Two years ago I started daydreaming about working with Nike.
Today, I’m flying to Paris with Nike for the Women’s World Cup.
Nike saw the work that I do and appointed me one of 23 women that they consider Dream Leaders, here in NYC.
(I can’t type those words without tearing up a little bit)
I won’t bore you with the details of how my dream of working with Nike became a reality, but just know I could have NEVER predicted how it would all come together… or when.
I’m blessed to say that I’ve had a few dreams of mine come true and the path from dream to reality is different every time.
Do you have dreams?
I know how tough it can be to have a dream and not see how in the world it can come true. So I’d like to share a few things that have been consistent with all of my dreams that have come to fruition.
Here is how to make your dreams come true:
Follow your Feelings
I came to NYC wanting to be a broadway actress, now I do something totally different but the feeling I get when I do this work is the same feeling I got when I was an actress. I feel joyful, creative, connected to others and I’m using my gifts and my passions.
If I had stuck to the idea that “actress” was the only career that I’d consider, I wouldn’t have the life I do now.
When I started my blog, I was still performing but as my blog began to open more doors I didn’t get stubborn about it. Instead I did a gut check… how does this feel in comparison to theater life. For me, it was the same– it lit me up in the same ways and so I continued and that God I did.
Be Patient
My Dad and my therapist will tell you I am the most impatient person on the planet. But I will say this: While every dream I wanted came “late” according to my schedule… whenever each dream came true it was the perfect time. I try to remind myself that a delay is not a denial
Know your Why
When I wanted to be an actress, I can say that I liked the feeling on stage and I liked being creative. But I can’t say there was a bigger meaning behind my acting back then.
With the work I do now, I know that I am helping our community find more representation with brands that ignored us in the past. I also know that little girls who look like me will feel welcome in spaces that may not have welcomed them before.
I remember wondering if anyone would believe I was athletic because I am fat. Now, Nike plus sizes are better than ever and serving us more with each release. That’s a win for women all over the world and I get to be a part of it.
What’s happening right now is bigger than you and me… and we all have a role to play.
Thank you for supporting me on this journey, I love you lots. Want to come along to Paris with me? Click Here and follow me on instagram.
GOD.IS.SHOWING.OFF. CONGRATS CECE‼‼‼❤?
Oh my goodness! I am so happy for you! I love in such a rural part of the country where we don’t get to see a lot of the representation in plus fashion until the season changes…. Then it gets here. But I’ve been able to follow you for a few years (PSP days) now and get ahead of the game and fill people in on the way. You working with Nike is a huge deal as is this trip! We need it! We don’t just want it! And you got Nike to see you and in turn they see us and I can’t thank you enough for that.
Congratulation CeCe! Its a Huge Achievement 🙂 I am on my path to explore my dream work… I am curious how things unfold or it just happened?
I’m excited for you like your my girlfriend. I remember tagging Nike like you need this girl. Not because you asked, but because they really did need you. Nike knew it. I feel like it was a win for us all. ? Because I know you will rep for us.
Thank you so much Tracy! xo