Inspiring Lives Magazine Summer 2016: Issue 1 | Page 3

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF I did it. I hit SEND! I had officially resigned from my tenured full professor position at the university. My last decade had been dedicated to educating the teachers and leaders of the future, while rising through the academic ranks. It was a deeply rewarding career. Yet, my career as an entrepreneur was calling my name. My startup Inspiring Lives International, LLC had exploded over the years with a TV show (Inspiring Lives with Dr. Shellie), radio/podcast (Empowering Women Radio), and blog (GlobalSisterhoodOnline.org) and I was keynote speaking around the world, and when I saw that, of the 10 books I had authored, my Common Threads trilogy had hit the International Best Seller list, I knew in my heart it was time to take the leap of faith! My start-up mode had been part-time and included a safety net of a salary and benefits for my children (especially since I was a single mom at the time). This was my way to find my success in the entrepreneurial world. Mistakes were made. I stumbled across my own brand while forming my company. I dealt with a great deal of trial and error. Fortunately, I had the network to form an incredible online community and non-profit called the Global Sisterhood, which provided wonderful support. We are all at different walks in our journeys. Maybe you are dabbling in a network marketing business to pay for your kid’s extracurricular activities. Possibly you went “all in” and took out loans for capital to open your dream retail space. Or maybe you just have a vague dream about a future business that you would like to create. After interviewing many hundreds of people from a variety of industries, I have learned that Inspiration is just a story away. Whatever stage you are in or struggle you come up against, someone else has been there and can help guide you in the right direction. Hence, the first issue of Inspiring Lives Magazine! Inside the cover of Inspiring Lives Magazine, you will find practical resources and beautiful imagery. One of my great joys this issue was attending the red carpet event for the Dream, Girl documentary, which showcased fantastic ladies who have their own entrepreneurial adventures. Producer Komal Mihas showed me that we have parallel visions when she said to me, “Once we unleashed the passion inside our hearts and brought to life our biggest dreams, we knew we had to help other women ignite the fire within so they could do the same.” We at Inspiring Lives want that for you as well. So, my dear, Read Inspiring Lives Magazine. Bring your dreams to life. If it feels right, go ahead… Hit the SEND button! Respectfully, Dr. Shellie Hipsky