats, I was immediately humbled by the enthusiasm of the young members at my table, young women who were starting their careers as entrepreneurs, small business owners, forward thinking members of corporate teams. What a great time we had getting to know each other and sharing stories.
One by one, the honorees were introduced, and they accepted their awards and spoke to us. Each of us. Collectively and individually. They shared their stories, their passion, their inspiration, and what their business endeavors meant to them. They talked about their successes and the failures that propelled them to an even greater success. It didn’t matter whether they had been in their business for many years, many generations, or worked within a corporate structure. I was in awe. Not just because they had reached such a level of achievement, but because they in turn inspired me to reach even higher. To follow my passion. To inspire someone else.
That is what NAWBO-LA is about – to provide resources and inspiration for women entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs to make a difference; to take leadership roles in business and within their communities; and to blaze the trail for the next generation of women business leaders. Being an entrepreneur can often times be a lonely place. Being an active member of NAWBO-LA changes all of that. It is an honor to be a part of an organization that is made even greater by the individual contributions of its members and supporters, those who have left us with their legacy as well as those who continue to lead us into the future.
Passion. Inspiration. Awe.
It filled the room.
Christine Hanson is the principal of CRH Communication Management and the founder of AF2 Chocolatiers. After 20+ years of experience in public relations and corporate communications, and as many years of traveling, tasting and testing all in the quest for the finest chocolate experience that was inspired from memories of a childhood treat, Christine became a master chocolatier and founded AF2 Chocolatiers. Now she combines those businesses to provide consulting services to artists, designers, small businesses, and start-up food-based entrepreneurs, while at the same time creating award winning handmade, bite-sized chocolate and chocolate fudge candies and confections.
You can reach Christine at 323-578-4834 and to find out more about AF2 Chocolatiers, visit www.aahsomefudge.com
