My Dream Doer this week is Terry Grahl of Enchanted Makeovers….the doer behind the dream of creating beautiful spaces where abused women and children can find respite. A beautiful dream indeed.
I and my Cre8Tive Sistas are in New Jersey this week helping with a shelter makeover. We are painting murals and changing our lives…
Her journey is an amazing tale that began with a polka dot pillow and led to a non-profit org that has helped change the lives of the women in the shelters as well as the people doing the makeovers. Along the way she has gotten the attention of Oprah, Martha Stewart, People Magazine and many more impressive supporters of her dream.
Transforming the shelter with the polka dot pillows took more than just her decorating skills. Terry says, “It required finding and organizing enthusiastic volunteers and donors nationwide to help me carry out my vision. Six months later, the makeover was complete and it was amazing. Even more amazing to me was that I had found my true calling. I wanted to use all of my talents and skills to provide refuge, solace, and hope to people in need.”
As she continued accepting work from private clients, she felt something was missing. She had taken on additional shelter projects in 2007, but continued to hold onto the security of her paying clients. “In December, 2008, I decided to close my decorating business, Terry’s Enchanted Cottage.” Terry shares.I” knew without a doubt that God had much bigger plans for my life, and He needed to use me for His glory. We made a deal with each other on that day. I asked that He would continue to provide the needs for my family (food and a roof over our heads) and His request was, Glorify Me.”
In January of 2009, Terry’s Enchanted Cottage, established in 2005, officially became Enchanted Makeovers, a non-profit organization. Today, her vocation is to transform shelters into beautiful sanctuaries, uplift the human spirit and empower individuals from all walks of life to pursue their dreams.
the polka dot pillow
Terry on Artistically Speaking Talk Show on Valentine’s Day 2010…
To help visit EM Dream List...
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