Welcome to the second issue of Pink Ink Magazine! We hope you loved the first issue—I know I certainly loved putting it together! It was such a joy to work closely and make magic with our awesome founder Shannon, the amazing Shawna Stanley, and the many other Dot sisters who contributed their genius to make our first issue so wonderful.
After the dust settled, that adventure got me thinking… Why are we doing this? Why is this important? What makes it worth the time and effort?
And I remember how Shannon asked me nearly the same thing when I applied to fill the position as Member Magazine Editor. She asked me why I wanted to do this work—basically, she wanted to know what was in it for me and what would keep me dedicated and committed. An important question!
So I simply explained to her that it would take more hours than my lifetime could guarantee in order for me to repay all the value, love, support, compassion, respect, and goodness that this community has given me over the years… but at least I could start somewhere.
The energy, time, and effort I pour into my work behind the scenes to bring you this beautiful magazine is an act of love—for this organization, for all of its members, and for YOU!
This month, I was blessed with the opportunity to share my Dot story in the magazine. I didn’t get through writing it without crying, and I hope it tugs at something hefty and important in your heart as well.
Thank you for being here, and for being you!
Creatively yours,
Danielle Anderson Member Magazine Editor
FIND CONNECTIONS HERE
What makes our Dot community so special? The secret sauce is that everyone brings something unique and special to the table. Whether it's your knack for numbers, a friend's way with words, or a colleague's killer organization skills, we all shine when we pool our strengths. We have a special Sisterhood where every member counts, and together, we're unstoppable!
Invite a guest this month and gift them with this awesome discount! Don't forget the code: JULYDOT
IMPORTANT DATES
JUL 18
SISTERHOOD SUMMIT
Virtual
AUG 19
NEW CHAPTER LAUNCH
Pend d'Oreille, ID
Phyllis Foro
SEPT 23
NEW CHAPTER LAUNCH
Kitsap County, WA
Elaine Turso
OCT 25-26
ANNUAL CELEBRATION Boise, ID
WHAT IS POLKA DOT?
MONTHLY ONLINE MEETINGS
JULY 30 @ 2PM CT USA
MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER
Happy July issue. As of this writing, I am just returning home from an out of state conference I attended with a Dot sister who has become a close friend.
We had so much fun!
One thing I didn’t reveal to her as we were planning this trip and our time together, however, was how worried I had felt in the days leading up to the event.
I knew we would have a blast, and part of me was so excited about the fabulous friend time we would have. But the other part of me felt sheer terror at the thought of sharing a hotel room for four nights. I know I require a certain level of alone time to decompress from socializing in order to thrive.
I had only ever shared a room with a friend for one or two nights and usually left the situation totally exhausted, even if I had fun. I had never shared a room with a friend for four nights. Never. The idea terrified me. I was scared I would burn out and disappoint her and myself.
I am happy to report that I never tired of her, never felt burned out or overwhelmed with her energy, never locked myself in the bathroom and rocked back and forth. It’s not that I didn’t need decompression time. I absolutely did. But without saying a word, we gave each other space several times a day. It’s like as Dot sisters, we sensed what we both needed and proceeded to support ourselves and each other accordingly. We never abandoned our individual needs or required the other person to change. We respected each other enough to make our own rules and encouraged each other to breathe.
I’m convinced that the way my friend and I supported and held space for each other is an experience you’d likely only get from a fellow Dot sister.
This experience reminded me that I am growing and changing and learning to find my cadence in unfamiliar—previously uncomfortable—situations. That’s one of the countless gifts the Dot family has given me and I am grateful.
With gratitude and respect,
Shannon Crotty Founder/CEO
Polka Dot Powerhouse
Explore the world of video marketing through the Video Marketing Membership! Discover strategies to captivate your audience, attract high-quality clients, and boost your online visibility to new heights! Join the Community of Top-Tier Business Coa hes in the
do you know someone interested in starting their own local chapter of Polka Dot Powerhouse?
ATTENTION DOTS!
Pink Ink Magazine is officially open for submissions, and we want to hear from you! The mission behind Pink Ink Magazine is to celebrate the culture of our community, which can be boiled down to one word: SISTERHOOD.
We aim to pack each issue of Pink Ink with as much sisterhood as possible, and to do that, we need your help! If you have a story or experience you want to share that might be a good fit for the magazine, we’d love to see it. Below are the official Pink Ink Article Submission Guidelines for you to follow to increase your chances of having your article published.
Submission Guidelines:
• Submit your article as a Microsoft Word file or sharable Google Doc to Member Magazine Editor, Danielle at danielle@polkadotpowerhouse.com
• Aim for approximately 1,000-2,000 words
• Include 5-8 photos to use in addition to the article; send these as attachments to your submission email
• Your article should include a catchy title
• Be sure to proofread and fix any typos prior to submission
• All material needs to be your original work and previously unpublished elsewhere
Examples of What to Submit:
• Your Dot story
• An experience that involves sisterhood
• A story that shares about uplifting and encouraging women
• What connection, collaboration, or community means to you
Examples of What NOT to Submit:
• Articles that sell or directly promote your business, services, or products
• Recipes or how-to articles
• Content that is industry specific
• Articles that don’t correlate directly to sisterhood
Important Notes:
• Submission of an article does not guarantee that your article will be published; we reserve the right to reject any article for any reason. If your article is accepted for publication, you will be notified directly.
• Accepted submissions may be published in any issue within the publication year as we see fit.
• If we choose to publish your submission, your article will undergo editing by our magazine editor.
Reach out to Member Magazine Editor, Danielle at danielle@polkadotpowerhouse.com with any questions. We can’t wait to hear your stories!
5 AND 10 YEAR BADGE REQUEST
We would like to celebrate the longevity of our committed Dot Sisters. 5 and 10 year Dots can submit for their exclusive pins and badges directly and easily on the website now!
Members > Account > 5 & 10 Year Submissions
(Be sure to check your membership history prior to submission to verify your eligibility )
Legacy Leadership IMMERSION FUN!
Legacy Immersion is the one time each year when our Legacy Leaders travel from all over to share connection, celebration, fun, and strategy for the coming year, all with our Dot sisters in focus. This year’s Immersion was located in Chippewa Falls, WI (hometown of our Founder/ CEO), and it was a blast! We love our Legacy Leaders!
CHANNEL?
You won't want to miss these fun interviews with Managing Directors, Decade Dots, Rockstar Referrers and MORE! Shannon Crotty, our Founder and CEO, sits down with these incredible women to talk about the magic they've experienced on their journey with Polka Dot Powerhouse.
Come discover your inner spark in Half Moon Bay, CA.
March 5th-9th 2025
Ignite Imagination: Escape daily life and immerse in inspiring surroundings.
Find Your Voice: Discover the story within you
Connect & Grow: Engage with a community of passionate women
Text RETREAT to 650-899-3345 maryeknippel com/retreat
Knippel
Hear the story of how Polka Dot Powerhouse became what it is today! And
Connecting the Dots: ELEVATING YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Finding Dots Across the Miles
One of the many amazing things about Polka Dot Powerhouse is its geographical breadth. From the United States to Canada to England to Australia, Dots are everywhere! You have the opportunity to connect with any of your Dot sisters, in person or virtually. In fact, there was a group of Dots from around the world that met in NYC recently. Check out the photos they posted in the Polka Dot Powerhouse Showcase Facebook group. So much fun! To connect, though, you first need to find your sisters.
Here are five tips to find your Dot sisters:
Tip #1: Attend Virtual Chapter Meetings: On the website, under
Find a Chapter, you are able to do a Search by Keyword. Type in the word Virtual or Hybrid, and any meeting that has this word in the descriptor or title will come up in the results. Confirm that this on an online meeting you are able to attend, and then register. You can meet Dots from all over the world this way and follow up with individual connect requests.
Tip #2: Search the Online Database: You can do a Search for Members by using keywords. Just like you have listed your five keywords in your profile, so have your sisters. From personal to business, you can find a Dot that shares your interest or fills your need.
Tip #3: Ask Your Sisters: As you are connecting with your fellow Dots,
Lisa runs a Connecting the Dots: Tips to Elevating Your Membership call each month. You can find the monthly meetings at www.polkadotpowerhouse.com/members/connecting-the-dots.
Be sure to log in to your account first. If you have any questions, please reach out to her at Lisa@LisaCondon.com.
ask them if there is anyone else they think you should meet. Be sure to provide names in return. You can always find a connection point to another Dot from a conversation. Whether it is hobbies, personality, or location, there is always a new Dot to meet.
Tip #4: Visit Other Chapters: Road trip anyone? Many Dots have taken to the road to visit another chapter, whether it is an hour away or across the pond. If you are traveling, check to see if there are any chapters where you are headed and if they have a meeting while you are in town. If not, you can always use the
Search for Members feature to see if any Dots live in the area.
Tip #5: Attend Regional and National Events: Polka Dot Powerhouse continues to grow its event roster. These events are attended by Dot sisters from all over the world, some of which are in person and others that are held virtually. The primary events to consider are Celebration, Sisterhood Summits, and Shannon’s Positivity calls.
Sisters are the heart of Polka Dot Powerhouse, and connection is the heartbeat. As you continue to grow and expand your reach, so does our organization.
Lisa
Condon
Member Orientation Coordinator
SHANNON’S POSITIVITY ZOOMS
Shannon Crotty’s Special Member Connects will now be held once a month.
Log onto the Polka Dot Powerhouse website and register HERE.
You can also find it on the website under Members > Positivity Zoom.
On each positivity zoom we will draw from attending members for a membership renewal. You must be present at the time of the drawing to win.
The upcoming dates are as follows:
Thursday, Aug 15th - 3am
Monday, Sept 30th - 9am
Wednesday, Oct 16th - 2pm
Monday, Nov 18th - 1pm
Monday, Dec 2nd - 9am
Contact Editor Danielle Anderson danielle@polkadotpowerhouse.com for
2024 BOISE CELEBRATION
HOTEL INFORMATION & MAP
We are so pleased to share this 2024 Celebration hotel information with you for our upcoming stay in Boise, ID.
We have secured several special pricing room blocks during our stay (limited availability) for our Dot sisters. We have a wonderful selection to choose from to match your style and budget. We can’t wait to see you at 2024 Celebration!
CELEBRATION 2026 VOTING
Celebration 2026 city voting will be August 1 - August 15, 2024.
All selections must be submitted by midnight CT US to be counted. You will need to be logged in to cast your vote and 1 vote per member.
PHILADELPHIA, PA LAS VEGAS, NV
FINDING MY PINK AND ORANGE HOME
By Danielle Anderson
Not long ago, the Shakopee, Minnesota chapter was blessed with a visit from our amazing founder Shannon Crotty. If you’ve ever heard Shannon speak, you know what a treat it is—that woman oozes positivity, and her love for this community shines so brightly it’s practically blinding. I first met her at Celebration, so I had a sense of how magical this up-close and intimate experience was going to be for my hometown chapter. We worked hard to win a chance to have her come out, and we were so thrilled to have her share her heart with us.
Barely hours into the full-day event and the tears had started flowing as they often do at our chapter meetings. Many of us had gone searching for the tissue box, but none could be found, so we passed around a roll of paper towels instead. I sat holding mine at the ready, waiting for the next inevitable wave of emotion to roll over me.
At one point, as Shannon continued sharing, the woman sitting next to me turned and whispered, “You know, you’ve really changed.”
I smiled, thanked her, gave her a little squeeze of gratitude in return, and turned my attention back to Shannon.
“And it’s been really fun to watch,” she added a minute later.
Her words caught me off guard and it took a moment for their meaning to reach full capacity.
I joined Polka Dot Powerhouse shortly after quitting my 15-year legal career in August 2019. I also walked away from all of my built-in friends when I said goodbye to the coworkers I had shared my days with. Sure, we’d made promises to keep in touch, but we all knew how that would go. The next Monday, I began my first full week as an entrepreneur. It was terrifying and exciting, and I was determined to prove I hadn’t just made a massive mistake.
That first morning after shuttling my kids off to school, I found myself alone, in my quiet living room with my cat, a far cry from the busyness of the downtown Minneapolis high-rise building and bustling city streets I left behind. The most excitement I had in those early days as a new entrepreneur was when the FedEx guy would come, but I was never quick enough to catch him for more than a strained “thank you” out my front door as he drove away, so our potential friendship never stood a chance.
It was not long before I started questioning my sanity and the
true meaning of the word “lonely” revealed itself to me. So when my daughter’s former preschool teacher sent me a message that said, “Hey, I see you quit your job! You should come to this lunch thing with me…” I did not hesitate to say yes. Nor did I think to ask for any additional details whatsoever because I had no idea what to expect when I arrived at said “lunch thing” a few weeks later. I simply figured it would be nice to have some human connection while building my online business, and it felt good to be invited to mingle with someone other than my cat.
My first Polka Dot meeting as a guest was in October, right after what I quickly learned was the major annual hoopla, something called “Celebration.” The stories shared by the women in attendance made it sound nothing short of magical. I didn’t say much during that first meeting, but I loved the energy of this group of women; everyone was so kind and gracious, so I joined the next month.
When I started to attend meetings as a new member, I had no expectations. No intention of pitching my services or trying to find clients. I simply looked forward to the interaction, and I had heard that “networking” was something
you should do if you wanted to grow your business.
But I quickly learned that there was much I didn’t know about business. And quite frankly, I was a mess. A hot mess. I was completely lost when it came to running a business, and I even went so far as to introduce myself saying essentially that. During my first meeting as a new member, when it came time to do my one-minute intro, I stumbled through it with something like, “Um, hiiiiii! I’m Danielle, and… well… ummm… I help people with things but I also edit books and stuff but only on the side and… ummmm, yeah. That’s about it. Thanks for having me!” It was not pretty. If I were the type to get embarrassed easily, I never would have come back the next month.
What these women didn’t know then was that I was more than a hot mess—my entire world felt like it was on the verge of disaster. I had just quit my stable career to pursue something that made me feel more alive than anything I had felt during my stint in corporate. And yes, I call it a “stint” because it was truly killing me and I narrowly
escaped with my soul mostly intact. On top of that, I had just become an “official” single mom of four. My divorce took three and a half years, and every minute of it was agonizing and traumatizing. I lived in a space of unknown all those years until it was finalized a few weeks before I quit my job.
On top of trying to find my way in business, I was struggling to figure out what I was even doing in my life.
But every woman at those Dot meetings was so kind and accepting, and I never once felt judged for not being more put together.
As I continued to attend meetings every month and do my best to make genuine connections with the women in the group, my business ebbed and flowed and evolved, and my personal life began traveling on a hard-and-fast downward trajectory.
The chaos in my world reached a tipping point the following summer, and I reached out for help in the only place I knew to go: this group of thousands of women located
across the world that I had randomly bumbled my way into nine months earlier. I mean, what was I thinking? How could they possibly help me? Sure, I had been to a few meetings, but it hadn’t even been a year, so it’s not like we were best friends. It’s not like we were family. It’s not like they had any obligation to come to my aid.
But I was in pain. I was just so desperate, I didn’t even care how crazy I sounded.
I threw out my SOS in the main Facebook group: “Hey Dots! I need help... I'm an emotional wreck and I don't even know whether this is the best place to reach out for help. I've been really struggling lately—as a mom, as a partner, as a business owner—just as a person in general. I feel very lost and alone and I'm just so confused as to what to do with myself. I'm stuck, so bad. Anyone who knows me will tell you that this is SO not me. I'm hurting.”
How could anyone know what to do with that? It was a ridiculously formulated cry for help. I expected very little to come from it.
And it took only a few minutes for the Dots to prove me wrong.
Shakopee, MN Chapter at 2021 Annual Polka Dot Powerhouse Celebration
Not only did I receive nearly 100 comments and dozens of direct messages filled with kindness and love, but also three deeply treasured connections sprung directly from that one post.
I connected with an amazing transformational coach who, in one hour, helped me see that the “chaos” I perceived in my business was just the shape of my own personal evolution. I was doing exactly what I needed to do to grow. Six months later, I signed up to work with her for an entire year, and I loved every beautifully painful second of our deep work together.
I then connected with a powerhouse of a woman who opened up her phone line and her shoulder and let me cry to her for hours later that week. A woman who had been a stranger to me! I hired her to help me reconnect with my son and my own heart. She dove into the deep end with me and never let me sink. Later that year, I had the honor of helping her write her book (the first of many!).
And finally, I connected with quite possibly the kindest, most compassionate soul on the planet who specializes in emotional freedom technique (“tapping”) and Reiki healing. When I shared with her my struggles and my desires, she showed me that I had just unknowingly listed off the exact things her work supports. I signed up for six months of weekly sessions with her, and I can’t begin to tell you how powerful that work was. I haven’t cried so much in my life; some weeks I would dread our session because I knew it would go deeper than I thought I could handle. But after six months, I weighed a thousand pounds lighter, I felt confident in my decisions, and I was smiling again. And she walked with me every step of the way on that journey—and beyond.
The best part is that these three souls are still some of my closest friends today, and they represent only a small slice of the special women I’ve met in this beautiful community along my journey—my messy, ugly, painful, and stunningly beautiful journey. I shudder to think where I would be without Dots in my world.
And that woman sitting next to me at Shannon’s special event was right. I have changed. I’ve changed deeply since my first meeting almost five years ago. But looking back, I never realized anyone had been watching me. I never knew I had anyone around who cared enough to notice.
But Dots notice, and Dots do care. They love unconditionally, they see you for who you are, they allow you to land safely among them despite the messiness life brings. This is what makes Dots such an exceptional group of humans.
No,
they weren’t my coworkers or my family or other people obligated by duty to show up and help me weather the storms. But yet, there they were, and there they continue to be today.
With every curve ball life throws at me, I now know I can turn to my left and catch a loving smile. I can turn to my right and lean into a warm hug. I can pick up a phone or send a quick message and receive an outpouring of compassion and grace.
Dots are so deeply woven into the fabric of my life, I feel like I have finally found home in this pink-andorange sisterhood that I never—for one second—saw coming.
DIAMOND MEMBERSHIP
Diamond Membership is a connected, collaborative community focused on professional growth and development at every skill level. We value exchanging knowledge, best practices, and supportive solutions within the various opportunities that Diamond Membership provides.
Celebrating Our SHE AWARD Recipients
Diamond members have a traveling award called the SHE Award, which stands for Sparkling Heart Extraordinaire. Each month, one member is nominated and the SHE Award—a beautiful tiara and matching necklace—is mailed directly to her. It is said that the tiara has magical powers and awesome things happen to all who wear it.
Tamira S. Hamilton
Chapter: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Business: Tamira S Hamilton Digital Marketing Consultancy
I love the next level-ness and business focus of Diamond and facilitating the small group mastermind. Kirsten Ringer is just awesome, fiercely loyal, loving, and giving. I don’t think she even knows how incredibly amazing she is and I wish she did. Therefore, every chance I have to remind her, I do.
Kirsten Ringer
Chapter: Westminster, Colorado
Business: KLR Literary Management
I am honored to pass this award to Rosemary Carminati. Her unwavering support is the wind beneath the wings of dreamers. During a large group mastermind, she inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and pursue my passion. Rosemary is always encouraging others and is everyone’s biggest cheerleader. Her belief in the potential of those around her turns aspirations into achievements.
DIAMOND SPEED CONNECT / OPEN
HOUSE DATES (Open to All)
Every 5th Wednesday at 9am PST | 10am MST | 11am
CST | 12pm EST | 5pm GMT
July 31, 2024 I October 30, 2024
REGISTER HERE
DIAMOND MD MASTERMIND
Open to All Managing Directors
Every 5th Wednesday 10am PST | 11am MST | 12pm
CST | 1pm EST | 6pm GMT
July 31, 2024 I October 30, 2024
REGISTER HERE
ANNUAL DIAMOND SUMMIT
Open to All Diamond Members
September 30, 2024 I Theme: TBA
DIAMOND TEST DRIVE
Email Elaine Turso, Diamond Membership Director at elaine@polkadotpowerhouse.com
Diamond Test Drive is available to anyone who has not attended a Test Drive in the past. This is an opportunity to spend a month testing out the Diamond membership to see if it’s a good fit for you.
NOVEMBER
2024
Goal Setting
1st Monday, November 4th at 10am PST
Large Group Mastermind (observation only)
2nd Friday, November 8th at 8am PST
Member-Hosted Co-Working
2nd Monday, November 11th at 10am PST
Business Connect
4th Wednesday, November 27th at 9am PST
REGISTER HERE
MEET A ROCKSTAR REFERRER
We are thrilled to highlight Karly Stein from the Westminster, Colorado chapter, who is the first Polka Dot Powerhouse member to achieve 12 points in the Rockstar Referrer Program this year! Karly has earned her next year of membership for free, and her journey is truly inspiring. We sat down with Karly to learn more about her experiences and tips for success.
Who is Karly Stein?
Hi, I’m Karly. I live in the Denver area and am part of the Westminster chapter for business networking reasons. I own two businesses: I'm an artist and I also bring shopping events to senior living communities. Polka Dot has become a second family I never knew I needed, offering incredible support through challenging times.
What strategies have helped you succeed in the referral program?
I use social media to plant seeds about Polka Dot throughout the month. Toward the second to last week or last week of the month, I post, “Hey, if anyone wants to come join me at a Polka Dot meeting next month, let
me know.” I also post hints or seeds about why I love the group or what’s happening. People start to wonder and ask questions, which leads to inquiries and referrals.
What tips do you have for approaching potential referrals?
Follow your intuition and energy. When I meet someone new, I feel out the conversation and naturally bring up Polka Dot if it feels right. It's about being genuine and sharing my enthusiasm for the group.
What advice would you give to other members aiming for 12 points?
Make the decision first and start inviting people. I use the power of social media, my intuition, and energy work to connect with potential members. Talking about the sisterhood and why you love Polka Dot gets people asking questions and interested in joining.
How has the referral program impacted you personally and professionally?
It’s been a great distraction from my family issues and has helped me accomplish my goals. Surviving a deadly illness six times is a lot, and Dots have been there for me every step of the way. They’ve also helped me grow my business by connecting me with the right people.
Karly’s journey is a testament to the power of community and determination. Her story inspires us all to keep striving, connecting, and supporting each other. Congratulations, Karly, and thank you for being an outstanding Polka Dot member! Keep shining! Catch the full interview with Karly and Lori on the Polka Dot Powerhouse YouTube channel.
You can connect with Karly online:
Facebook: @karlystein Website: ksteincreates.com
#DOTSDOINGGOOD
We love to celebrate all that our Dot sisters are doing to make the world a better place. Use hashtag #dotsdoinggood to help us find your posts and celebrate you in the future.
do you know someone interested in starting their own local chapter of Polka Dot Powerhouse?
