Marissa Lauren

From Spark to Vision: The Dreaming Phase Begins

Hi, I’m Marissa, a mom of ten, a serial entrepreneur, and someone who loves sharing my journey through Blueprinted, where I explore ways to help people uncover their authentic business path. After losing everything in 2018 and rebuilding alone, I learned that dreams don’t just happen—they take root with care. The first phase of my four-stage journey (Inspiration, Dreaming, Building, Aligning) is Inspiration, where you catch that initial spark. The second phase is Dreaming, and we’ll talk a little about it here. This is one of the most precious and delicate phases because something is being formed on the inside of your creative mind that hasn’t been seen yet by the outside world. It is vulnerable and new, and easily abandoned if not recognized or cared for. Ready to root your business vision? Let’s dive in.

What Is the Dreaming Phase?

The dreaming phase is when you claim your inspiration as your own. It’s no longer just a fleeting thought—it’s a vision you begin to shape. I felt this when I sketched out my organic soap business years ago, wondering how to bring it to life. As a mom, I see it in my kids’ dreams of forts evolving into castle plans. This phase involves planning, asking “What would this look like?” and “What do I need?” It’s the heart of authentic business growth.

Listening to Shape Your Dream

My strength comes from listening, a skill sharpened raising ten kids and speaking at public events. In 2018, when I rebuilt from nothing, quiet reflection helped me shape my next steps. I love hearing others’ ideas—noting keywords like “community” or “impact”—and gently pulling those threads until they say, “That’s it!” This phase thrives on compassion, making sure your dream feels understood and supported.

How to Nurture Your Business Dream

Here’s how to root your vision, inspired by my work in construction, nonprofits, and loving people authentically:

• Start Planning: Spend 15 minutes sketching your idea—domain names, resources, or partners. My soap venture began with small market dreams.
• Define Your ‘Why’: Ask, “Why does this matter to me?” My passion for nonprofits often shapes my visions, like supporting community causes. What drives yours?
• Talk It Out: Share with a listener. My nonprofit talks spark others’ dreams—find someone to reflect your vision back.
• Embrace Flexibility: Dreams evolve. After 2018, I adapted with resilience. Let your vision shift as you grow.

The Pitfall: Where Dreams Stall

Many dreams fade in this phase due to self-doubt or lack of structure. As a mom, I’ve seen kids abandon castle plans without support. Another reason dreams die is when people share them with others who don’t encourage or validate them—those around them might dismiss the idea, leading to even more doubt. I’ve felt this hesitation myself. Through Blueprinted, I’ve found joy in offering a space where dreams are nurtured, not judged.

Motherhood and Nonprofit Lessons: Resilience Fuels Dreams

Raising kids through extreme chaos and rebuilding alone since 2018 taught me resilience. When my kids dream big, I ask questions to keep them going, even if others doubt. In nonprofits, I’ve seen how a shared “why” unites people despite skepticism. This phase is about rooting your dream with strength, ensuring it withstands life’s challenges.

Your Turn: Root Your Vision

Your business dream is ready to take shape. Reflect: What’s one idea you’d love to grow? Jot it down, define its “why,” and share it with someone who lifts you up. I’m passionate about creating spaces—through Blueprinted and beyond—where dreams find room to flourish.

Call to Action: Share your dream in the comments, or reach out to start a conversation about rooting your vision. Let’s build something authentic together!