How Are You Building Your Portfolio?

I am excited to be a guest speaker at Kustom Kreation Photography & Celebration Décor’s Portfolio & Perspective event this weekend!  It is an opportunity for event designers and planners to come be inspired, create beautiful styled shoots and have them professionally photographed.

The host Elisha Akram is a divinely talented Atlanta based photographer who has helped hundreds of brands create stunning portfolios and branding images.  She has definitely polished up my portfolio!  My branding Empower Hour photo and new headshots for this blog were taken and designed by her – isn’t she fabulous!  

It will be a fun day of flowing in your creative gifts, connecting with those who love the elements of a magnificent event and having your work photographed by different photographers.  It is also nice to see the different perspectives that are captured through the different lenses as well as the tables that are created by the different event planners.

I’m excited to be a part of this creative day and to help empower the attendees to remember to make their self-care a priority when they are pouring into others.  We are constantly evolving and changing and it is good to constantly check in with yourself and your brand.  We can get caught up in social media and what others are doing or get so busy and worn down that we forget our own creative spirit and our why. 

Praying for a blessed event and that God will also help me build my own portfolio to speak more and empower others with my story, journey and wisdom!  I am also excited to style the Mimosa Bar at the event to remind the attendees to celebrate and to take time to toast their gifts and every aspect of their journey.  I created Empower Her, Inc. to combine my love of event planning and my desire to empower women and girls through amazing events. So fun to get back into the things that I love after taking time out to take care of myself and my family.

Cheers to tapping into the creativity that flows from God and to building polished and beautiful portfolios!

By Kara Norman- Empower Her, Inc.

Cheers to Spring!

We’ve come through a cozy season of hibernation and hopefully we are feeling restored and rejuvenated to welcome spring and a brand new quarter!

Here are a few tips to help you spring forward:

• Refresh your mind!  Mediation is a daily reset to your mind, body and spirit. Simple Five minute meditations are perfect ways to reset your mind and get aligned with your spirit. Oprah and Deepak Chopra just launched another free 21-day mediation series that focuses on Shedding the Weight of the Mind Body and Spirt. Sign up today – they are only on Day 2 so still time to catch up!https://chopracentermeditation.com

• Refresh your sleep!  What’s the single most important thing you can do to start each day with more energy, optimism, and freedom?  Getting better sleep!  I am so excited that one of my favorite wellness experts, Latham Thomas, is launching a new series of mediations focused on reclaiming deep and truly restorative rest.  Her complete audio program called Beditations is designed to show us how to reboot ourselves and help us get grounded, present and centered, sleep better, and recharge our physical, cognitive, and spiritual reserves.  I can use more siestas in my life! You can pre-order your copy today by visiting this link:https://www.soundstrue.com/store/latham-thomas.html 

• Refresh routines - Break up the boring routines of life and get some spontaneity going! Try a different class at your gym that is way out of your comfort zone or take out a map of your state and pick a random place to visit for a quick day trip.  Self-Care is also a great area to shake things up and put yourself at the top of your list of priorities.  What would you love to do but too scared to try? Grab a friend and give it a shot!

• Refresh your health – Pay closer attention to how your body feels and listen to your intuition. This is a perfect time to schedule that yearly physical and put your health first! Now that the days are longer and things are warming up let’s get moving and on the path to wellness!

Happy first week of Spring! Cheers to clearing your mind, cleansing your soul and rebooting for the new season!

By Kara Norman- Empower Her, Inc.

Wakanda Forever!

I saw Black Panther over the weekend and all I can say is WOW! Such a beautiful and empowering film!  I don’t think I have ever been so proud to be in my beautiful black skin before. Seeing it with my daughter was also priceless. I loved how empowered and strong  the female characters were in the film and that all of the science, technology and innovation in the story line was driven by woman!  

Wonderful messages throughout the movie. I left the theater wishing that I lived in Wakanda. I realize it’s not a real place but I wonder how we can create a Wakanda world in our own homes and communities.  Feeling like royalty in the everyday experiences of life. (I would love to get my hands on the beautiful costumes in the film!!!! ) Raising our sons and daughters to take pride in themselves and to serve the world in bigger ways.  Getting more involved in our communities that need help and support.  I have always wanted to start a empowerment center for women and girls. I need to revisit that dream for sure! Are there dreams that you have pushed away that needed to be dusted off?

This film has definitely created a shift and opened our eyes to what is possible. I think we all needed this during a time with so much division and pain. I’m looking forward to what will come out of this new energy and spirit that is being ushered in with this movie. Let’s get busy making a Wakanda like world our reality. 

Wakanda Forever!

Kara Norman - Founder of Empower Her Inc.   

Friday Inspiration- Keep Your Head To the Sky!

Nice Friday Inspiration -  Optimistic 

Great Remake! 

Empower Hour with Kara Norman -The Power Of Our Thoughts

The Power Of Our Thoughts- By Kara Norman

I found this book last week that I had forgotten. I also found this queen ornament for my tree that same day as well. I then came across this poem in my Facebook memory the following day. I’m on a journey of self care and healing. It’s amazing the power of our thoughts, energy, meditation and prayer what you can draw to yourself.  Take some time today to use the power of your thoughts and prayers to draw more beautiful things into your life. 

I found this book last week that I had forgotten. I also found this queen ornament for my tree that same day as well. I then came across this poem in my Facebook memory the following day. I’m on a journey of self care and healing. It’s amazing the power of our thoughts, energy, meditation and prayer what you can draw to yourself.  Take some time today to use the power of your thoughts and prayers to draw more beautiful things into your life. 

I hope this poem helps someone stand a lot taller today! 

One Flaw In Women-Poem (Author Unknown)

By the time the Lord made woman, 
He was into his sixth day of working overtime...
An angel appeared and said, 
"Why are you spending so much time on this one?" 
And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her? 
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, 
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, 
have a lap that can hold four children at one time, 
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything
with only two hands." 

The angel was astounded at the requirements. 
"Only two hands!? No way! 
And that's just on the standard model? 
That's too much work for one day. 
Wait until tomorrow to finish."

But I won't," the Lord protested. 
"I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. 
She already heals herself when she is sick
AND can work 18 hour days"

The angel moved closer and touched the woman. 
"But you have made her so soft, Lord."
"She is soft," the Lord agreed, 
"but I have also made her tough. 
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."

"Will she be able to think?" asked the angel.
The Lord replied, 
"Not only will she be able to think, 
she will be able to reason and negotiate."

The angel then noticed something, 
and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. 
"Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. 
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."

"That's not a leak," 
the Lord corrected, 
"that's a tear!" 
"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.

The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, 
her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, 
her loneliness, her grief and her pride." 
The angel was impressed. 
"You are a genius, Lord. 
You thought of everything! 
Woman is truly amazing"

And she is! 
Women have strengths that amaze men. 
They bear hardships and they carry burdens, 
but they hold happiness, 
love and joy. 
They smile when they want to scream. 
They sing when they want to cry. 
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous. 
They fight for what they believe in. 
They stand up to injustice. 
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution. 
They go without so their family can have. 
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. 
They love unconditionally. 
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards. 
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. 
Their hearts break when a friend dies. 
They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. 
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart. 
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. 
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you. 
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. 
They bring joy, hope and love. 
They have compassion and ideals. 
They give moral support to their family and friends. 
Women have vital things to say and everything to give. 
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, 
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH. 

PLEASE pass this post along to all your women friends and relatives to remind them just how amazing they truly are.

Kara Norman

www.empowerherinc.com

Empower Hour with Kara Norman- A Woman & Her spirit!

Stay tuned for our Bi-weekly power hour of positivity with Kara Norman! 

Empower Hour with Kara Norman- Drop the Ball

Halloween has come and gone and left me with a new perspective on parenthood and my journey as a woman moving through my life.  See for me this was my first year not rushing home to get my daughters ready to trick or treat. I have a sophomore in college and an 8th grader in middle school.  This year my youngest daughter had other plans that involved her going home with a friend and trick or treating in a neighborhood other than my own. I woke up on Halloween morning to a page full of past Facebook Halloween memories.  As I scrolled through the memories filled with snaggletooth smiles and dozens of costumes between the two of them over the years, my heart sank.  Where had the time gone?

I fought crazy traffic after leaving work and came home to a quiet house.  My husband had picked up candy for the trick or treaters earlier that day. It was my first time being home to greet the trick or treaters as I always took the girls out and hubby stayed behind.  It was so quiet and empty. I texted my youngest to see how things were going and reminded her that I needed to see a picture at least.  I checked in with college girl to see what her plans were and I received a selfie of her with the caption “I am a tired college student #spooky”.   This new normal is very hard at times for sure.  I hugged my hubby for comfort and we settled in to welcome the trick or treaters.  My dog comes around the corner and  I had a light bulb moment and found a costume that I picked up a few years ago and wrestled him down to take a few pictures.  He was not happy, but I felt so much better. 

As the evening went along I got to see all the little neighborhood kids at the door and the proud parents.  I reflected on my experiences with my girls and I realized that I tried to do too much and was often not fully present for many wonderful moments.  I was that busy super mom juggling a million things.  In our country, we fought hard for women’s rights over the past decades to be equal to men.  I think we swung way too far over to the other side.  We have this new badge of honor that we wear that is celebrated when we are slaying it as women, crushing goals and the myth that we can have it all.   All the while we are more sick, tired, depressed and not living in the moment.  Yesterday was a huge reminder of the importance of being in the present, taking things off our plates and slowing down as women and especially moms.  I never thought of the day my girls would become more independent or the day they would leave the nest. 

This past year of transition has left me feeling lost, filled with anxiety, depressed, unmotivated and just not myself. I am in the process of healing, practicing more self-care and redefining who I am as a woman now that my roles are changing.  I look back and realized all the balls I had in the air are not as important as the quality time spent with my kids when I was not super stressed, worn out or distracted.  Yesterday was a reminder that we are constantly evolving and change is happening all around us.  On this week’s Empower Hour I want to remind everyone to drop a few balls every day that you are trying to juggle to make room to fully embrace the special moments in life!

Here are some great tools to learn to do less, be more present and drop more balls:

• Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less: by Tiffany Dufu
• Own Your Glow – A Soulful Guide to Luminous Living and Crowing the Queen Within:  by Latham Thomas
• Oprah & Deepak Chopra Making Every Moment Matter 21 Day Mediation Series (https://chopracentermeditation.com)

Celebrate Life Every day!

Empower Hour with Kara Norman!

Reflections of Foundation of Strength! 

Remembering my grandmother’s legacy today on her birthday. So important to tap into the strength of the amazing women that came before me and make me who I am today!#mylegacy #heritage

I posted this about her in 2013:
Today is my Grandmother's birthday, she passed away a few days after President Obama was elected. I remember calling her the next day after he was elected and she was so proud to have lived to see that day! On this day, I miss her terribly, but know that she is so proud of me in Heaven. She was a STRONG woman of faith and I feel her prayers carrying me through life now. I think I get some of my empowerment spirit from her. She attended Clark Atlanta University at a time when women were not going to college, she even majored in math! She told me that she remembered seeing Mary Mckeod Bethune and W.E.B Dubois on her campus teaching classes! I also remember learning that after my grandmother retired she used to teach a woman in her 70s how to read once a week! She was also an empowered mom raising 6 children in a very difficult time. My grandmother taught elementary school when schools were integrated many years ago. Could you imagine being a teacher in that classroom on that day! Thank you Grandma Lucy for leaving such a beautiful and strong legacy and thank you God for giving me such a wonderful role model and support system for so many years!

This scripture came in my spirit this morning "I can do ALL things in Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13. I immediately thought about my Grandma Lucy who was a strong woman of faith and wisdom. She raised 6 children and endured many trials. She always had a open bible on her bed until the end. Today I felt her strength that no matter how hard and challenging things are you must have your faith to triumph through it all.

Thank you Grandma for passing down one of the best gifts a family can receive..FAITH!

Have a faith filled Day Everyone! 

Ancestral Prayer- Taken From Own you Glow - Latham Thomas! 

"Light a candle and sit in silence. Ask for guidance as you tune in to the silence. Start to speak to you ancestors silently or out loud"

I honor my unique gifts, talents and powers. I come from a strong and powerful people. I release the baggage and ancestral wounds that have been past on to me. I will turn the pain and struggle of my past into purpose. I celebrate the freedom that I have because of sacrifices made before me. I promise to honor my lineage and live out my truth. I bow to the legacy that gave rise to me. Through my thoughts and actions, I pave the path for a legacy I will leave behind"

Be Empowered! 

Peace Be Still

Peace Be Still... 
in a chaotic World a prayer for Peace will serve the earth just right.

Labor Day True Confessions - Do the Work!

Labor Day True Confessions: "It's All Good until It's time to do the Work" - I love planning thinking & creating and so much more... I have notebooks filled with ideas on top of ideas!!! It's so much fun to even plan every detail in my imagination... and then it's time to put your thoughts in motion and that's when the real work begins... and those ideas stay tucked away in the beautiful inspiring notebook that I have so many of.... Then there are days that I'm reminded.. you then have a choice is this going to be a figment of my imagination or we going to make this real by putting in the work... Here's to Making small steps to the bigger picture! - 

Books are Magic

Reading Books can most definitely change how you'r feeling. I love how Christina Paschal explained at the recent Pretty Girls Read Book Club Meeting how Books are magic Take a look here!

Dreams Goals & Vision - Free Download

We are 6 months into 2017! How are you holding up with your goals for the year or your new year resolutions. In six months we know life is happening all around us and sometimes we may have to restart!  Here is a Free Vision Guide Download... We got six months to write it down and make it happen. Get ready Set and Download!!!! Let's Do this!!! 

Download your Free Goal & Vision Guide Here!

I am Mother!

Download a Free printable copy here to hang up as a constant reminder of your Super woman capabilities... I am Mother! 

A Poem for Mom!

In honor of Mother's Day Weekend... We decided to post one of our poems written many years ago.. Enjoy! 

Copyright 2004

When Life Gives You Lemons...

Go for the Goal!

Some days you have to encourage yourself. Using affirmation and images that will assist you on life's journey. All days are not cupcakes smile and rainbows.. even tho in the mist of a storm you wish for that. Remember your why and use words and images to change your spirit and energy and Go for it!!! You can do! 

Life is a Gift!

Life is a Gift ! 

Have a Blessed Day & Week! 

Happy Feet!

Hope your day has been a great one! 

Remembering Yesterday-Footsteps on My Heart Dinner Party

#TBT2012 

Footsteps all my heart and intimate dinner party with friends it all came about during a visit to Tierra Destiny's consignment shop. We were finishing up our visit and  as I was leaving she was telling me that she would love to do something special for her closest friends. Being passionate about creating special events and decor she and I begin throwing out some ideas and just like that we confirm an event just a few shorts months away. The title of the event came directly from the conversation as Tierra was telling me of these close friends that created footsteps on her heart! Eureka!!!! That is it!!! That is the title of the event.. and everything else will represent that!!! Footsteps on my heart, Once the concept of design was developed when then incorporated favorite color palette.This celebration would be like no other because it was truly created from the heart. We decided on a catered  sit down dinner. Tierra secured venue and catering from Aj's Catering Atlanta which in the least did not disappoint! Tierra giving me full rain of planning this event! Layout and design with added touches to make the guest feel special. we chose her favorite color purple with cheetah print with a hint of turquiose blue.

We announce the event in style with customize party invites!   When the day arrives the table was set and a seven course meal was served it was a beautiful celebration of food fellowship and love a few tears were  shed as Tierra explained the reason for the day and took time to write each lady a hand written note explaining how and why they place a footsteps on her heart. 

This celebration to date is one for me to remember due to the heart felt nature of why and how it was created! From time to time we should incorporate small gestures to the people that we love respect and admire and let them know how they placed a footstep on our hearts! 

Tierra Destiny- www.tierradestinyreid.com

Aj's Catering Atlanta- 678.773.3458  View work here!

Dinner collection/Design/Setup  The Kustom Shop- www.thekustomshop4u.com 

Social Event Photography- www.kustomkreations4u.com 

To You From Me with Love

"Everything in Creation Serves a Purpose" I am thankful to my service to others. Woke up this morning full of gratitude. During a recent training class we had the opportunity to work with students to capture images of their event design work as well as providing them with head shot images that they can utilize for business and personal. Today when I logged on to our social media platforms we were tagged in several post from some of the attendees that were using images they received. Overwhelmed by the love, I found myself just full of gratitude to use my services, creativity and gifts to assist in servicing others. We are truly passionate about the work we do and the service we provide.

You can learn more about our photography service and the work we provide. Just take a look around our home!  We love servicing small business and entrepreneurs assisting in creative lifestyle brand images that can be shared online and across all of your social media platforms. We also provide creative product photography. Giving concepts and idea displays to your product images.