The Dare Dreamer Movement by Julene Fleurmond

You are browsing the archives of 2012 March.

As you may know I design customized wedding invitations and other stationery and gifts for special events, and I love everything having to do with weddings, decor and event planning. I’m also a lover of the vision and passion behind TOMS , and was excited to come across the custom hand-painted work of ‘Soled By Melissa’ created by entrepreneur Melissa Hendricks. She has done hundreds of personalized designs that combine intricately detailed patterns, bright colors and the clients preferences, from designs that match party schemes to sports teams.

I especially loved the pair of TOMS wedges (pictured at the top of this post) she recently painted to match one couple’s design and color scheme. It looks beautiful and whimsical all at once, and give a unique touch.

To find out how you can order a custom pair of TOMS visit Melissa at http://www.facebook.com/soled.bymelissa.

(Speaking of TOMS, this is the pair I aim to get next, I wonder if Melissa can do a little custom work for me:).

In honor of Women’s History Month, here’s a tribute for women everywhere – “Every Woman.” (The poem and graphics below were part of a project I created for a Women’s History Month celebration I had the opportunity to chair at the University of Miami.)

The last two stanzas were added in 2012 and inspired by my friend Kara Norman, founder of Empower Her, Inc. She is truly making a mark by inspiring girls and women through her work: http://www.empowerherinc.com.

Every Woman

by Julene Fleurmond

Every woman should learn
To look past her imperfections
To nurture the essence of her spirit
To embrace her own reflection.

Every woman should live
Never compromising herself
To dream dreams that are impossible
To know when to ask for help.

Every woman should know
That within her are the seeds of greatness,
That she is loved by a Love even greater
And that she is too blessed to stress.

Every woman should believe
That she is divine royalty
Placed on this earth to leave a mark,
To share her heart and write history.

Every woman should walk
In purpose, grace and confidence
Because she has the power to impact the world
And change begins with a single step.

This song “Pieces of Me” by Ledisi (which was Grammy-nominated this year by the way) is so uplifting and beautiful, and a great anthem for Women’s History Month:




In the Lyrics
People just don’t know what I’m about
They haven’t seen what’s there behind my smile
There’s so much more of me I’m showin out
(These are the pieces of me)

When it looks like I’m up sometimes I’m down
I’m alone even when people all around,
But that don’t change the happiness I found
(These are the pieces of me)

[Chorus:]
So when you look at my face
You gotta know that I’m made of everything love and pain
(These are the pieces of me)
Like every woman I know…

I can run the business and make time for fantasy
(These are the pieces of me)
Now I’m gonna make mistakes from time to time
But in the end believe that I’m gone fly

I’m a woman…
These are the pieces of me…

We all miss out if you keep your dreams, talents and passions buried inside – arise and shine.

Check out more shirts from the Arise and Shine Collection of my apparel line Envibrance Dream Creations.

Recently I had an amazing time at Women of Faith’s ONE DAY event and wanted to share my experience and how it encouraged my heart…

The auditorium was a sea of excited and expectant expressions waiting to see what effect a single day could have on their lives. Soon the room was filled with waves of laughter and streams of tears – sometimes all at once – as Women of Faith’s ONE DAY event in Dallas made an impact.

Hundreds of women shared a bond and a deep sense of God’s love and dreams for their lives as speakers Christine Caine, Andy Andrews and Angie Smith, poured out their stories and faith-filled wisdom into open hearts.

This was the first year for ONE DAY events, created in response to women who couldn’t attend the two day Women of Faith Events. ONE DAY had a more intimate atmosphere that allowed the speakers to go deeper and the attendees to get more up close and personal and feel like they are part of a sisterhood that shares their faith and feelings about life.

I’ve been inspired by the ministry of Women of Faith for several years now, but never had chance to attend their live events, (other than last year’s event for teen girls, the Revolve Tour “Dream On” which was a fun and moving experience).

I was excited to go to ONE DAY, and what made it more personal for me was that it was held at Southern Methodist University where I went to college, in the very same auditorium I graduated in. Three years ago I sat in those seats and walked across that stage in apprehension, wondering what calling God had placed on my life, and on Saturday the encouragement from the ONE DAY speakers had an impact on me in ways I couldn’t imagine.

The theme of the event was “In ONE DAY God can change everything,” with Psalm 118:6 as the leading verse:

“I will not be afraid, because the Lord is with me.”

Each speaker had a unique style and broke the ice with humor before delving into more serious and somber parts of their stories, to inspire us to see God’s divine plan in our own lives. I loved their transparency of sharing the not-so-pretty parts of their backgrounds that can help others going through similar situations. Here are a few highlights of what they shared…