Just the other day I visited our nation’s capital.  I stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and read probably the most famous four words ever spoken, “I have a dream.”  It was difficult to take a photo of the engraved words on the steps where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his I Have A Dream speech in 1963, however, I patiently maneuvered through what seemed like ten million eighth graders and snapped the shot with my smart phone. 

 These four words, “I have a dream” communicate inspiration, hope, unity, freedom, opportunity and equality to millions of people across the world every year.  I was so moved by them that I began to think about the impact that one person can make in the world by sharing their dream.

 For those of us who have a dream and want the dream to become a reality, there are some tips that can be taken directly from the letters D.R.E.A.M.

 D  Do the work.

 R – Realize that a great dream impacts others in a positive way and isn’t self serving. 

 E - Encourage others to get involved.

 A – Aim high!

 M – Make a difference in an arena where you feel passionate and motivated.

 For example, I recently interviewed Freelance Make-Up Artist, Elle German for ellegerman.com, who has been making moves in the Big Apple.  Elle’s talent for making faces into statuesque art is phenomenal, but her love for mentoring and helping fellow artists and stylists is even more impressive.  About six months ago, Elle shared with me her dream of owning a beauty business complex. The complex would offer both services and education.  When we reconnected recently for the interview I was astonished at what she had accomplished.

Elle began step D, Doing the work. She researched and gathered information for a business plan.  She contacted an attorney, contractor, commercial realtor, accountant, interior designer, and salon and spa owners for their expertise. After months of daily working on her plan, Elle’s business plan is complete.

 During Elle’s long hours working on photo shoots and networking with beauty industry artists who were facing business building obstacles, step R was developed, realizing that a great dream impacts others in a positive way and isn’t self serving.   Knowing that education is the key to helping her peers become successful,  Elle plans to offer free beauty business building seminars.

 Soon Elle began Encouraging other professionals to get involved.  She asked me if I’d be interested in teaching classes at her new facility as a way of giving back to the industry.  I quickly responded “Sure” and am ecstatic about it.

 She’s Aiming high to have multiple locations throughout the US, and to create a space that empowers beauty industry professionals to grow their businesses.

 Elle’s D.R.E.A.M. is becoming a reality.  Perhaps her dream will be an inspiration for years to come just as Dr. King’s.  Do you have a dream?

C. Jeanine Fulton brings over 13 years of business training, creative style and writing savvy to the beauty industry.  She is an inspirational speaker and author of Industry In:Site, 101 Top Beauty Careers, a one of a kind career guide book.  Jeanine also develops programs and communication content for schools and product manufacturers while working by the motto, “Fun Education is the Best Motivation!”