Yvette Rusuku: Burundi, Rwanda, Canada, US... the network. Doing what you are suppose to be doing!
12:28 PM
How I met Marion Marshall
It is often said that life
begins where fear ends and I did not completely appreciate nor fully understand
the real meaning behind these powerful words until very recently. As I sit here
reflecting on the thrilling experiences of the past few days, I cannot help but
feel overwhelmingly joyful not to mention grateful that I have been afforded an
extraordinary chance to live my dream. This is not only a confirmation of the
old adage that dreams do indeed come true but that every now and again, very
special people are put on our path as constant reminders of it lest we forget.
For me that special being
was none other than Marion Marshall, an incredibly gifted woman filled with
such inspirational brilliance that no choice of words are adequate enough to
express how tremendously indebted I am to the breath of her magnificence and
astounding generosity.
As I was being driven to the Dallas Fort
Worth airport by Marion after having spent a flawless week-ended with her, she
asked me what my thoughts were regarding the awesome experience I had working
alongside her and her amazing team of rather very talented associates. Needless
to say that I was neither able to articulate my thoughts properly nor was I
able to express any of the jaw-dropping emotions I was feeling at the time.
What an astonishingly adventurous journey it had been? Though I had
lived it, I still could not believe that it had actually happened. All of it
just seemed so surreal in that particular moment and so the only thing I could
say was that I would surely ponder over it and write her an email as soon as my
mind was composed.
Where shall I begin? Some time in April
of 2012 while researching specific information on the internet on the subject of
event planners, floral designers and decorators from various countries such as
the UK, Burundi and Rwanda as well as some Canadian cities such as Ottawa,
Toronto and Montreal--I stumbled upon an article featuring an upcoming and
promising young talent in the field by the name of “Chantal Mazimpaka” who was
also an active participant in the 2011 IEEW initiative (The Institute for the
Economic Empowerment of Women).
As I curiously read on different
editorial pieces from a wide range of sources, I came across a sidebar in which
a certain influential contributor named Marion Marshall had written a few lines
of encouragement directly to Chantal Mazimpaka. Somehow, I was intrigued by her
supportive comments, her willingness to share her knowledge and her open invitation
for guided assistance if need be. This lead me to research further about this
seemingly philanthropic individual; I wanted to know more about Marion’s work,
her vision and the essence of her person.
Luckily, it did not take me too long for
my research to yield the expected results. My quest was partially over when I
finally discovered her website: www.absolutelyblooming.com. I was immediately
won over and totally enamored by the charming displays of utter perfection.
Such incredibly beautiful floral and illustrious decor! Browsing through
different sections on the site, I could not help but notice the exquisiteness
with which every minute detail radiated with refined precision. My heart beamed
at every single snapshot that I instantly felt the urge to connect with this
woman.
Shortly thereafter, I corresponded with
her and eventually I ended up contacting her on the phone. I briefly introduced
myself and informed her that I absolutely loved her artistic creations. She was
surprisingly taken aback and quipped “OMG! How did you find me?” I myself was
surprised at her bewilderment considering that her name is a household in her
line of work not to mention that she has appeared in dozens if not hundreds of
magazine articles. After the initial baffles, we smoothly continued our
conversation where I spoke to her about my passion.
In turn, she inquired about what I wanted
to do with it and suggested that I write to her elaborately about my expectations.
Given her panoptic expertise and all-encompassing knowledge in the field, I
asked her a multitude of questions about different programs and internship
opportunities that were available in Canada in order to gauge the beneficial
advantages as I have always been interested in pursuing a professional career
in the decorative/creative planning arena. Her valuable insight and continued
feedback in this regard was terrifically instructive.
After months of informative exchanges and
communication, Marion recommended a developmental apprenticeship under her
tutelage. I was so excited that I accepted her generous offer right away.
Initially, I was supposed to leave Ottawa and head to Texas in September,
however I had an impediment.
Marion was kind and understanding enough
to postpone my learning start until December, during the auspicious wedding
occasion of Samantha Baize, the founder of La Mode
Media, LLC/Editor-in-Chief of La Mode Dallas Magazine and the very accomplished
musician and Dovetail lead singer, Philip Creamer.
How could I miss this opportunity of a lifetime? Not only was I chasing after
my dream but I was equally determined and excited to finally meet with Marion
Marshall--a phenomenal woman with a zest for life; a passionate artist with a
genuine heart of gold; a meticulously industrious professional; a savvy
entrepreneur; an altruistic educator with an incredible of sense of humor and
overall, an enlightened connoisseur with purposeful direction whose relentless
faith in others is as remarkably poignant as it is motivating.
One weekend of inner metamorphosis and
personal growth at the behest of my persuasively effective mentor is what it
took to realize the importance of having the courage to dare and achieve the
impossible. Yet, I could not have imagined it possible to learn so much in such
a short time and still manage to have great fun while working. And what a tour de force of a team I had
the pleasure to work with, among them: Stacey, Jasmine, Marcus, Keith, Kiya and
Dexter; what a truly formidable bunch! I am very thankful to each one of them
for their dynamic enthusiasm and spirited hard work.
I am still reeling and giddy with
euphoric contentment just recalling all the wonderful visits we made to all
kinds of marvelous stores (floral supply stores, party and special events
supply establishments). What a thrill it was to observe Marion do what she does
best; I could not think of a better high than to see her in action executing
herself with such contagious verve and gusto. I was absorbing everything she
taught me like a sponge, the do’s and don’ts of the trade. I learned so much
about her values and principles; her past experiences, her qualities but that should be
reserved for another article. It was
such a magnificent sight to see how the space of the basement art gallery where
the wedding was held transformed before my eyes in two days as the wedding
preludes when on and about without a hitch. To know that I was there not just
as a witness to the creative process but that I was allowed to be part of it
all was mostly satisfying and naturally rewarding for me in spite of the long
labor hours.
Marion believed in her pupils and each one of
her staff members, she was respectful and appreciative of our collective
efforts and hard work. It should be noted that the secret of her success, among
other things, lies in her commitment to giving 100 percent of herself in her
various endeavors and in whatever she sets out to accomplish. In my eyes, she
is undoubtedly the emblematic example of excellence and I will definitely
cherish every lesson she taught me. Ultimately, I am indebted with gratitude to
Marion for an unforgettable experience and for giving me the direction I
needed.
Special
thanks goes to my fiancé, Christian Sirikali and my brother Yves-Patrick Rusuku
for their love and unwavering confidence in me. I owe you one!
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