LeRêve

International Women’s Day is held annually on 8 March and is a global day of celebrating the social economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is also used as a day to campaign for women’s equality and bring any awareness to the lack thereof.

This year LeRêve wanted to do our part by not only bringing attention to the importance of women equality but to celebrate the powerful women in the LeRêve Business. So, we asked our Consultant Community to nominate someone in business they believe to be influential, and or inspirational and who deserved to be celebrated.

We were elated but not surprised to see so many different women from all corners of our Company nominated, and we had the tough gig of picking only a few to interview and to celebrate on our social media platforms. Whilst every woman deserves celebrating in our eyes, check out what was said about these six influential women, read a little insight into their story and hopefully find some inspiration to follow their lead.

Kate Harkins

Kate Harkins is a beloved member of the LeRêve corporate team, currently serving as a business mentor for our emerging leaders. Kate emigrated from Ireland to Australia with her family when she was just 16 years of age. She eventually joined a Party Plan company and grew that business to great heights before taking a senior role with LeRêve. She’s now 81 years of age with the energy of an 18-year-old and is living, inspiring proof that great women get better with age! We asked Kate to answer a few questions to gain a better insight into her life as an influential woman…

Tell us about a fun memory from your time with LeRêve
After co-hosting a dinner party for a group of LeRêve women at a fancy restaurant in Sydney, a few of us walked out into the street, arm in arm, laughing and singing our favourite songs from the old musicals. I felt carefree and overjoyed with the precious friendships I’d made.
How do you think LeRêve has helped you develop as an empowered and influential woman?
I’ve learned a lot more in LeRêve than I ever did with my previous company. That’s because LeRêve has a huge focus on personal development. I also feel much more appreciated and valued by the owners of the Company. That’s why I’m excited to keep contributing at age 81!
Tell us about a challenge you have had to overcome in your life
I lost my mum to heart disease when I was just 28 which was devastating. The heart condition that claimed her life too young was genetic, so mum passed it to me, and I passed it to my daughters. I lived with an inherent fear for many years that I would not make it to 60, nor my children. I adopted a strict diet and exercise plan and with the help of modern medicine I overcame that fear and have well outlived my so-called expectancy. I’m looking forward to my 82nd birthday in July with no plans of retiring anytime soon.
What advice do you have for any aspiring women like yourself?
My advice for any woman who has aspirations of succeeding in business is to develop ‘stickability’. As we all know, obstacles come at us constantly – they never end. So expect those obstacles to appear, even if you don’t know what they will look like, and develop the ‘stickability’ to keep on going when it gets hard. Be determined, be resilient, be courageous.

Maryalice Martin

Maryalice Martin is much loved leader in LeRêve. She is the matriarch of a huge family and fills her roles of mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and inspiring LeRêve Leader with dignity and passion. She is a caring, loving soul who laughs her way through life. We asked Maryalice a few questions to gain a better insight into her inspiring life…

Tell us about a fun memory from your time with LeRêve
A fun memory for me was my first free overseas trip to Disneyland with LeRêve way back in 2006. I didn’t think I would be into Disneyland, but I discovered that it truly is the happiest place to be on earth, especially with your friends. We had so much fun! I loved everything about the whole trip, especially because LeRêve took care of everything and we did it in 5-star style.
How do you think LeRêve has helped you develop as an empowered and influential woman?
LeRêve has helped me understand the importance of personal development. Through professional courses offered by the Company, I have developed effective leadership habits and increased my confidence significantly. LeRêve has also taught me the power of networking and provided opportunities to meet so many amazing women that have influenced me through their leadership.
Tell us about a challenge you have had to overcome in your life
A big personal challenge I was faced was taking my four-week old great-granddaughter into my fulltime care, not knowing for how long. I had to commit to doing 3-hourly feeds, changing nappies, dealing with the teething and crying and everything a newborn brings. I took this on, and Chyna Rose has brought us so much love and joy – and we love her with all our heart. She was in our care for 14 months before she was given back to her mother. This became our challenge of love.
What advice do you have for any aspiring women like yourself?
My advice to other aspiring women is to set your goals in small steps at a time. You are the only person who can empower you, you will face your fears, your challenges, but at the end of it all you are responsible for whatever you do. And… HAVE FUN!

Nicole Hayden

Nicole Hayden is a young, up and coming leader in our awesome LeRêve Consultant Community. She’s full of energy, enthusiasm and compassion for everybody she meets. She’s also kicking butt in her business! We asked Nicole a few questions to gain a better insight into her inspiring life…

Tell us about a fun memory from your time with LeRêve
My entire journey with LeRêve so far has been so much fun! As most of it has been spent in Melbourne’s lockdown, my favourite memories have been our virtual gatherings and the energy and excitement it brings for us all.
How do you think LeRêve has helped you develop as an empowered and influential woman?
When I became a LeRêve Consultant, I never would have imagined the personal growth that came hand in hand with developing my business. LeRêve is constantly supporting me with the tools and teaching to believe in myself and grow my business. I’m now passionate about not only growing my own business but encouraging other women to build their own business empire too!
Tell us about a challenge you have had to overcome in your life
The biggest challenge that I have had to overcome so far was navigating life and a new Party Plan business that thrives on face-to-face interaction in a virtual, COVID world. We have all been incredibly fortunate to do so with access to technology and support from the amazing LeRêve family and we’ve learned a lot in the process.
What advice do you have for any aspiring women like yourself?
The best advice I can give is to invest in yourself. Believe in yourself and your own unique strengths. Be consistent and manifest everything that you’ve always dreamed of... it truly is achievable!

Amanda Abbott

Nicole lives up in the Northern Territory with her gorgeous family. She was initially petrified to ‘go live on Facebook’ for her first LeRêve Party, but it turned out to be a fun experience that she’s now repeated many times. She’s overcome a lot of challenges in her life, particularly with her health. We asked Amanda a few questions to gain a better insight into her inspiring life…

Tell us about a fun memory from your time with LeRêve
It’s hard to pick just one because the entire process of getting paid to party with other great women has been fun! The virtual seminars run by the Company have been fantastic for learning, growing and meeting other LeRêve Consultants around the country. LeRêve really is “Le Plaisir” (the pleasure/fun).
How do you think LeRêve has helped you develop as an empowered and influential woman?
Me joining LeRêve was all about my family. I am a mother of six and needed a way to help my son who was suffering terrible anxiety following a diagnosis of epilepsy resulting from a head trauma in the school playground. Not wanting to add to his cocktail of medications, I decided to find an alternative and holistic way to deal with his anxiety and stress and found it with LeRêve. My only daughter also has an auto immune disease and is allergic to salicylates on top of that, so finding ways to clean my home without chemicals was an added bonus. However, the greatest benefit in my short journey is that I’ve found something to be passionate about, something that in helping my kids, helped me rediscover my inner power to be more than “just” a Mum of six with two jobs and volunteer positions with sports clubs... I’ve rediscovered myself as a woman by being around other empowering, strong, passionate, resilient, supportive women.
Tell us about a challenge you have had to overcome in your life
Health has been my biggest hurdle in life. I was born almost three months premature and was not expected to survive, however I overcame the odds. I then contracted meningococcal meningitis and amoebic meningitis at 10 months old. The doctors took a chance and told my parents that they could either do nothing (and I probably wouldn’t last the night) or flood my body with penicillin (which might kill me anyway). They chose the risk of drugs, which eventually saved me but meant years of recovery. My parents were told I’d never walk, talk, go to school or be ‘normal’ like other kids. Well they were wrong!! I also survived several cancer diagnoses, the first at age 9, and am still here fighting. It’s been a long road but apart from some hearing loss, an underdeveloped kidney, chronic migraines and a lazy eye, I’m as close to ‘normal’ as normal can be! We all experience challenges and I’m loving my life with my family and with LeRêve.
What advice do you have for any aspiring women like yourself?
My advice is a quote from one of my favourite people – Maya Angelou: “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them”. So, embrace change, challenge yourself, reset your thought process and remember that all obstacles and roadblocks in life just mean there’s another turn to take towards the life you deserve to have. Surround yourself with powerful women, stop the self-talk that says you can’t or shouldn’t and just give yourself the gift of ‘Yes’... ‘Yes, I can, Yes I will, Yes I am’.

Renee Moratti

Renee Moratti is a young, energetic and passionate leader in our LeRêve Consultant Community, hailing from the Taranaki region on New Zealand’s North Island. She has overcome her fair share of challenges but follows the tried and tested mantra of ‘Never Giving Up!’ We asked Renee a few questions to gain a better insight into her inspiring life…

Tell us about a fun memory from your time with LeRêve
LeRêve is full of so many fun times it's hard to pick one. We once went to a private island off the Gold Coast for an achiever’s dinner. It honestly felt like we were on a South Pacific Island – there were lots of laughs, dancing, fun and so much good food. I’ve been blessed to experience a number of FREE reward trips (NO WORK) and there's nothing more fun than travelling 5-star with LeRêve. We get to experience all the must-see spots whilst being surrounded by incredible, inspirational and uplifting people who share your passion and drive!
How do you think LeRêve has helped you develop as an empowered and influential woman?
The skills I've learnt in this business haven't just shaped my business, they have helped shape my entire life – including all my relationships. It's the idea of abundance, sharing, love, positivity, motivation and being surrounded by inspiring women on the daily. LeRêve has inspired me to be the best person I can be and bring out the best in many other women along this beautiful ride with me. I love watching people achieve their goals and I now know that you can do absolutely anything you put your mind to – you just have to believe.
Tell us about a challenge you have had to overcome in your life
I was close to qualifying for a free ticket to a LeRêve Convention in Japan when all this stuff happened… I had a back operation, broke my foot, was in a bad car accident, my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer and I found out my partner was cheating (just to name a few)! I could have given up but I chose not to. Instead, I focused on my circle of influence and what I had control over. I stayed positive and my mindset was that I would do whatever it took to achieve my ticket to this incredible event. I had to get creative with rides to and from my LeRêve parties when I couldn't drive. I was honest and open when asking for help from family, friends, other consultants, my party hosts, and guests also helped. The generosity was life changing. I've learnt that when you really want something, you're sometimes tested by the universe to see how badly you truly want it but, if you want it bad enough, there is always a way to make it happen.
What advice do you have for any aspiring women like yourself?
You truly can do anything you put your mind to. When it comes to your goals, dreams and deepest desires the first step is to become really clear on what you want and what it will look like once you've reached it. The second step is the act of asking. This helps you to become clear. The next step is believing that you have already received it, and it will be yours. ASK, BELIEVE and RECIEVE. I was once told that our brains don't know whether we are lying or telling the truth so you can tell it anything and it will eventually believe you. Feed it with positive words and affirmations you'd use if you have already achieved your dreams. I am in a healthy and loving relationship. "I AM" is where the power is. Focus on your self-talk and the words you choose to speak to yourself. If you catch a negative inner thought change this by replacing those comments with positive thoughts. Take action towards your goals. Do not let fear stop you, for nothing happens in life until you take action. Lastly, take care of yourself – you're important. Set boundaries that you are comfortable with, take care of your body, practise self-love, sharpen your own saw, find your work-life balance, never stop learning, feed your mind with the right things and, most importantly, surround yourself with people that love and support you no matter what.

Stacey Boully

Stacey is an inspirational woman who is determined to always be the best version of herself, despite the challenge’s life has thrown at her and her family. If you live in Mildura, you’ve seen and heard her cruising around town in her V8 HSV Commodore covered in LeRêve stickers! We asked Stacey a few questions to gain a better insight into her inspiring life…

Tell us about a fun memory from your time with LeRêve
I could write a book on the funny things that have happened with my LeRêve family, but the first one to pop into my head would have to be in Fiji when a whole of bunch of us decided it would be fun to try out the inflatable obstacle course out on the water. Needless to say, we spent most of the time laughing at ourselves and each other because it is definitely much harder than it looks… My awesome friend Gina got wedged in one of gaps and had to be rescued by a muscly Fijian lifeguard. Unfortunately for her there is photo evidence so it can never be forgotten!
How do you think LeRêve has helped you develop as an empowered and influential woman?
I spent the first decade of my adult life in different industries and roles working for other employers. I always felt that sense of "something was missing". I didn't always feel valued or trusted to fulfill my potential. Joining LeRêve opened so many doors of opportunity and empowered me to grow my own business and be successful. The personal development I’ve gained in LeRêve would have to be the number one thing that has helped me learn, grow and ultimately believe in myself.
Tell us about a challenge you have had to overcome in your life
It would be the night my husband had a terrible accident that resulted in the loss of his right hand. The challenges that came with that were something I could never have imagined I would face in my lifetime. In those moments, the days, the weeks and the months following, different challenges were thrown our way. The worst of it is not being able to take away your husbands’ pain, all you can do is be supportive and try everything to keep life going forward which is exactly what I did taking it one day at a time. This challenge didn’t break us, it sent us on a different path, and I believe it will be a better one.
What advice do you have for any aspiring women like yourself?
The journey of success will not be an easy one, but nothing worthwhile ever has an easy road. The path you take will constantly be a learning lesson so be open to growing into the best version of yourself. Women have this amazing ability to be resilient, we lead from the heart and our emotions. The trickiest part is learning how to balance those emotions and believe in ourselves. If I can leave you with one last thing that truly sets you on the path to live the life you deserve, is to believe you CAN and DO deserve everything you ever wanted – you just need to believe it.