Get Ready To Learn Mom
October 19th, 2009
I so enjoy talking with people who have gone out and taken action on creating the life they desire, it’s a gift we all have, yet so few do anything more than talk…. Today we are sitting down with Stacey Kannenberg of Cedar Valley Publishing, one of the few who has stepped out of the box and created the life of her dreams. Welcome Stacey!
Stacey, please tell us about the path you traveled to arrive where you are today: I was trying to find a book for my own children (at the time) ages three and one; to get ready for that first day of school and couldn’t find what I wanted so I decided to create it myself.
What kept you moving forward on the days things were not going exactly the way you were hoping they would? My company was created in 2004 and that first Christmas, my husband had a clear crystal clock engraved with the Cedar Valley Publishing Logo and coined the following phrase, which has become my mantra: The Dream is Clear, To Believe is the Reward. On those dark days, that clock sits on my desk and keeps me moving forward!
What piece of advice would you give to someone who has decided they would like to live in a world of their own creation? Empower your family into the process and don’t quit your day job until you have generated enough of an income to support your creation!
What special things do you do for yourself daily to maintain your momentum and energy levels?
I focus on trying to help someone else each day. Empowering others inspires me! It’s amazing what heights my company grows when I take the time out to help someone else, because many times they become the key to getting me over the next hurdle; and many times, brainstorming with them will remind me of something I need to do for my company!
If you could spend 3 days on a deserted island with two people of your choosing, who would they be and why? I would only need one: my husband. He is my best friend in the world and we have two beautiful daughters who might not like being stranded on an Island, so we would rather have them at home together with our family!
What is your favorite audio material and what do you enjoy most about this material? I am a huge fan of radio with too many favorites to pick just one! I love listening to like-minded passionate individuals who share their hopes and dreams!
What is your favorite reading material and what gives it that special place in your heart? I love a great romance!!! I am also a fan of children’s books, chapter books, early learning books, parenting, lifestyle, self-help, positive thinking, business and marketing books!
Who has inspired you and what is it about them that you found inspirational? Oprah moved me off the sofa and into a business that became bigger than me! My husband and children are my biggest cheerleaders and their support has helped me soar!
What do you see in your future? Becoming a Kindergarten brand – the Good Night Moon of Kindergarten. When teachers, parents and kids think Kindergarten, they will think about our: Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten! book.
Where is your favorite place in the world to spend time, what is special to you about this location? My hometown of Hayward, Wisconsin will always have a special place in my heart, and it’s a family favorite destination with my husband and kids too!
Who has been your greatest support system and how have they shown you their support? My husband has always believed in the mission and my kids are my greatest cheerleaders. They are vested and empowered into the process, especially because I work at home, around their schedules. Who better to help me write our next book, Let’s Get Ready For Second Grade, than Megan, who just graduated from Second Grade and Heidi, who just graduated from Fourth Grade?!
What / who are you most thankful for and why?
My husband and my kids, who are actively involved in helping grow our company!
What is your favorite way to contribute or give back? Donating 10% of my book sales back to schools and literacy groups has been huge…but I also love mentoring others who are either interested in starting a new business, stuck in a current business, struggling or want to write a book!
Please share the top three things you feel people would benefit from doing if they truly desire to create the life of their dreams?
1. Build a network of support. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals will elevate you to greater heights!
2. Create an action plan and keep moving forward.
3. Be flexible and willing to change that action plan and continue following your passion!
Anything I missed that you would like to share? Learn from others!!! One of the things that Oprah said that has meant so much to me: “Obstacles are opportunities in disguise!”
What products and services do you offer to assist others on their journey? I often talk about my own journey on my blog: www.cedarvalleypubilshing.com/blog
A huge thank you to Stacey for taking the time to share her story with us. I encourage you to take a few minutes and visit Stacey’s website at: http://www.cedarvalleypublishing.com and connect with her today!
In gratitude,
Caryn
Caryn Gottlieb FitzGerald
“The Manifesting Queen”
http://www.CarynFitzGerald.com
EmbracingMyJourney L.L.C. was created by Caryn FitzGerald in 2008.
Caryn, known as "The Manifesting Queen" is a motivational columnist, speaker and writer, she has been featured in and published several books, including "Tulips In The Sand" "Fish Sticks, Books and Blue Jeans" “Manifest Success” “Visual Arts Junction Interviews” & “Online Marketing Success Stories..."
Caryn is a domestic violence survivor who has triumphed over a 10-year battle with anorexia and bulimia. She is a wife, mother, writer, speaker, blogger, coach and a health food enthusiast Click to connect with Caryn at her website Or click here to get inspired by her latest ebook “Living the Life of My Dreams” There may be paid links on this page, click here to read the blog disclaimer.
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You can definitely see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren¡¯t afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.
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Childrens books – Excellent! What a great way to get children started early understanding the powers that lie within. Great job Stacey and family – Teams working together make a difference.
Brian J. Donley, Author – The Original Psychology of Success – Methods to Attain a Positive, Powerful Winning Personality.