8th Annual Gala-Unstoppable with Jamie Kern Lima
I’ve always imagined a room full of successful, supporting, empowering women, celebrating one another and helping each other. If I were to describe this room, that's exactly what it was.
Kim McAndrews, Myself, Anita Scott
The night began with me checking in at the registration table at the Omni Frisco Hotel. There was a networking opportunity before dinner. I quickly found my mentor Kim McAndrews. I knew some of my other mentors were going to be there, such as Alicia Seaton-Clock and Marion Madina. Also, I had the pleasure of also running into a few more familiar faces, Lisa Kilgore, Pam Johnson, Cynthia Nwaubani, CPA, Favor Lee, CPA, Ronna Keller, Anita Scott, Valerie Sokolosky, Diane Paddison, Terra Stanfield Seidel, CFRE. It was a nice surprise. In our short encounters, their wisdom has given me the encouragement and the hope to know some women celebrate the wins and support in the difficult seasons. The evening was spent with thriving women from all backgrounds and industries. While I was overjoyed to be wearing a designer gown by Jovani from my boutique, I couldn't help but be excited to hear from Jamie Kern Lima in person.
As we were seated at our beautiful table, our dinner was served. The menu for the evening was a choice of Classic Caesar with Anchovies. Parmigiano-Reggiano and Croutons on Romaine Lettuce, or Baby Spinach, Bacon, Peppered Crusted Goat Cheese, baby peppers, and Roasted Walnut Vinaigrette Dressing. Our Entree was a boneless Beef Short Rib with Smoked whipped potatoes and Natural Au Jus. For dessert, we had the choice of Key Lime Cheesecake or Dark Chocolate Torte with young Olive Oil.
My New friends….
While I was having dinner, I met my new friends Sydney and Katie. I was amazed. Their journey to Dallas to hear Jamie Kern Lima was their only mission for the weekend. They shared with me how they were a fan of Jamie Kern Lima and had never heard of the 4word. The gala was their first event with the organization. I was shocked they decided to travel to Dallas, but excited to have met them. As they continued to share their Dallas experiences, I asked them what industry they worked in. Well Lord and behold, they own a successful bakery in Alabama called Rolls Bakery. The bakery specializes in savory and sweet cinnamon rolls with the option to ship. If you’d like more information about their retailers, check out Rollsbakery.com
Additionally, I was able to connect more with Ronna Keller and Ashley Monroe. Ashley and I shared our passion for giving back to the community within the Healthcare pace. She has decided to return to Graduate School for the Public Administration track after successfully working in the Commercial Real Estate Space. Out of all the women in the room, I know this table was divinely orchestrated. From Baking to Commercial Real Estate to Healthcare, these were all the topics I’ve always been passionate about.
After dinner, Jamie Kern Lima spoke about her disappointments while building IT Cosmetics. “When you begin to trust yourself, you are doubting God. Learn to trust God and not yourself.” This was my permission to remind the Lord that if I am still believing for something to happen in my life, it's ok to keep believing. The big break will come. With patience and consistency, you will achieve the goal. Jamie shared how several companies were stealing her formula and packaging for her makeup. She and her husband could not afford to hire lawyers to sue. So they kept going with their product. In August 2016, L'Oréal acquired IT Cosmetics for 1.2 billion dollars. Sometimes the vision has to die for your real faith to be the currency producing the thing you are believing for. However, your level of belief is the silent key to success.
Congratulations to Favor Lee, CPA. She received the award for Kathryn Tack Emerging Leader Scholarship.
4Word Impact Video
If you are in the Dallas - DFW Area and looking for a positive influential community, I encourage you to find a community group in your area here: 4Word Community Groups