On this episode I am joined by Andre Luper, owner and creator of The Camp Sport and Recreation in Sherman, Texas. On the surface, The Camp is a boxing gym where children and adults come to work out and learn to box. That alone would make a great business but The Camp is more than just a gym, it is a ministry within the community. Andre shares with us how the Lord continues to redeem his life by calling him to something more, something that is bigger than the life he leads. Years ago, when Andre caught sight of the vision that the Lord had for his life, he was unsure what it meant. He felt like God was calling him to take the difficult times he had growing up, the wrong choices he made and the benefit he saw when he joined the Marines and share those lessons with others living similar lives. But this vision was so far beyond what Andre thought he could do, he put it aside. Fast forward a few years and he receives that same vision on his heart again and he knows it is time to say "yes". Not because the Lord had presented a complete business plan with a timeline and financing all worked out, but because he knows that when the Lord calls you to it, He will walk you through it. Now Andre had to tell his sons and help them understand it will require sacrifice from them all.

While we don't always get to see the results of our obedience to the Lord's call in this life, this is not the case for Andre Luper and the other coaches at The Camp. Everyday they are witness to the positive impact that love, discipline and respect for others can have on the lives our young people. Andre isn't just their coach, he is someone that has made a commitment to them to be in their lives, to show them a better way, to teach them self-discipline and hold them accountable for their choices. Andre works together with the families and the schools so that these young people are surrounded by adults who are all rooting for them.

I was so impressed with the way Andre, his manager Lucy and his wife spoke about their commitment to these children and the hard work that each child puts into the program. There is such a need in our community for programs like The Camp Sport and Recreation and even though they keep the monthly membership cost low, not everyone can afford to attend The Camp. Andre even works extra jobs to be able to afford as many scholarship members as possible. Here is where we come in... We can spread the word about the good work being done at The Camp and we can support them financially. Below is the contact information for The Camp Manager, Lucy. She will answer all the questions you have about donating money to help sponsor a child to attend The Camp. There is also a boxing tournament coming up February 11th at 2pm at Mt. Olive Baptist Church where you can see the Legends that are Created at The Camp.

Latricia "Lucy" Lagway

The Camp Manager

682-331-3434

https://www.facebook.com/thecampsports

You know that little heart explosion feeling you get when you see something and you are so inspired you gasp? That was my experience when I saw Nicole Thomsen's Facebook post for a hat she created that was inspired by her grandmother. It took my breath away! The post was about the woman who inspired the hat. I hadn't see the hat yet but I loved the picture of her grandmother, Elle Rotza, so elegant and timeless with an air of complete self confidence; the story Nicole told of how her grandmother would let her mix a "baby pink" drink for herself when they spent time together with a wink not to tell her mom. My heart instantly went to how special those memories must be. Then I saw the hat... it was exactly what I would expect it to be! The embellishments were so colorful and well put together with beautiful fabric pieces, gold chains, smokin' hot playing card, a feather and more. I could go on and on about the hats Nicole designs, they make my heart smile. I instantly wanted to invite her into the podcast studio so I could get a glimpse into her creative process. We had such a great time chatting about creativity, storytelling and doing what you love. You can find Mad Mag's & Hatter Company on IG @mad.mags.co and in person at Rae of Sunshine 110 S Fannin Ave in Denison Texas.

https://www.instagram.com/mad.mags.co/

https://www.raeofsunshinecollective.com/

I am a badass... Who knew? Certainly not me. I often feel supremely under qualified to own a business, much less three! I was feeling overwhelmed by the blessings I have been given and the fear of not living up to the responsibility of sharing these blessings with others. That is why the intention I set for myself this year is to seek (and hopefully find) Clarity. This spring I had the opportunity to attend a Soul Business Retreat for creative female entrepreneurs. Going into the retreat, I was preparing myself to receive the clarity I needed to decide which business to let go of in service of the other. I felt heartbroken, but saw no other way. Having had this opportunity to surround myself with other creative women, all seeking a soul nourishing way to do business, was nourishing to my soul. The clarity, wisdom and vulnerability shared by these women and the hosts, Kelly Rae Roberts and Beth Kempton, went beyond inspiring. I came to understand that because of who I am and the experience I have, I am supremely qualified to own my businesses, in all their forms. They are not separate entities, each one vying for my attention, but are actually extensions of who I am that I get to share with others. The BIG TAKE AWAY for me was that life is not a balancing act, it is a harmony with occasional dissonance thrown in to keep things interesting.

https://dowhatyouloveforlife.com/

https://bethkempton.com/retreat/

https://www.kellyraeroberts.com/retreats/soulbusinessretreat/