Allow yourself to transform like a butterfly, and let your true nature shine.

Establishing my business has probably been one of the most rewarding ideas that have materialized in my life. It hasn’t been easy, but in the last three years, I’ve learned so much. Most of all, I’ve been reintroduced to myself throughout the process. April is just a week away and it’s taken me a quarter of the year to find my 2013 “word”. The funny thing is, it’s been happening all along. Last year, I chose the word discipline to set the tone for the year. I failed in more ways then I’d like to admit, but staying focused on what I needed to work on and learning through the failures helped me succeed more than I could have ever imagined.

This year is all about transformation. Transformation is defined as: A marked change, as in appearance or character, usually for the better. I would not be able to embrace transformation, if I didn’t understand what discipline meant in my life. This year has already showered me with opportunities of transformation, both personally and in my business. Usually, I’d talk myself out of or try to procrastinate my way out of change. This year I’m opening my arms to change and ready to take my business and life to the next level.

This post is to remind myself during times where fear or doubt may try to creep in…that I am ready. It’s that simple.

(Thanks to Sam of Imprint Cinema for this cool snapshot while working together recently).

This week, Khaled and I are celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary…and it still feels like it was just yesterday. I’ve been reminiscing on all the special details that made the day, our day. Our choice to combine our ethnic backgrounds with other cultures made for an especially unique, one-of-a-kind wedding that displayed our relationship perfectly. A few of my favorite details included Khaled’s custom-made thobe brought from Saudi Arabia by his mom. It has our names embroidered in Arabic around the collar and down the front and it is just absolutely beautiful. My veil was handmade and designed exactly as I had envisioned it. I could not walk down the aisle without a bold statement necklace, and I found the perfect one in an Indian boutique. These details, along with others, made our wedding as untraditional as we are, and we couldn’t have asked for a wedding that described us better.

What special details made your wedding, your wedding? I’d love to see all the different ideas.

When Linda of Linda Marie Weddings & Events asked me to be a speaker at an upcoming ABC luncheon at the Crown Parlor, I was flattered, but at the same time my palms got sweaty and I thought I’d pass out. You see, years ago I had my heart set on becoming a broadcast journalist. That was until I received a letter stating that it was not in my best interest to pursue that career path due to my hispanic vowel distortion. What do you mean 2 and 1/2 isn’t pronounced tunahaf?!  Add to that the excessive amount of hand movement that I use while I talk (I think I missed my calling to be an air traffic controller) and it could get pretty crazy! However, the thought of sharing valuable insights on Twitter and social media (one of my favorite topics) and inspiring other small business owners surpassed any silly fears that I had. The delicious food, (endless tea, tea sandwiches, scones, cakes and desserts served on fine bone china with individual multi-level tier) sweet crowd, and charming European-esque tea room added up to a fun, unforgettable experience.

A HUGE thanks to Linda, the wonderful members of ABC and Mac & Vicky of Crown Parlor for the wonderful opportunity and great time! And a very special thank you to my hubby, Khaled, for capturing some snapshots of the day and putting together this highlight video.

Bonus points to whoever can guess how many times I moved my hands while speaking that day!

This year has passed by in a blur and December is full of even more excitement! Kismis Ink turns 3 yrs old, (may have to plan a little internet party for that, what do you think?) I’ll be in NYC in just a few short days, we have our last wedding of the year this weekend and a couple of gorgeous weddings hitting the blog in the next few weeks! Throw in a few extras and surprises, we’re sure to end the year leaving you breathless and wanting more!

And just to tease you even more about what’s in the works at Kismis Ink, here’s a behind-the-scenes video that Khaled surprised me with from a recent wedding editorial. I may sound a little biased, but this man’s got some skills!

We had the honor to work with some pretty spectacular vendors and we can’t wait to share the beautiful images and featured publication once it’s up! Enjoy!

Your purpose is tied to a need or void in the world. Meet the need and everything else will take care of itself. -Simon T. Bailey

This week has been one of those weeks where I feel it in every part of my being that I’m on the right track with my business, and that the blessings God has in store for me are unimaginable. Happy clients, supportive friends, and connecting with like-minded industry professionals are some of the things I’m grateful for this week, because I can feel that they are all small steps in place to make BIG things happen.

In just a few weeks, it’ll be three years since I started my dream of becoming an entrepreneur, and the funny thing is I feel like I’ve finally come to a place where I know who I am and where I want this business to take me in the upcoming years. This realization has been the best feeling ever.

As a little Friday bonus, catch a glimpse below of Kismis Ink in action.

Happy Friday everyone!