Following the Leader!

Kristine here, guest blogging about one of the sunniest days I’ve ever spent in Seattle. Nope, not talking about the weather, which was pretty drizzly. Instead, I’m talking about the sunny dispositions, warm friendships, and downright hot creativity at Naomi Smith’s Leadershare event last weekend. It was a terrific experience! I traveled with corporate peeps VP Monica Wihongi, VP Brian Holman, and event planners Tia Fowles and Yvonne Drake. The five us were in for a treat—Naomi is an incredible event planner, riveting public speaker, dynamic creative guru, and all around fantastic leader. It’s no wonder that she’s one of the top Consultants in all of Close To My Heart!

She was our hostess with the mostess for the day and nearly 100 members of her Connected Hearts team were in attendance, as well as other awesome Consultants from the Pacific Northwest. She had invited upline Karen Morris, and fellow Advisory Board alums Louise Moyer and Michelle Nist to the party, and they all donned red feather boas and nutty sunglasses because... Well, just because. (Have you MET these ladies? Of COURSE they wore red feather boas!) 

Naomi had coordinated “art sharing tables” throughout the room and they were chock full of mouth-watering designs and ideas from several Consultants. Ginni Candelaria wowed us with a Flip-Flap mini book of Hawaii, and Chris Green (who also won a special award for her contributions) delivered amazing Mistletoe artwork—and more—perfect for the holidays. I’m sure everyone left with ideas for projects and workshops for months to come. I’ve included a few photos so you can get a feel for the sheer bounty.

 

Naomi also organized an Operation Smile silent auction, featuring donated items from Consultants. Christine David’s breathtaking reclaimed window pane wall art was unbelievable (see photo!), and there were so many beautiful options to bid on, I don’t know how people made their choices. There were Mix ‘n’ Mingle albums, recipe boxes, layouts, and much more—Naomi donated more than 40 cards, which themselves fetched more than $150 for Operation Smile! Absolutely fantastic. All in all, the day raised more than $1,000 to benefit children who need facial reconstructive surgery. Definitely brought a smile to OUR faces!

 

In addition to the great classes and fun Hooligans cards and layout, Naomi had also orchestrated a “bingo” game that participants had been competing in for the chance to attend a special luncheon. Winners were Ginni Candelaria, Lisa Combs, and Christine David—what fun we had on our lunch adventure to 13 Coins, a great Seattle spot that’s one of Naomi’s favorites. Check out the fabulous italian frittata and crab salad we enjoyed! (Not to mention hot fudge sundaes for dessert. Yum!) As tasty as the hot fudge was, the real treat was being with amazing Consultants all day; sharing their stories, enjoying their ideas, and basking in the “sunshine” that only Consultants can deliver, no matter the weather. Thanks for everything, Naomi!