I'm so excited to share the news that I'll be a keynote speaker alongside Oprah's own Cristina Ferrare at The Creative Connection in St. Paul, MN on Thursday, September 15th -- I'll be speaking during the welcome dinner to share my story, talk about blogging (the ups and the downs), business, tips on blogging & networking, living a more creative life, taking risks... and of course lots of inspirational ideas for you and your business too. I can't wait!

When I taught blogging and decorating in Morocco last year, Jo Packham, who is the founder of both Where Woman Create and Where Woman Cook magazines, attended my workshop/retreat there and we became good friends. I really bonded with all of my students, I loved teaching an ACE Camp and can't believe how many others are doing camps now with ACE, it's awesome. But yes, Ms. Packham has been such an inspiration to me over the past 10 months since we met in person in Morocco. She even came to London to be there during my big book launch party at Liberty. When you connect with someone who has years of experience on you, it's a great feeling because there is so much for her to learn from me and vice versa. As I get older I've come to value connecting with people who are successful in other fields outside of my own as I think there is so much to learn and one can really limit themselves if only socializing with those who do the same things that they do.

I am happy to know Ms. Packham and so when she told me she was planning the second Creative Connection event and that she wanted me to be a keynote speaker (eep!), I accepted immediately - no questions asked! That means that very soon on Thursday, September 15th you can come hear me speak and meet and hang out afterwards with me and all of the other wonderful, creative people at this event because I'm staying at TCC all week. I'll even be at the book signing cocktail party on Friday night. It promises to be a wonderful, creative journey and week for me in St. Paul and to be speaking alongside Oprah's friend, well hey -- that is quite an honor. The ladies from Blogher are sponsors so they will also be there speaking during another time slot along with tons of teachers and panelists who will be joining TCC to share tips and advice and to motivate YOU!

If you are creative and looking to network, learn, and most of all -- to be in an environment where everyone is special and made to feel included and welcomed this THIS IS THE event for you. If you are not creative (well, everyone is but perhaps you've not tapped in yet) then this is also the event for you because the more you hang around with those who are it's a bit like fairy dust -- the magic sprinkles around and you can't help but catch the energy of it all. TCC will be inspiring yet professional and great for all levels of business owners from newbies to pros -- and for those who are still experimenting with the "what if" of pursuing your own path. It will also be very diverse and meant for all ages and types of women (and men).

Here are a few of the successful folks out there making it happen who will be there with me to share their knowledge, teach classes and/or speak on panels (click on links below to sign up for their classes/panels):

Heather Bailey, Leslie Shewring, Janine Vangool from UPPERCASE magazine, Leigh Standley from Curly Girl Design, Lilla Rogers, Kelly Rae Roberts, Matthew Mead, Ashley English from Design Sponge, Diane Cu and Todd Porter, Publisher Melanie Falick, Kim Stoegbauer, Julie Cove, Betz White, The ladies behind French General, Tara Gentile, Crafty Chica, Lizzy House... And many more amazing people and topics. What a diverse audience, I love it.

Then there are the Pitch Slam experts, I mean how cool to have a chance to sit with publishers and industry experts with a chance to PITCH YOUR BIG IDEA. Very cool...

Oh and I almost forgot, there is going to be a Marketplace event where you can shop handmade and meet the makers. Weeee!

SO! If you want to join me and all of these wonderful friends at The Creative Connection in St Paul in September then sign up and come out. I can't wait to meet you!

BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE.

(images: TCC)