Image Text:

POSITIVE: Karen Allen

PEOPLE & PLACES spoke to motivational speaker and author, Karen Allen, who is getting ready to kick-start International Women’s Month with her annual event, Dare To Dream. Here the mumpreneur of six explains why it’s always important to dream.

Dare To Dream is back, what is special about this year?
We are celebrating our fifth anniversary and have some amazing guests at this year’s Dare to Dream including Sarah Henson, who is the daughter of best-selling author Bishop T D Jakes. Other speakers include my amazing husband who has been one of my greatest supports throughout the past five years. He has an extra special message for the ladies this year and Jeanette Young who I describe as one of Britain’s best kept secrets - she is outstanding.

What keeps you inspired every year?
Hearing stories from women especially who tell me they have lost sight of or given up on their dreams. It hurts me to see women who I know have the passion and the potential to be and do something amazing just settle for mediocrity and average. I am inspired and determined to be that beacon of hope that says 'dream again'.

Why do people stop dreaming?
Everybody at some point has lost sight of their dreams for one reason or another or they have had their dreams shattered. For some it may be the loss of a loved one, the failure of a business, a divorce, or other devastation, but for most it's just the fact that life gets in the way. Life can really out the fire of a person’s dream.

Who is your inspirational icon?
My inspirational icon (outside of my family) is - and I think will always be - Oprah Winfrey. She was the first woman that I ever looked up to as a teenager and said 'I want to be like her!'. I'm still looking and saying the same thing many years later.

What’s your message to young girls?
My resounding message to young girls is dare to be different! If I could only say one thing that would be it. Dare to embrace your uniqueness, dare to think outside the box, dare to dream big, dare to lead with excellence, dare to be the fabulous, amazing human being you were created to be without excuse or complaint.