Bohemian Biz Spotlight

When Glenda first inquired about being in the spotlight on the "Free to be Bohemian Me" blog she wanted her spotlight to be more about her cause and not about her. Well I think Glenda's cause is super special and it says a lot about who she is as a person. Glenda Harrison is the Founder of A Daughter's Heart, Inc., which is a Not-for-profit organization that delivers comfort, encouragement, and support to women diagnosed with cancer. Her organization has grown since 2008 and now reaches over 400 women each year! In her bio it states that she has often been quoted in saying "It is my hope that women will never stop loving themselves, even when the fight is strong." Anyone whose business savvy is to help those in need is definitely considered a Bohemian Spirit in my book! Read more about Glenda and the great work she does below...Enjoy!

1. I won't ask your age, but what was your favorite t.v. show to watch growing up? 

I don't mind sharing my age. I'm a very proud 45 year old! I feel better both physically and emotionally than I did in my 20's and 30's. I'm one of the few women in this world who refuses to dye my hair. I love my silver strands. As a matter of fact, I think they enhance my wardrobe. I wear alot of silver jewelry and it looks great with my silver hair : ). But to answer your question, I remember a silly little puppet show that I adored called H.R. Puff and Stuff; and Captain Kangaroo.

2.  What gave you the AUDACITY to start a business?

Hmmm, to be say the word audacious is saying that one was quite brave in pursuing. I wasn't brave at all. As I matter of fact, I never considered launching a not-for-profit until I lost my mother to cancer. So, no, it wasn't bravery but a broken heart.

3. Out of all the creative businesses you could have chosen to start, why did you choose A Daughter's Heart?

I didn't choose A Daughter's Heart, A Daughter's Heart chose me. At the age of 28, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and was given 6 months to live. Prior to my mother's illness, we shared very fond mother and daughter moments that I didn't want to expire just because my time with her was coming to an end. My mother was a very attactive woman that took great care of herself physically and spiritually. The cancer treatments were very cruel to her physically...hair loss, weight loss and so many other dreadful symptoms that changed my mothers physical appearance. However, in spite of what she had to endure, my mother's spirit remained beautiful. The slogan/motto for A Daughter's Heart is: "If you have to fight cancer...Fight it beautifully!" is birthed from what I experienced with my mother. I learned that true beauty has nothing to do with ones outer self because we know how quickly ones looks can be stolen; but everything to do with ones spirit...something that cannot be taken from you.

Since my mother's passing in 1995, I had wanted to do something for women with cancer. In the summer of 2008, I began to ponder the direction of my life. I was working as a fashion/style columnist for a local newspaper (my background and education is from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising). I thought that writing about fashion and style was my dream, but that 2008 summer, my focus began to change and God whispered in my ear the carefully laid plans to launch A Daughter's Heart. When I began to tell persons about what I wanted to do, the response was very supportive and people in my circle of friends, and beyond, began to offer their expertise and support. We're now moving into our 3rd year of service and have reached over 350 women fighting cancer with our Love Pouch at our partner hospitals: Methodist Hospital and Loma Linda University Medical Center and many women in the USA. The Love Pouch is a special gift we provide to women with cancer that includes items that will comfort their spirit/soul, mind and body while they're on that cancer journey.

4. Lots of people want to be their own boss, however they don't understand that it really Is harder then it seems. What's your typical work day like?

(LOL) Typical. I don't have a typical day. Ok, lets see. I start my day at 5:45am with a morning workout. Then I get myself and family ready for work/school. Everyday is a day of something unique. I could have a day of endless phone calls and emails that need to be answered; Receiving shipments of donations and items for the Pouches; Preparing for Board of Directors Meetings; Organizing our community service days called Loving Ful-fill-ment Day; And the year long process of organizing our Annual Fundraiser called Jazz to the Heart; and continual prayer...thank goodness there is a Pastor on the Board : ). I have four calendars that keep me on point. I try to not work on Fridays and weekends and had to create office hours of Monday - Thursday from 9am - 3pm, but because of the nature of what I do, that changes from time to time. Especially when I receive a phone call from a woman with cancer, or someones friend or family member just needing to talk.

5. How do you find the strength to persevere when the challenges seem to outweigh the rewards?

I gain my strength from seeing the smiles; or the look in the eyes; or hearing the reports from women who have been touched by our service.

6. What inspires you?

Who inspired me: My mother. What inspires me: Conversations with people who have great ideas and make them happen.

7. What's your go to wine when it's time to unwind? :)

 A tall class of Coke Classic with alot of crushed ice : )

8. When it comes to the following words, what advice would you give?

Work: Never let work elude you. 

Self: Get yourSELF out of the way.

Life: Life is short so enjoy it.

Love: If you know God you know Love.

Friends: I have many friends for different areas of my life: shopping, lunching, business advice, spiritual council. I wouldn't try to interchange them - they are who they are.

9. I define a Bohemian Spirit as someone who is free, unique, and unafraid to make her own stamp on the world. Why are you a Bohemian Spirit?  

While persons told me to work behind a cubical for the rest of my life, I chose to bring LIFE to women who need it most.

 Glenda K. Harrison

A Daughter's Heart, Inc.

www.adaughtersheart.org  

http://adhblossom.blogspot.com/

A bedside cancer support service/ministry that partners with hospitals to bring comfort, hope and life to women fighting cancer.

* If you are interested in being in the Spotlight please email me at bohemianspiritjewelry{at}gmail{dot}com.

be free,

Myisha