My Journey in 2011

January 16th

I created my first shine necklace to give to a widow,

and The Shine Project began. (here)

On January 26th I put my necklaces up for sale, and sent out my first shipment!

February

I started doing weekly Shine challenges to inspire people to make a change,

and reached a life goal of completing a half marathon.

You all gave me so much encouragement! (here)

March

I realized that maybe my idea was spreading a little faster than I anticipated. 

I also injured my knee badly from running (I still cant run)

and had to stop working at Cesar Chavez High school because I couldn't

walk for over a month.

During this time, God showed me that it was time to make the leap

to be self-employed.

April

Was interviewed by NBC local news for a segment about TSP. (Here)

They ended up loosing it, and we had to re shoot one that aired in July.

It ended up being the biggest blessing ever because it helped spread word about a new project.

May

Had the first Shine Project Service Event in Arizona.(Here)

We also graduated from ASU. (here)

In May, I realized that if we all came together for a common goal,

a lot could get accomplished.

I raised the price of my necklaces by $1, donating it to the Shine Scholarship Fund.

July

Organized a beach clean up in San Diego for the second Shine Project service event.

Rescued our little Oliver from the pound, who now is my obsession!

August

Started the CHANGE4CHANGE campaign (here)

and dove head first into planning a charity event for The Shine Scholarship Project,

which raises money for college scholarships for inner city high school students.

September

Started selling vintage clothes for fun.

And boy has it been fun!

But more importantly, had life changing moments like this

that fueled my mission.
CBS local news also caught wind of my project and did a live interview
on their Morning Show with me.

October

Successfully threw the first charity Shine Event 

that I had many sleepless nights over.

This was one of the highlights of my year. (here)

November

Felt inspired to create The Shine Scholarship Project.

A non-profit organization that raises money for inner city high school students,

while getting them involved in service in their community. (here)

This is still in the process.

December

With your help, I was able to win Christmas for one of my student's families.

It was such a sweet experience.

I chose my Board of Directors for the non-profit,

and have so many changes in the works that 2012 doesn't even know what is coming!

THANK YOU for all of your support this first year.
We've raised over $10,000 in just a few months for the scholarship fund,

and I promise you, with your continued help,

more lives are going to be impacted these next 12 months and beyond.

The new changes will be kicking off mid January!