This blog post series spotlights women entrepreneurs kicking butt in business. We all play so many roles in life that it can seem overwhelming to also run a business. I hope you find their success stories inspiring. Happy Marketing, Danielle
Danielle Talks with Non-Profit President Susan Noble
Looks like you’re managing an event business and a foundation. Tell us about Epilepsy Warriors and Blessed Events. What makes these entities unique?
The Epilepsy Warriors is a 501c3 Non-Profit I started in May of 2011 for those children and families that suffer from Epilepsy and Seizures. It was started after finding that parents of those children or family member’s that suffer were lacking support and resources in the local community’s one of which was my own community in Southwest Florida.
I really had no intention of starting a foundation but after starting a Facebook group page watching it grow in a matter of days months connecting with other parents especially those that had lost a child to seizures I felt that this was something much more. It’s hard to explain but this strong feeling came over me that kept telling me I needed to do this. The more I pushed the idea out of my head the stronger the calling was. I felt that God was calling on me so I answered his call. Best call I ever answered.
Blessed Events-The Gift of Giving was started as a way to raise money for my foundation’s expenses because it bothered me that after doing some fundraising events for my foundation I had to take money from what we raised to help pay for administrative and event needs. It made me feel like I was taking away from those that needed and that’s not what I wanted for the foundation. The money we raise through fundraising, donations received I want to go to the families for things they need and for epilepsy resources that are needed in the local communities.
I have always made a big deal out of Birthdays especially those in my own family, so I decided, to take my love of planning parties and turn it into a way that would benefit the foundation. We do Children’s Birthday Parties for kids with special needs and without, but also celebrate life’s special moments too such as Baby Showers/Gender Reveal, Christenings, Baptisms, Dedications and Children’s holiday parties because every day is a reason to celebrate the gifts and blessings of the child.
What makes them unique is that the foundation is there to help those with epilepsy and special needs we won’t turn away any family or person with a special need. Yes the foundation is for Epilepsy and we raise funds for Epilepsy research and resources but so many of these kids have other challenges as well or possibly a sibling with a totally different need I feel compelled to be there for all. Blessed Events is unique in such a way as that it allows for some fun and a stress reliever for the parents when it comes to planning their child’s birthday. When you are the parent of a special needs child or even a busy working Mom or parent it’s hard to plan and get everything done so we take that stress from you by planning it for you based on what theme and needs you and your child wishes. You are not only getting a fun and great party but your helping to support a great cause as well.
Sometimes in order to find solutions to business problems, we need to step away from business. Can you recall a time when taking time off helped your business?
When you run a foundation it’s hard to take time off especially when you are it being that we are so fairly new and I am not quite in the position financially to hire an Executive Director everything we do is done by me so it’s not that simple to take time off. I do take a month at the Holiday time of year for family and friends that is important to me and I find it to be such a welcome relief because it gives me time to re-charge myself. We all need that little re-charge of our own batteries every now and then or we lose steam. I also try to take time off in the summer months to just relax and catch up on personal matters and tasks that need to be done.
Taking time off helps your business because you come back feeling fresh, ready to tackle what is next on the agenda and without feeling stressed overwhelmed with what needs to be done. It allows you to clear your mind and opens your eyes to what is important and what you can live without.
What were two big investments you’ve made in your business? Were they worth it?
The biggest investment I put into my businesses was I used my own money and savings. I have put all my money into getting my foundation up and running but also my party styling business. Some have called me crazy and maybe I am a little but to me it’s worth it because for the first time in my life I am loving what I do. I worked in the corporate sector for years loved it but this is my passion this is where my heart truly is no matter how much criticism and negativity I get and trust me I do its worth it because to me helping others serving God and doing what he needs for me to do is more important and means more than anything others think and feel about me. This is not about me it’s about the Children, the families and being a blessing to those in need. This is my purpose this is his plan for me.
What brings you happiness? This can be something in your business or personal life.
The children bring me so much joy and happiness knowing that I make a little difference in their lives or the lives of their parents is what brings me happiness. There is nothing I want more than to be able to know that one day because of all the amazing organizations and advocates for Epilepsy that we will find that cure. It may not happen in my lifetime but it will happen.
Epilepsy is 24/7 365 days a year. SUDEP (Sudden Death Due to Epilepsy) accounts for 10% of all Epilepsy-related deaths; 85% of these fatalities occur between the ages of 20 -50.
SUDEP incidence is approximately 1 in 1000 people with Epilepsy annually-more than 10 times the sudden death rate found in the general population. Happiness to me is THE CURE!!!!
I also find great happiness in the party business watching children celebrate everything special about them, the milestones they accomplish, it’s the little things in life that mean so much two of my favorite quotes about being happy is “God doesn’t bless us just to make us happy; He blesses us to make us a blessing.” “To be happy, you must be your own sunshine”
In my personal life what makes me happy is being surrounded by those who lift me up not bring me down, good friends, and just the pure enjoyment of my life.
About Susan
As President and Founder of the Epilepsy Warriors Susan Noble is striving to reach as many people within the local communities to help educate and bring an end to the stigma of Epilepsy. It takes team work. It involves supporting each other in all efforts. It means showing the world that Epilepsy is worth researching, fighting for, and funding. We are all fighting for a CURE for our children and those “Living with Epilepsy” every day. We are a new foundation one with a passionate vision. This vision will light our path, and guide us towards our goals of “enlightening, empowering and curing.”
Susan and her family reside part time in Fort Myers, Florida otherwise known as her little slice of paradise and her hometown of Chicago, Illinois. For more information on Epilepsy go to www.epilepsywarriors.org and for Blessed Events-The Gift of Giving go to www.blessedeventsil.org
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Thank you so very much for not only helping me spread awareness about Epilepsy but the opportunity to share my journey and tell my story. Can’t thank you enough Danielle!
It’s my pleasure Susan! I’m so happy to share your story and your mission.