National Summit on Entrepreneurship Speaker

EMPOWERING America's Communities (AEO)

2008 National Summit on Entrepreneurship

Co-Hosted by CAMEO

I had the pleasure of joining this awesome organization and welcoming members as a speaker this past May in Anaheim, CA for AEO (Association for Enterprise Opportunity) . The topic was Building Successful Communities with Small Business.

Pictured from left to right are Michael Shuman, an attorney and economist who is known for focusing on small business. He brought up key issues...why does the government spend an exuberant amount of money to keep business here and not support small business. Next to him was Bob Trask. Bob is an author, actor and comedian. He is the founder of ARAS Foundation, http://www.arasfoundation.org/ . Then of course me, and my good friend Joel Ayala, CEO/Presidents of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce.

Here I am, sharing my experience as an entrepreneur. Heaven Sent Jewelry was founded in Dec 2003. When I started my journey, I had no retail experience, no business plan but I had GANAS (desire) to make it happen. Through the journey which has been a roll coaster ride, there have been many blessings through the last 4 years.

My philosophy is win-win; when you form partnerships and help one another, the results are awesome. Although I have a masters degree, I needed to educate myself in order to build my business foundation. I took advantage of the services provided by SBA, such as SBDC, SCORE, and joined various business organizations such as the NLBWA (National Latina Business Women's Association, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Las Comadres, ect . Networking with organizations was instrumental and using technology was essential.

Who would have thought that many doors would have opened for me. From serving on national focus groups with large corporations, being on a committee with my local Assembly person, being featured through the media, speaking international/nationally, to now doing consulting work and a future author!...

At times, I feel as though it's surreal. Faith, prayer and support from my loving husband and family has made it possible. I do have big dreams that I'm looking forward to fulfilling with in the next few years.

Here is the lovely and talented Claudia Viek, CEO of CAMEO (California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity - http://www.microbiz.org/ during the 2008 Microentrepreneur Marketplace. Although I just meet Claudia, I was so impressed with her dedication, mission and passion for assisting entrepreneurs.

What was really cool is that AEO gave some coupons to some attendees, whom then cashed in their coupons with purchases with entrepreneurs during the market place event. I had so many attendees stop by my both with many well wishes. What a great idea to stimulate sales!...
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CAMEO is the largest State Microenterprise Association in the U.S. The conference had Viva! Las Micro Empresas project with various workshops on how to reach and serve Latino business owners. Latino businesses are starting at three times the rate of all business start-ups nationally, and in California, there is an estimate that there will be almost 700,00 Latino entrepreneurs!

I really found this organization remarkable. One of the key speakers was Michelle Long, Executive Director of Sustainable Connections, a membership organization of 600+ NW Washington local, independent business working to transform and model an economy built on sustainable practises. Programs include a wildly successful Think Local First campaign that has altered the purchasing behaviors of 3 in 5 local households, Food Farming, Green Building, Energy, and Sustainable Business Development.

With small business being the heart of our economy, it's makes sense for everyone to support small business owners especially during these economic times. The more we buy from small business, small business will continue to grow and have a positive impact in our community. I'm doing my part supporting other business are you

While we're on the subject, don't forget to check out my website for some unique gifts at http://www.heavensentjewelry.com/ .

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

Reinforcing achievement traits-children

"Young Champions Certificate of Achievement"

Here's my two little ones receiving their "Young Champions Certificate of Achievement" with the Degree of Proficiency for the Karate Advanced Yellow Belt along with a star for perfect attendance.

I was so happy for them as they stood with so much pride. My little guy was sad that he did not receive an award for perfect attendance when he received his yellow belt. I hugged him and said there will be another chance and you should be happy for what you have achieved and learn so we celebrated with a burger.











I can see how this class is benefiting both my little angels. Karate has really helped him with his physical coordination. He really listens attentively and behaves like an adult with the instructions. In addition, my little girl confidence is improving. She is now in great shape...with the ability of doing 12 push ups, and she is able to do more jumping jacks than me..... This of course is making me want to get back in tip top shape like I used to me!...:-)

Recently we rented Karate Kid for our children. The lessons taught were great during the video...I discussed them with my children. As we talked about challenges, and being reactive (getting upset) verses being proactive (focused) . Getting upset during challenge times is not productive and will not solve issues.

I recall when I was little, me and my brother would practise every evening with our "Jet Kun Do" a Shaolin kungfu. It assisted me with focusing, and gave me confidence. Yes, ..... Bruce Lee was our Hero!.... When you grow up with 4 brothers, you learn how to fend for yourself. It also made me very competitive which has contributed in my entrepreneurship role.


My little boy just loves talking to his instructor, Alex. My little girl joins in the conversation. My son always request, let's play " Sensa Says "-(Simon's Say's) "Sena - means Japanese teacher" before the class ends. This games really helps him in focusing on the instructions. One day he will be the last one standing while playing Sensa Says. Here they are practising as White Belts .

Here is my little Angel...receiving an award during her school award assembly. I'm so happy to see that my children are learning that in order to get somewhere it takes dedication, work and focus.


Now they see, that mommy has worked extremely hard with my business in receiving the many awards and recognition. That is how Heaven Sent Jewelry www.heavensentjewelry.com become an award winning business!

This summer we are practising our Spanish and will grow our garden!



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

Kung Fu Panda-children activities

We had the pleasure of attending a special event in honor of Kung FU Panda in San Diego!... What a blast from meeting the 8 foot Panda, to having face painting, to special fun projects for children, learning the PANDA-MoniUM dance, to playing with the Dream Works Kung Fu Panda game, and having yummy treats in the beautiful La Jolla Tennis location....we were in total ahhhhhhhhh....:-)

Here's my little guy trying Activision game.... Since he is now an advance yellow belt along with his sister, they both felt they could use their knowledge and skills to do well on this game. You should have seen those little fingers going wild!

When my children are practising their karate moves for class, now they grab their new Kung Fun Panda CD & play "Kung Fun Fighting". This has been great for everyone. Since then, I have started getting my work out with them and now I can see the inches slowly going away!...

As we left the fun, we had some goodies in our goody bag. Once we came home, I opened up the HP/Kung Fu Panda activity CD. This will come so handy this summer keeping my little ones busy... there is a video that shows you how to do the dance thePanda-Monium, photo/print projects, frames, cards, labels stickers, screen savers...and more!... You can go to www.hp.com/go/kfp for some more fun.

Here is Maria Baily, one of my top friends! Not only is she the CEO of Blue Suit Mom's, an author of 3 very good books, talk show host and a mom. I love attending all her events....each event is always so creative, fun and exciting. She's always so down to earth...you can see she loves what she does.

While we were in San Diego, we stayed at the beautiful down town San Diego Marriott Marina.
The stay was awesome...I actually felt like I was in Tahiti . The beautiful long pool with so many palm trees, beautiful Caribbean music playing and seeing a movie out in the pool was just what we needed. When we checked in, my children received a little goody bag. The customer service was excellent!...

While we visited all the cool little shops at the marina, we also had a chance to see all these cool classic cars. My little girl spotted Elvis.

I know this summer will be filled with lots of fun with Kung Fu fun. The beauty is that it can all be done at home.

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