Ktown.. Building the Empire!

Yesterday was my 3rd day at One Spark and I spent it again with the videographer Michael shooting interviews. Being in the midst of this amazing festival without my phone (I broke it the 1st day of the festival and awaiting the insurance replacement) has been a struggle but its also been a bit freeing. I've had some great conversations with Michael, met so many random people and more which I really think is a result of me not having a phone to occupy my time. I'm not distracted with updating fb or checking tweets; instead I am striking up conversations with random people, catching all the dance performances, tasting new foods and more. I honestly feel like I may have missed out on some of these things with the distraction of my phone. Yes I do want to take photos and keep everyone much more up to date on One Spark but I'm choosing to focus on the positive here and know that I'm a part of something awesome so I have to pay attention! Really I just want to say please open...

After completing my second day at One Spark I am both thrilled and exhausted. Today I worked with a videographer named Michael conducting interviews and we spoke to several creators and some of Jacksonville's top figures. The one thing that stood out the most to me today was the bond that all of these people have created in such a short time. These creators are all vying for their "chunk" of the crowdfund yet they are all supporting each other! I don't think I spoke with a single creator today that didn't mention how awesome another one was! In a world of competition, greed and corruption how exhilarating it was to see such a brotherhood forming out there. These are connections that will be long-lasting and are directly the result of the One Spark Festival! After eating a great pulled pork sandwich from one of the mobile food trucks I watched an amazing dance performance in front of the library and I actually teared up as I took in not only due to the beautiful pe...

Yesterday was everything I had hoped it would be and more... Being in a city so big and so spread out I have seen on countless occasions some amazing events that weren't packed out as they should be. I was excited about today, I told all my friends, shared it on twitter, fb, instagram and more. I'd have whole conversations with complete strangers all the time about what One Spark is and what it means for our city. I checked into my shift around 2pm yesterday. There were several familiar volunteers faces that I've met recently on this journey. Everyone was getting situated and sent to their destinations, they were all smiling, excited and eager to help. Everyone has that buzz, that feeling that this is something awesome for us all and we are all thrilled to be a part of the very 1st one ever. I ended up manning the video camera for Kinnetic in front of the Hemming Plaza Pitch Deck which was also where the opening celebration took place. Several creators took to the stage to ...

So those that follow my facebook page and/or read my last blog already know how excited I am about One Spark! This is going to be an amazing festival and I am proud to have been apart of it in so many aspects already and looking forward to everything thats to come. I worked as Customer Service today helping check in creators and passing out information about the festival. I originally signed up for a 4.5hr shift but enjoyed the people I was meeting and helping so much that I stayed an extra 3 hours. That is how pumped I am. I think we all have to take time and CONTRIBUTE to our city. So many want to complain about what we don't have that they don't appreciate what we do have and what we COULD have if we all just tried a little harder. This is a huge spread out city and we all know people here like to stick to their "side of town" but if we all helped build downtown we have that central location to claim as THE spot to go! So instead of sitting there on the computer co...

Last night I went to my first training sessions to volunteer for One Spark. I was already excited about this event but being in the room while it was discussed amongst everyone really got me pumped! I am disappointed though that so many have yet to even hear of One Spark so I thought I'd take to my blog and fill you all in a little bit on what is is, how it will change the game *in my opinion, of course* and how amazing  it is that we are fortunate to host it right here in Jacksonville, FL AKA Duval! One Spark is the world's FIRST ever crowdfunding festival and it will be FREE to attend. There has never been an event like this. The festival is being described as a mixture of kickstarter.com, ArtPrize in Grand Rapids and SXSW in Austin. If you are familiar with all of those it helps but if not let me break it down for you a little better. From April 17 at 3pm to April 21 at 12pm the entire downtown area of Jacksonville, FL will become a non-stop festival of innovation, creat...

Sometimes I feel like a volcano on the verge of erupting.. the thoughts and emotions that can swirl around inside this head and I always pick and choose what I release and what I hold onto. Don't get me wrong, I am not one to bite my tongue at all BUT I am what I call a consequential thinker. Before I say or do anything I try to think out the response/repercussions. This often means that instead of doing what could be in my best interest at the time I weigh it out and go for the long term results, usually thinking of others before myself... often times this leaves me with a lot of unsaid thoughts and unmade motions... I usually say I am going to do better at this and start just doing what I want but reality is I care too much, I want too much and I think way too much. Problem is I am guessing here.. I only think I know what will happen if I say what I want or do what I want so in reality the only person holding me back is ME. My own fears of moving forward, my own fears of things...

I just wanted to jump on here and wish all of my readers and fans a very happy new year! Hopefully you all kicked it off in the right frame of mind, surrounded by the right set of people with the right goals in mind. To truly get the year started off on the right foot you have to have yourself in the position to actually achieve all the goals you have set for yourself. Break each thing down and see whats required to get it accomplished, follow your own steps and keep track of your progress. When we can actually see the growth that you've made in your plans it encourages you to keep moving forward because you know you can get it accomplished plus it can motivate you to try even harder and excel even more. We are responsible for our own thoughts and our own actions. Stop letting the emotional turmoil of others around you prevent you from being the person you were created to be. Setbacks will always arise but its how you chose to handle them that determines the winners from the loser...