I’m in NYC and will be sharing all of my experiences — filming money segments at the Time Inc./Money studios, top events with influencers in the online world, and hosting my own events like my high-level mastermind — with you very soon. But first, I want to talk about what happened this Saturday…

I hosted a live event in NYC with Kate Spade New York! Woo hoo!

It was so amazing to be there hosting this event alongside a brand I’ve admired (and worn) for so long. And equally incredible was the chance to meet so many amazing women (including some of you!) and the opportunity to share what the IHML movement is all about.

I also loved hosting an event that not only provided the opportunity shop, drink bubbly, and meet amazing people, but to also support a cause that’s near and dear to my heart (10% of all proceeds went to the charity, She’s the First).

Truly, it was all such a dream come true!

The truth is, Kate Spade has been a part of my brand from the start and has actually taught me quite a few lessons over the years…

Before my first photoshoot, I was on the hunt for something new to wear. I remember splurging on this beautiful silk hot pink Kate Spade top that I really couldn’t afford — I planned on returning it after the shoot — ha! That set the stage for the IHML pink branding (yes, it was a total fluke!).

Then when I think back on first photoshoot in London, which just so happened to take place in a Kate Spade store. I remember pretending like I’d been given permission to take photos in there — and making it happen. And the photos turned out great and really helped me put my brand on the map.

Fast forward to now, and here I am co-hosting an event with Kate Spade New York! Crazy, right?!

This is just another example in my life and business of something I live by every single day: If you don’t ask, you don’t get. And following your heart and going for it is key — even if it seems impossible.

Working with women around the world, I know that often times we anticipate the “no” before even asking or going for an opportunity because of fear, and letting our ego run the show.

We rule out opportunities, connections, and even dreams before we even start!

If I’ve learned one thing from this week’s events, it’s that putting yourself out there will get you so much further than assuming the answer is going to be “no”. That may sound obvious, lovely, but let me ask you to consider a few questions today…

How often do you let opportunities slip by for fear of what others will think?

How often do you assume something isn’t possible?

How often do you stop yourself from going for something because it’s not guaranteed?

How often do you believe a “no” is a “no” instead of a “not yet”?

I’ve learned that it’s so much better to just go for something and give it a try (even if it doesn’t quite work out) than to let the chance pass me by.

I truly think that’s a perspective that’s helped me take my business from basically nothing to the 7-figure business that it is today.

I love this quote by Starbucks chairman, Howard Schultz:

“I believe life is a series of near misses. A lot of what we ascribe to luck is not luck at all. It’s seizing the day and accepting responsibility for your future. It’s seeing what other people don’t see, and pursuing that vision.”

How many near misses are you having? Are you letting fear of what others will say or think keep you from going for it when opportunities come your way?

I hope you’ll hear me when I say that your life can be a series of incredible opportunities, of moments of bravery and boldness – a life lived by truly seizing the day.

So I encourage you to keep your eyes and your heart open – you never know when the perfect opportunity is right around the corner. There’s so much possibility when it comes to your life and business, and I encourage you to embrace that and believe that big, exciting things are meant for you and possible for you!

After all, I’m just a girl from Ohio with really big dreams and if I can go from broke and struggling in London to hosting an incredible event with Kate Spade in NYC, then I know you can make your big dreams happen, too!