SBA Champion

OH MY !..... I heard a phone message from SBA District Director, J. Adlaberto Quijada. My eye's were wide open, tears from joy fell upon my cheeks and a smile that was covering my entire face. I jumped up ,picked up my little boy and danced with him. Upon feeling like I was flying, I called Adalberto and "Thanked him from the bottom of my heart"!

Each year the SBA recognizes business owners nationally. The U.S. Small Business Administration will celebrate it's 44th Annual National Small Business Week this May entitled "Business..Dream Big" . http://www.sba.gov/ While I attended my first SBA luncheon last year one of my friends, Janet Cronick, former NLBWA President suggested I apply. When November rolled around, I had a tough choice between completing all the documentation or my business. The process took about two weeks to complete. During this time I realized I had devoted many, many years in assisting business owners from Fresno, Bakersfield and Orange County, CA .

The O.C. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce http://hcoc.org/ nominated me . I was selected as the District and and Region IX 2007 SBA Home Based-Champion. I competed with people from California, Arizona, Hawaii and Nevada!

The SBA Nomination read......

"Addy Perez-Mau, Founder/Designer of Heaven Sent Jewelry truly reflects the entrepreneur spirit and drive. Heaven Sent Jewelry has earned recognition and various awards from the business community, and recognition from local, state and regional politicians. Addy strategic plan involves the community, fellow business owners and her family. Her story of perseverance as a child has continued to influence her role as a business woman. Addy began her role as a business advocate as a college student by being a founding member of the Central Ca Hispanic Chamber in Fresno. She served as the Executive Director of the Bakersfield Hispanic Chamber, Vice President, Membership Chair and attended quarterly board meetings for the CA Hispanic Chamber. In 1989, the Chamber was recognized by the US Hispanic Chamber for it’s growth. She is also a founder of the NLBWA (National Latina Business Women Association in OC) and Co-Founder of SHE (Stay Home Entrepreneur) . As a new business owner, Addy took a leadership role with our chamber as the Ambassador Chair. Her inclusive leadership and marketing skills benefited in promoting our chamber. In addition, she was instrumental in having our chamber partner up with SCORE. As a result, our members benefited with monthly SCORE workshops. Over 24 years of service to the business community exemplifies dedication. Regardless of the challenges Addy has been faced with, she holds on to her vision and courage with much stamina. "

I'm so happy that I never stopped dreaming endlessly. My dreams involved having high profile clients, authors, meeting celebrities, becoming national, being in fashion shows, helping my community and inspiring other entrepreneurs while caring for my two children. My community recognized my unselfish efforts which result in nominations for awards. The media fell in love with my gusto and devotion for my family. I took each opportunity with much passion.

My parents taught me to work hard and that is what I have been doing all my life. "Not to bad for a little girl that worked in San Joaquin Valley harvesting crops !" My family came to this country with little but taught us to respect and a strong work ethic. This award is dedicated to my family and all whom have a dream!.. Dreams are worth having and fighting for.

My dream took 3 1/2 years of non-stop devotion, dedication and sacrifice. Countless weekends from my family, late nights, lack of sleep and broken dreams. Yet it has been the most rewarding experience. I've met incredible people that have opened doors. In return, I'm committed to helping others. We can not grow if we do not mentor, coach or assist one another. My philosophy is "Win-Win".... things happen when you do things for the right reasons. Now I have an opportunity to assist business owners and utilize my talents. More news to come.

Stay tuned as Addy's drives away in the add mobile with sparkle and bling.