Today we’d like to introduce you to Solange Abreu.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Solange. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey began the day I took the stage on the first day of high school and told everyone I wanted to be an event planner. Without any thought put in, this is what I wanted to declare, and ever since that day, all roads have to lead me to the same career path. I’ve dabbled in teaching, veterinarian work, and even photography courses, but in the end, I only found one thing that brought excitement – events. My love for events also comes from my love for serving and (essentially) giving others a reason to smile and celebrating all life’s precious moments.
I went to a non-traditional high school called The Met, also known as the Big Picture School. We had the same advisor (teacher) and advisory (classmates) for all four years. Internships 2x a week were a requirement and all subjects you would normally learn (i.e. Math and English) were automatically applied to our career paths through intimate learning sessions, projects, and exhibitions. During this time, I also developed a love to giving back to the community and therefore igniting a passion to plan events that raised funds for local and national organizations; like the Ronald McDonald House and the American Red Cross. Oh and let’s not forget, I even planned my own prom!
I loved this model so much! that I later decided to attend the college curriculum level called College Unbound at Southern New Hampshire University and received my bachelors in the Arts and Integrated Studies with a focus on event management. During my time with CU, I was able to travel to places like Ahmedabad, India, and volunteer for Design for Change – a global organization that empowered youth to create real/hands-on change in their communities. I also became president of the Style Club at SNHU (very unexpected nomination!) and was able to plan two big fashion shows on the school campus that benefited a local organization that helped refugees learn English and much more.
Fast forward to 2019. I have now been in Atlanta, GA for five years. Let me just that I never knew what starting from the bottom truly meant or felt like until I got to Atlanta and within my first two weeks I found myself without a home (homeless) and crammed up in my car with all my belongings as my previous living arraignment did not work out. I had no family here. This was where my personal journey of finding myself and searching deep within for strength truly began! I was no longer thriving as much as I was in RI and NH, I was now the person that had to prove myself all over again to not only everyone else – but even to myself. I took on jobs like working for the Democratic Caucus for voter registration and even as a server for events. It was a very challenging first three years that brought all of tears, pain, and even depression but always kept (and still keep) holding on to that dream and vision of becoming greater and better. This journey has brought such amazing life lessons and even losses, but in the end, it is so worth it!
Lately, I was blessed with the opportunity to apply all those amazing experiences and challenges to my most recent and big accomplishment – Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta! I’m also working with an amazing team called the FITT Team. We’ve been developing one of our community initiatives called Give Back Events, which is centered around (you know it) giving back to local charities and nonprofits through fitness/active events. I also work with another amazing organization called Points of Light. Points of Light is also doing great work in the community by engaging people and resources in solving serious social problems through voluntary service. All in all, I live my ultimate life goal of serving others through my work and that is what makes my journey so worth it!
If I can give one advice to anyone through my story is that you have to always trust the process! And like the great Nipsey Hussle said (as quoted by Lauren London) “The game is gonna test you, never fold. Stay ten toes down. It’s not on you, it’s in you, and what’s in you, they cannot take away.”
– Love and light
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Definitely hasn’t been a smooth ride! A lot of work has gone in to develop mental strength and essentially acceptance of who I am, I went through stages of loss of confidence in myself, living pay check to pay check, pushing people away, and still dabbling in other career paths. I was also taking advice from people who just didn’t have what I wanted. People can really talk you into doing something that they want you to do. Not purposely, but everyone has their own purpose and perspective of things. You have to be very careful with who you let get in your head. Sometimes you can even get into your own head, not sometimes, always! You just have to decide if you want to do take the front seat and drive or let your thoughts do the driving with no discipline.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into SCA Events and Consulting story. Tell us more about the business.
My business is SCA Events and Consulting, stay tuned on the website as I’m still developing and finalizing those items. I am Director of Events at the FITT Team and I am an Event Coordinator with Points of Light. What sets me apart from others? My drive and willingness to go, not just the extra mile, but further than that.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
When I first started my spiritual journey, I started reading the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle – I highly recommend.
Other books that helped me find personal freedom and professional growth:
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
The Power of Your Subconscious Mind – Joseph Murphy
The Compound Effect – Darren Hardy
The Four Agreements- Don Miguel Ruiz
The Fifth Agreement- Don Miguel Ruiz
The Mastery of Love – Don Miguel Ruiz
The Voice of Knowledge – Don Miguel Ruiz
A Return to love – Marianne Williamson
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life – Jen Sincero
Podcast:
The Dave Ramsey Show
The School of Greatness – Lewis Howes
Oprah’s Master Class
Aubrey Marcus
The Tony Robbins Podcast
Blog:
Mine will be soon to come!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 401-327-4784
- Email: solangeevents@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bysolangeabreu/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/solangeabreu
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