To say that my life was changed is an understatement. I can’t even describe the feelings I had during conference. I was honored to be one of the 17 worldwide educators selected to attend and I walked in without any expectations.
Let’s start with my travel day. My ticket was booked through Alaska Airlines but the flight was actually on an American Airlines plane. I was shuffled between both desks at the LAX (which is a nightmare to begin with) causing me to miss the hour check in mark for an international flight. I waited in the American Airlines 20 min line to rebook my flight only to be told I had to march back to Alaska to be rebooked. So I ran back to Alaska. Waited in that line only to be told I had to call the travel agency that booked the flight through lululemon. I was greeted by the sweetest women there and she informed that they couldn’t rebook me, it had to be the agent at the airport. By that point I am in full on tears and back in the Alaska line. An Alaska agent finally gives me some answers but for confusing reasons couldn’t book me and directed me to the Alaska airlines reservation hotline. After being disconnected 3 times, I finally got on a flight to Seattle. Tear stained face and all I as so grateful to be on that plane. The next flight out of Seattle to Vancouver wasn’t till 11:10 pm and I was due to land in Seattle at 2:30 pm meaning I would be in that airport all day. God was looking out for me because I sat next to the NICEST people on the plane and I landed the last standby seat on an earlier flight to Vancouver. The good news is that I finally made it and the bad news is my bag didn’t!!! Another round of phone calls and I finally got my bag by 2 am that night. Rough start to say the least.
Day one began with meditation lead by Laurent, our super cool CEO, and all things lululemon related. The room was full of 987 of lululemon’s store managers, Regional/Area leaders, Corporate leadership, and the 17 educators. The 17 of us were asked to stand and the room erupted with applause and appreciation. Tears filled my eyes witnessing us all standing together and the love in the room. lululemon firmly believes that the educator is the most important role in the company and it was unreal to stand there as a representative at conference.
Day 1 continued to get better as we learned more about our Senior Leadership, the year in review, and whats next for the company. #joblove and #jobpride. Countless dance parties, sweaty Kundalini yoga, and the November project, bonded the members of conference together and the connections I made with lemons from all over was priceless!
I got up close and personal with the lululemon’s new core values and dug a little deeper to find mine. I sat a table and ate with the Women’s design/ merchandising team and marveled at their jobs. Day two I met my #girlcrush and chatted with her about her role and my goals to follow in her footsteps. I listened intently to Seth Godin and i’ve decided to live full cheetah in all aspects of my life. In-Q made me cry with his powerful poetry and his passion for his art which reaffirmed my love and passion for mine. I create my future and no artist waits for the right time to make great art. Tracy Hutton reminded me to choose happiness and that #happinessisnowhere. Hari Om.
Day three I marveled at all the international opportunities and the growth overseas. I marveled at the passion and clear vision that the Senior leaders have for lululemon. I marveled at the possibilities to elevate the world and what we are up to to do just that. Susan Conrad challenged us to let go of anti-visions we create for ourselves and others. Reminded us to forgive ourselves and I proclaimed my goals in front of the entire team of store managers and leadership for USA. I am thankful I experienced it all with Jen (my amazing store manager) who supported me the entire way. We laughed, cried, danced and sang. Both changed forever. Great leaders develop great people and she does just that.
Vancouver and all it’s beauty stole my heart and I wouldn’t be surprised If I am back very soon. Mountains, beaches, a beautiful city, and lululemon. What more do I need? 🙂
We toured the Head Office (store support center) and I had job envy the entire time. Meeting those responsible for the product I love was exciting and I asked way to many questions. In the basement, there is a space that’s just for innovation and creativity called the white space and I was lucky enough to tour it. Again #jobenvy. I died when we toured the design area filled with fabrics, colors swatches, and upcoming designs. You could call me a little product obsessed.
The final wrap up Bonfire may have been my favorite. The entire conference room was transformed into a large bonfire scene and it was an epic party complete with the CEO participating in Dance Dance Revolution. Just picture 987 lululemon folk ready to have a good time. Oh..and I can’t forget the mini smore’s!
I don’t even know how to wrap it all up. I wish I could relive this experience over and over again. It’s my goal to let it live in my daily life. I came home inspired and changed. Changed to do better, be better, and stop apologizing for who I am. To be happy and that I am the master of my happiness. I matter and what I do matters. I will not say sorry for my art. I create my future.
xoxo
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