What Brings You Joy?

What Brings You Joy...

Certain things bring me joy: my grandsons, house plants, growing Iris because my mom was a master at them, or instrumental sound tracks from films like Out of Africaor Rudy.  Listening to some music moves me deeply. 

Helping promote "local business" brings me joy.  I cannot describe the passion I feel, nor the desire I have to help and do what I can to help them succeed.  I often wonder where this passion comes from.  I knew when I started Travel Backroads that I had found that passion. 

I was told "You care a lot more about this than I do...

I was told last year when I was discussing the future of my directory "You are right, that you care a lot more about this particular project than I do."  I'm grateful that somewhere deep down inside, I genuinely desire to see "businesses" succeed. I welcome the challenge to help drive traffic through their doors regardless of where they are. 

This past week I was excited to attend a South Dakota State University Extension Conference called "Energize!"  AND, it did just that!  It was for small town businesses, chamber of commerces, economic development directors, and individuals that want to work to inspire and energizetheir community.  

Red Ants Pants....
Have you ever heard of Sarah Calhoun and Red Ants Pants?  I had once, maybe about the time Sarah was beginning, from my God-daughter Bethany starting to tell Sarah's story.  I remember thinking "that's terrific, how cool is that."  This week I met Sarah in person and heard her amazing story at the conference.  She's a young entrepreneur that had an idea and ran with it; a work pant for women who have curves.  Not women trying to fit into men's pants.  She grew up in Connecticut but transplanted herself to White Sulfur Springs, Montana. To sell her pants, she has taken it on the road in her Silver Airstream, made her own commercials, to creating a Red Ants Pants Music Festival where thousands attend and from the funds made, started her foundation.  Next she's kicking off a leadership program for women and she has more dreams lined up. Sarah is a success already regardless of how many pants she's sold or not. She had a dream and went after it with hard work and dedication. She's an amazing example of entrepreneurship and a woman; one that inspired me instantly.  She started in her 20's; I'm starting in my 60's.
 
When I grow up, I want to be just like her.

Enthusiasm, tenacity, dedication and passion are four characteristics one has to have in business. One cannot talk about it forever; just begin.  Sarah started with her idea, the book Small Business for Dummies and her story began...

I feel the joy I started this blog about--having met Sarah, learning her story and knowing she's a BFF to my God-daughter Bethany... what a great combo.

And I love telling others' stories...
Joan
Travel Backroads

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