Darlene developed a true passion for all things web related after completing a web design program where she graduated with honors in 2001. In May 2008 she began producing A Virtual Perception, a podcast that highlights Virtual Assistants in many different phases of their business and provides business resources to the show’s listeners. The show was nominated for a Podcast Award in 2009 and 2010. She also shares her passion for all things audio and video related as a contributing writer for BusinessDarlings.com.
Finally, Darlene is a strong believer that you should do whatever you can to follow your dreams and make them a reality. At the age of 30, she did just that! She started college and two years later started her own business (a lifelong dream of hers). Now she likes to urge others to follow their dreams and provides inspiration through her website: InspirationtoGrowOn.com, which highlights inspirational stories from people fulfilling their dreams, striving to be the best they can be and motivating others to do the same.
I’ve been really inspired by Darlene’s story and the way she has followed her dreams, and I was excited to talk to her more about that.
Shelly Rachanow: Tell us about your website, Inspiration to Grow On.
Darlene Victoria Gonzalez: Inspiration to Grow On is a website that includes a collection of podcast interviews and blog interviews featuring stories from not only my own life, but stories from others as well. It is a site devoted to sharing the stories of people fulfilling their dreams, striving to be the best they can be and inspiring others to do the same.
Shelly Rachanow: What prompted you to begin Inspiration to Grow On?
I was diagnosed with kidney failure at the age of 21. Instead of feeling down and succumbing to what could have been a really dark time in my life, I fought back. I received a kidney transplant at the age of 22 and have been doing what I can to follow my dreams and life’s purpose. Inspiration to Grow On is a place on the web for anyone to come and share their story of inspiration, as well as get some inspiration when needed.
Shelly Rachanow: Who have been some of the biggest sources of inspiration in your life?
Darlene Victoria Gonzalez: My mother is my biggest source of inspiration, as well as support. She’s been by my side through thick and thin. She is also a strong woman who has been through her fair share of trials and tribulations (she is a breast cancer and uterine cancer survivor). Despite it all, she stands tall and remains an honest, caring and loving person. She is not only my mother, but my best friend.
Shelly Rachanow: You’ve experienced some challenges in your life, including spending much of the early part of your life in the hospital after being born prematurely. What inspiring words do you have for people who may be facing a health or other challenge at the moment?
Darlene Victoria Gonzalez: Always maintain a positive attitude, no matter what. My mother tells me that when I was in the hospital as a child, the nurses would bring me into the rooms of other patients to help cheer them up. Despite the circumstances, I was always happy and smiling. So, my best advice is to remain positive. I know at times it can be brutally hard, but being positive is what brought me through many tough times and I believe is one of the reasons I am here today.
Finally, whenever you can, share that positivity with others who surround you. It truly can be contagious!
Shelly Rachanow: Tell us a bit about your company, True Harmony Media, and how you are using your web and media skills to help businesses.
Darlene Victoria Gonzalez: Running my own business had been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. At the age of 30, I left my full-time job, started college and two years later started my business. At the time it was a virtual assistant business. A few months after opening my business, I started a business podcast. I had never created a podcast before, but I soon found that I loved everything about it. A funny thing then started to happen, people began to come to know me for my podcasts and I started getting inquiries for podcast and video editing assistance. I revamped my business model and began to consult with entrepreneurs and help them with their audio and video production needs. As of late, I am focusing more of my efforts on producing new podcast content and training materials for my audience.
Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?
Wow, that’s a big question. If I ran the world, everyone would have the job of their dreams. This would be accomplished by giving every working adult or teenager one paid week off each year to intern in their dream position. If they really like the dream position, they will then have the opportunity to get the education, mentorship, and resources needed to pursue their dream job.
Life is short; we spend most of that time working. We should be doing whatever it is that makes us the most happiest during those 8 hours each day (or more) of our lives.
To contact Darlene, email Darlene@yourtrueharmony.com or reach her on Twitter @darlenevictoria. You can also visit:
http://www.inspirationtogrowon.com/
http://www.avirtualperception.com/
http://www.foodiemuse.com/
http://www.yourtrueharmony.com/
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