Community
Adventure
Service
These are three principles of the World Domination Summit.
The annual event in Portland Oregon where a small army of remarkable people gather to learn how to live an unconventional life and change the world.
No biggie.
From the mind of the original travel-hacking, globetrotting, non-conformist, Chris Guillebeau, this event is unparalleled.
I’ve attended many seminars, workshops, business building, soul-lifting and inspirational weekends.
None of them can touch what Chris and his dedicated team have created in Portland.
It is a place where some of the most interesting, creative and socially conscious people gather, from all corners of the globe, to hang out, get inspired and strategize – over street food and games of skeeball!
At last year’s event, Chris left all 1,000 of us attendees speechless, and in tears, when he handed us each a crisp $100 bill.
He urged us to take the money and pay-it-forward. Invest in someone else. Give back.
It was a moment that I will never forget.
Luckily this moment was captured on video . . .it still gives me the chills.
Knowing that this person believed in us enough to hand over {what could have been} a $100,000 investment {in his rapidly growing event}, and instead gave it to a group of edgy entrepreneurs, was mind blowing.
He took giving, to another level.
I spent the better part of 6 months in deep contemplation about how to use my $100.
I felt the weight of wanting it to be perfect.
The best way I could possibly honor myself, Chris and everyone at WDS.
The $100 bill sat in its’ envelope, untouched. But not forgotten.
And so today I’m finally ready to reveal how I put the $100 investment to use.
You see. I’m a GodMother.
To a beautiful 3-year old sweetie named Marielle Scott.
We call her Mari.
Mari was born with SMA {Spinal Muscular Atrophy} Type II.
It isn’t curable.
In fact, it’s terminal.
Even though we’ve all known this for some time now, it never gets easier to say it or write it.
Her mom {one of my best friends}, Maya Scott, is without a doubt, the bravest woman I know.
She is selfless and powerful.
Kind and loyal.
She’s a mother. A wife. A daughter. A friend to many.
When Maya told me that she wanted to start a business a few months ago, I was SO excited.
I won’t get into the particulars right now, but suffice it to say,
Maya is going to be creating edible, artisanal magic in Seattle.
I’ve gotten a taste.
And let me just say . . . her goodies will Blow. Your. Mind. {and your tastebuds}
My boyfriend and I offered to help her.
He could design her logo and website.
I could consult with her on getting the business started, marketing, branding, social media, etc.
Then it hit me like a bolt of lightning while I was sitting in a movie theater in West L.A.
Community.
Adventure.
Service.
My $100 investment belongs to someone who I believe in.
Who believes in her community.
Who brings adventure and light to even the darkest days.
And whose service to her daughter, her husband and her family brings me to tears.
This Christmas, I packaged up the $100 bill along with a copy of Chris Guillebeau’s book The $100 Startup and sent it off to the most deserving person I could think of.
To my friend.
Maya Scott.
With a note that (loosely) said ::
Maya, I am investing my $100 in you.
In your company :: Yellow Door Provisions.
(great name, right?)
To help you reach your dream.
Because I believe in you.
And I love you.
What greater gift can you give than that of believing in another person’s dreams?
Chris believed in me enough to give me $100.
I had to pay it forward.
Even though the holiday’s are over, it’s always a good time to give.
Who or what can you invest in TODAY?
Leave a comment below and let me know, so I can help you cheer them on!
To Dreams!
xo
P.S. The final round of tickets for the 2013 World Domination Summit will go on sale THIS Wednesday, January 16th at 9am EST / 12pm PST. They will sell out quickly (I mean, in minutes).
Care to join me this year? Here’s your link to get on the notification list!
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow what he did is awesome! And what you have done for Maya touches my heart!
Love, Carol
Thank you! It was a truly awesome gesture.
Wow! Stephanie, what a beautiful post. You brought tears to my eyes. What a perfect way to spend $100.
I cannot wait to hear an update on how your friend is doing.
Thank you for sharing
Thanks so much for being here Jenna! I will definitely keep everyone updated on her story.
Loved reading this post Stephanie, especially since I just bought my tickets for WDS! Keep us posted on Maya and Mari and Yellow Door Provisions.
Hooray! So glad you’ll be joining the WDS crew this year. It’s quite the experience! Look forward to seeing you there.
Absolutely beautiful Stephanie! So often we forget how simple it is to empower another person – with a word, a hug, and yes, sometimes even a crisp $100 bill!
You’re so right Sabrina ~ it really is as simple as a word or a hug or a smile even. Empowering others is where it’s at!
Chris is absolutely freakin’ cool; as I watched the video I was standing & clapping along with you.
Really awesome.
I am a big fan of Kiva.org: I love investing in entrepreneurs that would otherwise NEVER get backed up by a bank (God forbid we help those who need it). I especially love to see women entrepreneur be so proactive in making money & making a difference in their community. Kiva is one of the best idea ever.
I love Kiva as well Caroline! It’s such a fantastic organization that I feel great about supporting. Thanks for mentioning them here!
And this is why you’re amazing! This was the perfect way to pay it forward and i can’t imagine how touched Maya is. Thanks for being you Steph! Love ya!
Awe thank you girl! It feels so good to give + support others. Love you back! xo
{ 1 trackback }