396. All In for Humane and Wellness Design

“My family and I are avid animal-lovers! Dogs have always been a part of my life, but like many of us who start out by loving our dogs, we were largely ignorant about what goes on the world of animal abuse. About a year ago, as I was slowly becoming involved with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), I started seeing videos and posts in social media, about animal abuse worldwide. For the past year-and-a-half, my family has been 100 percent vegan. Once we heard about the atrocities that go on in the cattle industry, and with chickens, sheep, calves and pigs, we just gave up meat altogether.”

“I just happened to get a video on social media, perhaps from PETA, about dog leather from China. China is one of the leading exporters of leather, and because they eat dogs there, much of the leather from China is made from dog skin. Once I started doing research, I said, ‘That’s it! I’m done!’ And that was the catalyst for me to commit to becoming vegan and cruelty-free.”

“It is crucial to educate yourself and become very knowledgeable about whatever you pursue. We live in a wonderful time because without information technology we would never have known what goes on behind the scenes. Social media makes self-education possible. In my cruelty-free and wellness design business, for example, I am self-taught! It just sort of happened and grew. Initially, I knew nothing! Through self-education, I learned, that if we all ate a plant-based diet, world hunger would no longer exist! And, if someone has allergies, cruelty-free design is ideal for them, because there are none of the allergens from down feathers. In cruelty-free products, there’s nothing that smells of animal hides. Even if you have a medical condition, vegan design and sensory design really are a wonderful addition to whatever you’re doing medically.”

1. Recognize that you have to work hard. Anyone who thinks you don’t have to work hard is fooling themselves.

2. Be honest with yourself: Do you really want to use your talents, or are you content to settle for less?

3. Be ready to meet opportunities. Become very knowledgeable about whatever you decide to pursue.

Outliers: The Story of Success, by Malcolm Gladwell

The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding, by Al Ries and Laura Ries

Articles and books about women who have overcome adversity and still manage to rise to the top, like Tina Turner, Oprah Winfrey or Lucille Ball.