5 Unconventional Steps To Creating Your Business- Have A Vision

On October 18, 2013 By Rebekka LienIn Uncategorized1 Comment

This tree represents you. The stronger the root, the better. The more you know who you are, your identity, preferences, brand, etc the better. Slowly as you develop, your ideas develop (via the branches). Your knowledge, education, wisdom, background, upbringing, experiences form your bigger branches.

The Next 5 Days I am going to share my tantalizing story of how I became a multi-entrepreneur. My GOAL is to encourage you and show you that IF YOU KNOW HOW TO MAKE MISTAKES and PLAY, then you can become a business woman or man. Yes, you heard THAT right. If you know how to MESS UP, time and time again, then the entrepreneurial road is for you. If you know how to GET UP after falling hard, this is also the road for you. PS- By 5 days, I mean the next 5 blog posts, because tomorrow I’ll be attending Forge in LA.

Revealing NUMBER 1: HAVE A VISION

When I was a kid, I created manga memberships and sold toys to my 8 year old friends. I was always entrepreneurial. I grew up in the church and went to many mission trips. I had a heart for people and thought that I would become a missionary. However, I just hated the way missionaries dressed (back then). I seriously did not want to wear ugly big t-shirts that did not flatter my body. Plus, I could not imagine living in a hut, eating nuts (no offense but I like my chinese hot pot), and not showering for days. I knew deep down, that I had a heart for people….but did not like the structured starvation lifestyle.

When I learned about human trafficking, I wanted to go overseas and fight human trafficking. I wanted to rescue women out of slavery, but thought that it might be dangerous. Then I thought that I wanted to created jobs for survivors of human trafficking. I could teach them how to sew and they could work at my factory where they would create my designs.

I gained all the skills I needed to, but it stemmed from my passion. I attended fashion school and learned fashion design and business management. I did not do it just because I could teach other people, I did it because I loved fashion and I was business minded. You get what I’m saying? I learned because I thirsted to learn how to create and manage, not because I saw the end goal just yet.

When I finished school, I went to the far countryside of China and taught music to the young 5 year olds, living in sweat and bug bites. I wanted to collapse, I missed the luxuries of modern living. When I returned, I got a job as a trim buyer and up until 3 months in, I was about to suffocate from normal living. This IS NOT THE LIFE I want to live, in a box and a chair.

My creative brain started churning, I bought a pair of Nike Dunks at the store across work during lunch for $20. I sold it on Ebay and made $30. I could do it again. I went back and bought 2 more to sell. I was elated, I could do this all day! I found other things to sell at home and started taking photos of all my old clothes. I started creating an additional source of income while working full time. One day, I just had enough. I quit my full time job and that was the end of my full time anything and voluntary unemployment.

I won’t go into detail, but when I quit, I wrote a list of things I wanted to do in life. I also wrote down my vision.

“To provide healing and work for survivors of human trafficking” which has evolved to:

“To empower others to live the life they were created to live” to

“To help people become full alive”.

Essentially, we long to feel alive. Fully alive.

As I focused in on my vision, I realized that I had to first become whole, to create the life I want so I could show others…hey it’s possible! If you simply commit to it. Thus, have a vision first.

Having a vision has helped me continue in those first few months when I could hardly pay rent. I’m no trustafarian, as immigrants, we did not benefit from the foreign exchange, let’s say I have sacrificed much of my youth for my vision. I could have worked full time and accrued funds to use for youthful partying and lax living, but I cut corners and found creative ways to create furniture, blinds, and even toilet paper! No matter how many businesses you have, boot strap style, if you have a vision, you can continue when the valleys get real low.

See you next time!

What is your vision?

Comment below and share 🙂

Wealth Comes From The Heart

On October 18, 2013October 18, 2013 By Rebekka LienIn philosophyLeave a comment

Wealth comes from the heart.

Somehow I have been given this unique gift of sensing the heart…I have found that wealth comes from the heart.

Counterfeit wealth is veiled with splendor, bling, things that look wealthy, but comes from the spirit of poverty.

In the eyes of a young woman, sitting and eating my tacos, I saw a homeless person with his bike, in his own world. Half crazy, yet half happy, content in his reality. Then I saw families, buying tacos, happy and content. I went to a beautiful house and saw that wealth hardens people, and that there was poverty in both poor and wealthy. Even though everything was shiny on the outside, new, replicas of ancient furnitures, I could sense a spirit of poverty. This ever seeking of “not enough”, I am not so sure of. My deeper philosophical mind wants to ponder this disparity, yet I could only start to count my blessings.

I could only start to appreciate the way I grew up, I could only start to appreciate all the hardships I have gone through, working full time while going to school to pay off tuition, selling makeup under school desks, jewelry in trunks, I could only start to appreciate the little things. I could only start to appreciate the beautiful nights dancing away my simple life, the days backpacking and snorkeling in exotic parts of the world, adding up the bills I had to pay and wondering where the money would come from, not knowing how I would survive, but still having that faith that could throw a mountain into an ocean…I could only appreciate my simple creativity and zest for life. I could only appreciate having the wisdom to understand any persons, from 0 to 100, being able to relate on any level, listening and appreciating the human story of pain and joy.

Sometimes I feel cursed that I can read someone so well, with just one conversation. I can feel their misery, their secret story of “not enough”, their constant strivings, their secret joys, their dreams…maybe someday they think…I hear these stories softly being spoken with nonverbal glances. Seek and you will find, I say. True treasures lie in your heart.

And I continue, writing my heart out, so I can share the wealth that is within me.

I had a dream the other day about going to someone’s house. I interpreted I was not letting my true self out, that I was suffocating. It’s okay to come out and let the world know who you really are. Where is your house? Where is your heart?

Focus On What You Do Want Instead of What You Don’t Want

On October 12, 2013 By Rebekka LienIn Uncategorized2 Comments

Don’t pray for what you don’t want, or for something to go away, pray for what you do want.

Don’t worry about what you don’t want, dream about what you do want.

Don’t think about the betrayals of the past, but work towards relationships that are healthy.

Don’t think about friends who don’t deserve your love, but make new friends who appreciate your love.

Don’t focus on the 20% of work that is not going right, focus on the 80% of work and life that is fabulous!

This is a SEASON of opportunity and change. Transition comes from the word, up-rooted. You will be uprooted from one place to another. You will be emptied in one place so your root can be planted in another good place. If you start to sense commotion or shaking, hold on! Help is coming!

The only way we can move forward in this season of change is to LET GO of what was not working and move forward into a brand new territory. This may be difficult at first and people around you may not like it, but as I heard in yoga- “Nurturing yourself is a way to love others around you”. We can whine and complain, or we can dream forward with action and fervor.

Amazing Fully Furnished, Private Gated 4

On October 9, 2013 By Rebekka LienIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Amazing Fully Furnished, Private Gated 4 bed/3 bath Villa walking distance to LA’s most-famous attractions! #Hollywood #Beachwood Canyon
http://ow.ly/i/3n54r

13 Days of Meditation- Day 13- Who You Were Are Signs Of Who You Want To Be

On October 7, 2013October 7, 2013 By Rebekka LienIn business, entrepreneurLeave a comment

Most people will say, “Don’t look into the past” and “don’t dig up your grave”.

Actually, after waking up from a dream about my high school friend and remembering who I was back then, reminded me of what I may have lost during the journey of youth. When I was in high school, I was very feisty and strong-headed. I never let anyone step on me and fought for what was right. I fought for people too because I saw injustice in classes.

Back then, I was voted most unique and was known to be either special, weird or unique. Sometimes, I was not seen in a positive light, but I accepted the attention. I used to wear un-matching socks, one high and one low. One vivid memory was when I first one of my best friends, I was wearing a superwoman knee sock. Those were my favorite socks. On the other leg, I wore a low-sock. I ruled back then. I knew everything I wanted to do in life and rocked life to the core.

10 years later, I am still the same person, but perhaps- like you, I have gotten a little jaded from work and responsibilities. When everyone started getting married, I thought to myself, “it would be so easy to get married right now”- being independent is not easy. Trying to make it on your own is not easy, that’s why God created us for companionship. Perhaps your road is to become the next Donald Trump, then you have to accept the responsibility of your calling. That doesn’t mean you have to be lonely, but you just have to be strong in who you are and not accept any less. That means you can not settle for marrying rich, but perhaps you have to create your own path and when you get there, show women that you don’t have to rely on men to get you there….that God has given us gifts and talents to make it there ourselves too.

Otherwise, you may end up having kids and blame them for blocking you from your dreams….when in actuality, you chose that path. In actuality we all do, we all choose a path that determines part of our destiny.

Who was I? I was a hot-headed warrior. I had dreams that I fought for. After 2 years of being self-employed, I can see why I have become a little less hot-headed- broken dreams and friendships/relationships, failed businesses, a taste of hunger and strife, a taste of true adulthood. It is not always easy! Who was I? I was very confident in my calling and identity. No one could doubt that, yet 10 years later, I waver because my life does not always reflect my confidence, I waver because people around me may not always support my hot-headed dreams.

I choose to be that hot-headed dreamer and warrior again. I choose to let go of what I need to let go of to move forward. Sometimes we need to see that transition means we have to be emptied out first in order for a new revelation to fill us.

Do you waver from the hot-headed dreamer that you used to be?

Who you were are signs of who you want to be still. Don’t give up. Don’t let life destroy you, stand up from the ashes and keep fighting, even if your leg or arm is still healing, even if you are jaded. Life matures you, don’t be afraid to grow in wisdom. Just don’t give up on yourself. Ever.

Little me in Germany

The wild musician

The spunky non-conformist

The solo backpacker and vegabond/world traveler

The Fashion Designer & Trend Setter

The who gives a hoot let’s just have fun Business, Real Estate, Creative Entrepreneur Woman

The Professional Picture, with all my past and experiences wrapped into one. Even though I might be wearing black, I am still the spunky non-conforming business woman!

Do you waver from the hot-headed dreamer that you used to be? What has jaded you and how have you managed to translate your story of who you are into one professional image?

Comment below, I would love to hear from you personally! 🙂

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Thank you for your response. ✨

http://ow.ly/i/3lxbA 4 WEEKS of Fashion

On October 6, 2013 By Rebekka LienIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

http://ow.ly/i/3lxbA 4 WEEKS of Fashion Sketching starting January 14, 2014. Sign up here- http://modestflyartgallery.com/workshops-seminars/

13 Days of Meditation- Day 12 -You Are the Average of 5 People

On October 6, 2013October 6, 2013 By Rebekka LienIn entrepreneurLeave a comment

You are the average of 5 people that you spend time with. Jim Rohn

We rarely think to clean out our friends list right? But we clean up our finances, we clean out our closets, we evaluate our goals and change our tactics to improve our careers, but we often don’t evaluate our friendships. There are moments in life where we become close with certain friends, but especially when your paths change and your vision leads you onto another path (not necessarily a better path, just another path), you must learn to let go of that friendship.

When I was younger, I remember times that people would tell me to calm down. I always had this fire and passion, but it was too difficult for others to absorb. I learned to detain this fire.

However, I realize I am detaining a fire that is too big to selfishly hold onto.

This fire is a fire for love, passion, life, an overflowing life, justice, human rights, womens’ rights, and much more. I know this won’t be an easy path, it has never been an easy path…but at the same time I have realized that my passion will lead me far in life. Instead of suppressing the fire, I need to set it on the mountain so others can glean from it as well.

So next time a friend tells you to calm down, perhaps it is time to evaluate a new path and new friends.

Write down 5 people you want to spend a majority of your time with- do they share similar values? Do you add to each other? Is it a two way street?

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Thank you for your response. ✨

13 Days of Meditation- Day 11- How To Be IN Relationship With An Entrepreneur

On October 1, 2013October 1, 2013 By Rebekka LienIn business, entrepreneurLeave a comment

What Is Love? See above! My brainstorm of the day.

I got this ingenious IDEA to write a blog post about how TO BE IN RELATIONSHIP with an entrepreneur, whether you are their significant other, boss, friend, relatives, parents, etc…..

BIG DO’s FOR HOW TO BE IN RELATIONSHIP WITH AN ENTREPRENEUR:

1. Give them space and support to grow and be who they want to be. Entrepreneurs change constantly and have a NEED to expand, learn, grow, travel.

2. Encourage them, constantly. There are not a lot of people doing what we want to do in life…some of us want to change the world, some of us want to be wealthy and live a better life than we used to live, some of us want to innovate new technology or do something against the norm. We are constantly pushing against the grain, we receive negative criticisms and have climbed mountains to find a place of sanctuary where we can create our business, art or life. If you want to be in relationship with an entrepreneur, learn to encourage even if you don’t UNDERSTAND what they’re thinking.

3. PROMOTE THEM! Promote them like mad, especially when they have no backers, angel investors, big corporations behind them…promote them if you believe in them. When they become Asian Oprah, they will remember you and give you dibs (referring to myself). SHARE their blog posts, retweet their tweets, tell people about them, be their cheerleader and they will be forever grateful. Angels will reward you GREATLY for your support. Trust me! When I have a talk show, I will invite all my supporters and get them front row seats with free gratis and free VIP room treatment.

BIG DON’TS FOR HOW TO BE IN RELATIONSHIP WITH AN ENTREPRENEUR

1. Don’t Tell Us What To Do (In a direct way)– I don’t know about you, but most entrepreneurs I know are hard headed and rebellious towards society in certain ways. The reason we were able to get THIS FAR is because we did not listen and conform to the norm. We’re CRAZY Einstein’s. If you have suggestions, you might want to say “Have you thought about…..this idea or that idea?”, “Have you thought about …..marketing your business…this way or that?” If you want to tell us something directly, let us trust you enough to hear you. It takes time, but it is worth the effort! Ultimately entrepreneurs understand their own vision and ideas the best, so let them decide what to do.

2. Don’t UNDERVALUE their business- One time these acquaintances bought my friend and I drinks, commenting “don’t worry, we have jobs”….as if we did not. Both of us had our own business, but the acquaintances had 9 to 5 jobs. Please, that is a DON’T. Even if you want to buy us lunch, there is no need to say such things. We have jobs in which we are the boss and will never get fired from ourselves.

3. Don’t Compare Entrepreneurs- Okay, we’re not Tony Robbins, Oprah or Richard Branson, YET. Just because we’re not there yet, does not mean we give up now. All of them had a tough road they walked and conquered. Listen, all entrepreneurs have a UNIQUE path and calling which ONLY they know in their hearts. We are sensitive about our dreams and really hope you understand.

Love your entrepreneur or share this with your loved ones!

rebekkalien@gmail.com

Thanks!

http://www.twitter.com/rebekka_lien

http://www.facebook.com/houseslady

The Creative Business Guru

PS- ONE QUESTION, please comment below- What is your version of earthly Utopia. I think all entrepreneurs envision their own UTOPIA. My Utopia involves….

1. Not waking up early to drive in traffic.

2. Doing things WHEN I WANT TO

3. Grocery shopping when everyone else is working so I don’t have to wait in line for hours

4. Watching the sun rise while working

5. Being able to attend events on weekdays and wake up a little later because attending events is part of my work (networking).

6. Having GREAT community that shares my vision and are also entrepreneurial.

7. Not having people tell me what to do

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Thank you for your response. ✨

13 Days of Meditation- Day 10- 6 Ways To Solve Your Problems

On September 30, 2013September 30, 2013 By Rebekka LienIn entrepreneur2 Comments

Writing 13 days of meditation is not easy, 13 days has required more discipline than I expected. I skipped a few days and sporadicly started writing again. I am going to draw today’s blog. I find that the older I get, the more obsessive I get about figuring my life out and trying to SOLVE problems in my life.

Follow my drawing below…

1. Problem: I have issues, problems and don’t know how to deal!!!

2. What should I do?????? (we usually obsess about it and thus, end up with depression and mental health issues).

3. STOP THINKING!

4. Draw. Run and exercise. Commune and discuss with friends, seek advice or simply talk to people. Create (music, art, poetry, literature, spoken word, etc). Explore (go somewhere completely new, take a new route to work, do something completely different, try something new, go to a new restaurant or cafe, make a point of meeting with friends you don’t usually hang out with).

5. Have faith everything will work out….

Finally, remember that THERE IS A WAY TO DO ANYTHING YOU WANT IN LIFE!

You think the problem is TOO big for you to solve, well, maybe sitting on your couch and thinking is not such a great problem solving technique. Try doing something different, your eyes might just open to new ideas…to do something completely NEW!

For example, you may be stressed out about paying bills- where can you cut corners, how can you create more income with multiple streams of revenue? You may be having trouble with finding the right person- maybe look somewhere you have never been, do something you don’t normally feel comfortable doing, perhaps a Zumba class? You may be pursuing a client, but they are not pouncing, perhaps focus on other clients and don’t stubbornly stick to one way of marketing yourself…..

The key is to CONTINUE innovating….seeking new methods….learning….NEVER STOP growing. You want to be creative in every capacity. Our human brain learns fast, if you stop learning you will have an old pattern, an old path of thinking. You want to create new paths constantly so your mind does not get stuck in a rut.

Do not be so hard on yourself, enjoy life and shoot me an email or comment below if this has helped or if you need advice. rebekkalien@gmail.com

Thanks!

http://www.twitter.com/rebekka_lien

http://www.facebook.com/houseslady

The Creative Business Guru

13 Day of Meditation- Day 9- Spirit of Abundance Versus Spirit of Poverty

On September 27, 2013September 27, 2013 By Rebekka LienIn philosophyLeave a comment

I finally got my couch! I waited one month for them to create another Spring Serenity Couch. It is deliciously comfortable. I love the natural light coming in to my living room, no electricity needed!

I recorded today’s blog post while driving yesterday- the great thing about bluetooth and technology.

WHAT IS THE SPIRIT OF ABUNDANCE VERSUS THE SPIRIT OF POVERTY?

Do you ever wonder why you feel like you are not good enough? However much you achieve in life, you don’t feel satisfied….in fact, you want more and you put all your identity in your achievements. It is time to realize that we are not orphans, but rightly knighted queens and kings with birth rights to happiness. Listen to this audio to learn more about how you can carry and own the spirit of abundance. Having the spirit of abundance is everything TO creating the life you want.

If you don’t feel like you deserve love, you will not find someone to love you because you will self-sabotage and believe in lies about who you are.

If you don’t feel like you deserve success, you will not succeed.

If you don’t feel like you deserve wealth, you will not become wealthy…..and so on.