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Cheers to you both and the work you do to serve and build community in its truest sense. Bringing people together who are not alike in culture and being of service to help people build networks that share resources and skills.

Your work matters.

It’s been a little over a year since I began working with Liz Feldman at Midway via Portland State Business Outreach Program. Her guidance and questions led me to answer a deeply personal question of what to do next with my business. Personal because I had invested all my income and savings into creating a business that succeeded on so many levels. When I was introduced to this program I needed to look at information my company presented on paper.  And ask myself, is this what I really want to do for the cost and energy. At the same time I began seeking more information about the true cost of “sustainable fashion” and realizing that the fast fashion industry is not where/wear I want to be.

I’ll never forget the day I knew things were about to change for my business and that I was ready to let it shift: it was the day after our 2016 presidential election. Liz and I looked at numbers, I literally puked in the bathroom, and had some silent tears fall. I knew my answer and I got to share this vulnerable moment with a wise and kind with my advisor Liz Feldman. As a business owner and creator, I have loved my business like a baby. Like an honest first-time parent I had no idea what I was doing or how to raise my baby business. I have been blessed with amazing support and tools in the Portland community. But, honestly, the work I have done at Midway with Liz has been the best support of all.

Liz has an eye for detail and an ear for hearing and interpreting where others are coming from. I trust Liz to tell me what I need to hear and not what I want to hear about my business plan/journey . Her brilliance and integrity teach and encourage me to lead similarly.

I believe that success should be measured by the lives we touch and positively affect. Your organization is a success and force for good. I’m excited to see what the future brings working with Midway. I hope to give back to your organization as much as you have given me.

Your workshops have led me to great community connections and services.

Thank you!

Thank you!!

Thank you!!!

xoxoxo

PS

Here’s a link to my podcast:

Love Talks

https://soundcloud.com/user-873839522/episode-1-why-love-talks

Anna Van Tol
503-227-3237
Creative Director of Love Talks Podcast
Love Art Coordinator

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