Not knowing where to begin might be the greatest barrier in accomplishing the things in life we know we want. I knew I wanted to build a career around helping others, while making a positive impact in the world. I had ideas about how I was going to do that, but no clear direction. Then, on a somewhat impromptu trip to Haiti, with people who were basically strangers, I found my direction. I found Vibrant Hope. What do those words mean? Well, that’s up to you to decide for yourself and your story. In my story, finding my Vibrant Hope meant discovering the joy, excitement and color the world offers, and using that unwavering vibrancy to continue on life’s journey, despite some of life’s most adverse circumstances. Recently, a friend helped me remember that we do not have to make the best of the circumstances life gives us, but that every day is an opportunity to write our own stories. I’m just beginning to write mine, and my hope is that through my story and the others I plan to share, you might also find your Vibrant Hope.
Vibrant Hope Boutique will be launched in September 2017. This online boutique will bring artisan’s beautiful, hand-made work from their small corners of the world to a larger marketplace. A marketplace where I will encourage you to support the perseverance of men, and women, who you may never meet, but whose stories you may get to know through their art. Stories that are filled with disaster, and grief, but also with courage, laughter and a chance to make the best life a person can dream of.
Though the choice to begin might be the first, and hardest step in a journey, it doesn’t suddenly get easier from there. I questioned whether this decision was the right one every day since I made the choice to begin. I worried about failing. I questioned who would care about this. I still do. Like me, others who’ve set out on a new journey like this are forced to be vulnerable. Vibrant Hope Boutique is something I have invested in with my heart and soul, and a lot of resources. I’m vulnerable to judgement. I’m vulnerable to criticism. So, how do you continue despite that kind of weight on your shoulders? Remember the support you received. Remember the inspiration and the reason you chose to begin.
Vibrant Hope Boutique was inspired by the hardworking men and women in a small, dusty workshop in Haiti. A workshop that provides men and women with dignifying jobs, and the opportunity to provide for their families. I saw what change looks like in that workshop. I saw that helping others doesn’t have to mean giving monetary donations, it can mean giving someone a job. It can mean putting the power over one’s own life back in their hands after it was ripped away by unimaginable tragedy, loss, and corruption. I was astounded when told that the workshop employs over 200 people. I was amazed, and inspired. Their hope and perseverance was a message that needed to be shared. Their art, and its beauty needed to be shared with more people.
We are walking this journey of life together, and though our journey’s as individuals are unique, we can always use a little help, and a lot of hope. And since we are all walking this journey together, a portion of Vibrant Hope Boutique’s sales will be donated to community organizations within the United States. My hope is to encourage others to care more, at home and around the world. We can care more, and we should.
Proud doesn’t even describe how I feel. You’re an amazing young women doing what you were meant to do! I couldn’t be happier for you! #skiesthelimit!!