Major Pandemic Leads to

By Diana Hilaire

Delta Beta Zeta Chapter

Did you ever have an idea that rested on your heart in such a way that no matter what you did to shake it, no matter the doubts, the naysayers nor the chest rattling fear- it wouldn’t go away? When the fire of inspiration and passion fuse together to create a blazing fire of an idea inside of you, there is no ignoring it, no putting it out. This was my November 2019.

One fated day, during a business lunch with a partner, we shed the formality of our business hats in exchange for the comfort of our great girlfriend hats to check in with each other. As if smoke was seeping from my chest and out through the corners of my lips, I mentioned the burning plan inside of my heart. Her five word response was the match on a tinderbox deep in my gut… “How can I support you?”

From that day, “For Her,” now called “When She Comes Home,” arose. I thought I was just going to purchase a few boxes, research some products, put them all together, and sell. Yes, in a simplified description that was the reality, but on an entirely elevated level. Never in my wildest dreams did I conjure what that level would entail: entering a business competition, enrolling in a 10 week business plan class, hosting a fundraiser, which I not only reached, but exceeded my goal, signing up for my first pitch competition, winning it, receiving a significant grant from a major company and ultimately partnering with (Continued on page 37)

Zeta’s Stork’s Nest! WHAT?!? Can I say God is GREAT????

The framework behind When She Comes Home is rooted in the shadow side of motherhood and the toll it takes on women both physically and emotionally. “She matters too,” our tag line encompasses a declarative statement that includes the importance of 50 percent of the global population. A percentage of people whose identity changes the second their body undergoes the phenomenon of childbirth, but then is just as quickly forgotten about.

As a mother of twins, I have survived the shadow side of motherhood through the actions of my loved ones and their ability and effort to see me, assist me, pour into me so that I can be the best and healthiest version of myself for my own benefit, as well as the benefit of my children, family, friends and business.

One ordained, seemingly mundane and usual workday. A call. A meeting. A 72-hour notice, following seven years of your life. A month later, a global pandemic and nationwide shutdown. This was my early 2020. It came with some great highs and some terrible lows. People see your glory, but don’t know your story! Through it all, God was right next to me, while I celebrated my wins or cried due to my losses.

I say this all to say, never ignore the fire that is burning inside of you, pushing you to pursue something that will ultimately have great impact and change lives. There will definitely be bumps in the road, but if you have your trust and faith in God, there will be sunshine after a cloudy day. I leave you with this great quote by Adidas, “Today is the chance to do something and be remembered. Or do nothing and be forgotten. Take today.”