influential people | HeartStories

Choose your impact

I had a really strange dream a few nights ago. It was about Seth Godin, a man I greatly respect and admire. The dream was simple. He gave a talk, then offered to stay and answer individuals questions, one on one. People came from everywhere. They were pouring in the door.

It seemed like they’d never stop coming.

Kids on bright yellow school busses showed up. Adults in dark business suits got in line. College students in their hipster clothes waited in line, texting their friends. There were moms with frazzled hair in line with toddlers in tow. He ended each conversation with his hand on their shoulder, looking in their eyes, saying, “Go, make something happen.”

It was fascinating.

I was standing in the back of the room, watching the seemingly never-ending line of people file in, and watching his patience and passion with each of them, one …

This girl. If you know her and don’t love her, you have a heart of stone. She is hysterical and kind. She’s brilliant and creative. She’s one in a million.

Meet Bethany Tran.

Bethany! What a joy it is to tell your beautiful story! Thank you for pulling back the curtain for us.

We’ve talked about how hard it is for many heart-centered female entrepreneurs to step up to be the face of our companies. We want the attention to go the cause and people we seek to serve. When really, people are looking for someone who will say, ” I’m the one who cares enough to do this. It’s not easy, but I’m not giving up.”

What’s that journey been like for you?

Gosh, being the face of my passion hasn’t been easy! I don’t at all see myself as any kind of a hero or visionary. I just saw a need that wasn’t being …

by Crystal Gornto Female Social Entrepreneurs Inspiration Inspirational Women Love In Action Purpose The Journey Through Life Leave a comment chat

Would you believe me if I told you it’s possible to empower women through your choice of skincare?

Today, you’ll find out for yourself. Kim is a kindred spirit. She has a passion for helping women realize their unique beauty and purpose in life.

And it’s beautiful.

Say hello to Kim Garrett, our newest Love Maker!

Hi Kim, It’s hard for many heart-centered female entrepreneurs to step up to be the face of our companies. What’s that journey been like for you?

The journey has definitely not been easy, but it’s my hope and passion that women around the world can be empowered and equipped to escape oppression, so that’s what keeps me going. The trials that theses women face are far beyond the trials that I am facing through starting this business and hearing their stories is a constant reality check that reminds me of that.

How did you get started? Where did you get the …

by Crystal Gornto Female Social Entrepreneurs Inspirational Women Love In Action 4 comments chat

A long time ago, I bought one of those record a story books at the grocery store. It’s simply called “If“. It’s been sitting on a shelf in my closet for a long time. I bought it to record myself reading a story for the boys for times when I might be out-of-town or just out for the night. I saw it yesterday and decided to record it. Right then, right there.

Have you ever had one of those moments?

A moment that you felt compelled to do something right then, and didn’t know why. It was one of those. So I picked it up, read the directions and started recording.

I wasn’t at all prepared for the emotions that flooded me next.

I wish I was there. I wish I was with you. I want to play the games we play and do the things we do.

Think really hard, and imagine I’m there. Imagine …

by Crystal Gornto Love In Action Love in Family Motherhood Purpose Leave a comment chat

Since I told our first Love Maker’s story, a lot has happened.

As I suspected, things didn’t go exactly as planned. In fact, pretty much nothing went as planned. That’s the beauty of the becoming, the unfolding. I’m learning to dance with it instead of fighting it. (I dance much better than I fight, but that’s a story for another day.)

You met Kristen of Colette Sol USA, her partner in crime. Now, with two summer styles available exclusively for HeartStories pre-order, I’m excited to introduce you to Amanda Wengerd, founder of Colette Sol USA.

First things first Amanda. It’s hard for many heart-centered female entrepreneurs to step up to be the face of our companies. We want all the attention to go the cause, to the people we seek to serve. When really, what they’re looking for is someone who will say, I’m the one who cares enough to do this. It’s not …

by Crystal Gornto Female Social Entrepreneurs Inspirational Women Inspirational Words Love In Action Purpose 3 comments chat

Kristen Seidle, Colette Sol USA Handmade Women’s Shoes to Fight Human Trafficking

Today is a day we’ve been working toward for quite some time. It’s the first day we’re flinging open the the virtual doors to the Shop by HeartStories, online marketplace. I’m thrilled and relieved.

And also, a little nervous about what you’ll think.

I want to tell the stories of each entrepreneur, one at a time and host their products as we tell their stories. So today, the structure of the store feels a little lonely, but that is by design. We have more products and more women to support coming very soon!

So let’s get started by meeting Kristen with Colette Sol USA! Today we have their James Biker Boot in two colors, until their Spring line arrives!

Ladies, I. Love. These. Boots.

Hi Kristen, would you tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up outside of Philadelphia, PA and moved to NYC after …

by Crystal Gornto Female Social Entrepreneurs Inspirational Women Love In Action Purpose 4 comments chat