Kiva.org
June 2016 call with Melissa Dawn
What would you expect from a conversation with someone whose mission is to help each of us “Create an orgasmically joyful life and business”? I don’t know about you, but I like to move forward with good intentions and be open to the outcomes. As it turns out, I was so inspired by Melissa Dawn that I took action with Kiva and loaned money right where it counts.
On a warm summer day in Montreal, a group of life coaches gather to dispense what they hope will be life changing advice. Their goal today, as it is every day in their professional lives, is to help people pursue a life of purpose. The difference is that today they’re doing if for free, a way of giving back to their community.
One woman stands out, and it’s not her radiant smile or otherworldly glow of wisdom. Melanie’s dressed in a cow costume, helping the group get noticed and she pulls in a steady stream of folks who want some practical insight on changing their lives. As it turns out, take off the cow head and she DOES stands out for her radiant smile and otherworldly glow of wisdom.
“I’m not trying to get them in as clients. I just want to spark their passion. But I also want to help them take action, that’s my job. So I give them my card for them to follow up. One of the most memorable conversations I had was with a man and woman. They talked about where they want to go as individuals and as a couple. They got engaged on the spot.”
Melanie also talked about Kiva, the organization that matches borrowers with dreams to build a business to funders who offer loans. She shared a few projects that she’s backing, supporting families around the world. She’s now taking her support for Kiva to the next level. “I fund loans directly and I like that the money goes to support their families. I also want to support Kiva because they are the organization that makes it possible, so I donate a portion of all my revenues to them.”
I’d heard about Kiva before and decided to take the plunge during our conversation. As a matter of fact, I told her I was going to find a project that resonated and let her know which one I backed. Why not? After all, I’m all for “an orgasmically joyful life and business.”
Melissa Dawn, thank you for giving back and making a difference in people’s lives.
To find out about Kiva, go to:
To find out more about Melissa Dawn, go to:
To find out more about the Kiva loan I funded, go to:
https://www.kiva.org/lend/1095172
You could also read about it right here:
Uimailuma’s story
Uimailuma is a 40-year-old woman who is unmarried with 2 children.
She runs a small tailoring business in her community. She has 5 years of experience with this business.
Uimailuma has requested a loan to buy measuring tape, a new pair of scissors, thread, needles, material, and a new sewing machine.
She plans to use her profits to help with her children’s school fees. She joined SPBD (South Pacific Business Development, in 2012 to gain access to financial services.
This loan is special because:
Its goal is to reach financially excluded and underserved people.
More about this loan
About South Pacific Business Development (SPBD):
South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) improves conditions for families living in poverty by providing accessible credit, training, and guidance to help them start, grow and maintain micro-businesses, build assets, finance home improvements, and afford to educate their children. 99% of SPBD’s loans go to women, who can borrow in groups to guarantee one another rather than put up collateral.
