I am excited to bring you a profile on a mother and daughter who represent the value of education and entrepreneurial pursuits. Dr. Nina Craft, affectionately known as "Dr. Neen," is the founder/executive director for "The Manifesting Mavens," a business that offers motivational tools such as books and tapes, and also makes live presentations.
Dr. Neen has been known for years as the "Think It Do It Queen" — resulting from the successful sales of her book, "Think It Do It." In her many business seminars and workshops, Dr. Neen has consistently found unique ways to distribute her wares. Books are often sold directly to customers, for example. She has also managed to garner the support of various corporations who make significant donations of her products to various charity organizations.
It is through these creative ventures that Dr. Neen has touched the lives of many. Most recently, I caught up with Dr. Neen to talk about latest project, an experiment where "Gracitude" is being explored. Corporations and individuals are encouraged to purchase books/products on behalf of a charitable cause promoted by Dr. Neen.
Dr. Neen shares more about the motivation for this latest project in the following interview:
What is Gracitude?
The idea behind this experiment is that by giving, people receive an intangible blessing from the person they have given to. The idea is that by giving graciously, many begin to share in the experience of graciousness. I coined the term "Gracitude" to demonstrate this gracious exchange — giving between people.
Where did you get the idea of Gracitude?
I learned graciousness from my mother, Dr. Joyce Craft, who was born and raised in Jamaica, West Indies. To me, graciousness describes Jamaican hospitality. It's like everyone's a guest at the party that's just about to happen. This tradition is passed down through generations, culturally, by parents. Typically, mom's share and guide their daughters on how to be hospitable towards guests. This is verbalized, and practiced as part of family gatherings, visits with friends and the like.
What is your mom, Dr. Joyce Craft's background?
My mom enjoyed a career including teaching as a Reading Specialist, Compensatory Education Coordinator, Assistant Principal, she retired as Principal of Avalon Gardens Elementary School, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) in July, 2000. Her journey as an educator began after graduating from Iona High School in Jamaica; she received a scholarship to Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree, her Masters of Arts in Education from University of Cincinnati and her Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from Pepperdine University.
So what was your home life like growing up?
Our home was filled with intellectual discussions, stories of adventure, and picture exchanges, which all create memories. Memories are what life is about. My mother often accommodates guests by making them feel like royalty. No request was too large. No discussion was off limits. There was always plenty of family support, a guest room if you were tired, clothes, sweaters and blankets for your comfort, toys for the kids, and your favorite drink if you visited often. Of course you were offered the seat of honor at the table if you dined with us. It was our privilege to entertain you and cater to your needs. You could drop-in unannounced and be welcomed with warm hugs. Everyone would drop what they were doing to funnel love and attention your way.
How are you sharing the concept of Gracitude?
I have launched, The Manifesting Mavens site and am conducting an experiment on "Gracitude." You can participate in the experiment by finding the link from the website. It involves sharing a specific gift and using a recognition ritual to express Gracitude to your circle of influence. The feeling you get when you exchange the gift and receive the energy back from your friends is exciting, moving and healing. You can activate the level of Gracitude within yourself and within the group of women whom you currently mentor or positively influence. You have the power to activate the power within others. This is called empowerment. As women around the world are empowered with Gracitude, the issues in our communities will be addressed. Low self-esteem, drug abuse, domestic abuse, poverty and crime will be issues of the past. Economic empowerment, math and science education, and respect for the arts will bring about international collaborations and world healing.
Visit www.ManifestingMavens.com on the Internet for more information.
Stephanie Ardrey is a writer for Carib Press.
Photo of "Circle of Influence" worksheet for collage from www.scribd.com
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