Dear Ems,
Happy happy birthday!
I am grateful for the chance to not only have worked with you, but to have shared stories, trips, and to have gotten to know you better.
Little did I know that in getting to know you, and be with you, I would learn a lot, and have gained great lessons and friends in the process.
I count the small times spent with you and FOCI, and the many future opportunities, to be blessings in my life.
And so, on your birthday, allow me to share with you some of the many lessons I learned.
And about the Ems I’ve come to know.
Thank you, Ems.
Branding and Communications
Because of you and FOCI, I’ll never look at advertisements, copy, and branding the same way again.
Not to mention the several times we’ve run the workshop, and me hearing you speak and share your experiences, and to lead our participants through the branding and communication process.
I learned that there’s so much more that goes into how you present and represent yourself, your brand, your product, your beliefs, your advocacies, anything!
And that how important the way the message is put across. The message may be important, but if it’s not communicated in a way that speaks to your target audience, then your message may fall on deaf ears, or worse, be misunderstood and used against you.
I also realize how much of a science and art this whole field of branding and communications is, and that to succeed, you have to join both your right and left sides of your brain.
That, and an attentive and listening ear will go a long, long way. Which is to say, that I’m still listening even after all our runs because there’s always something new to learn!
Creativity
Because, watching you work, and FOCI work, that creativity isn’t a label, nor a trait.
It’s a skill.
I am always in awe and amazed at the output and the finished products that we have at the end of our workshops.
What’s more amazing to me, is that the output, is a culmination of the many hours of experience, practice, and discipline that you have poured into your craft.
Yes, it is clear that you have great talent Ems, but what is more astounding to me, is the discipline and the practice that you put into your craft, to be able to come up with great work.
Because your insights, your style, your openness to try and see which ideas might “bite” the best, to me, is clearly a product of the countless hours you have invested in your work, your craft, your mission, and in yourself.
Because though the seed is talent, the growth comes from the discipline, focus, and hard work.
Thank you also for proving to me that creativity is a skill. That it can be grown, cultivated, and honed.
All the while, still having tremendous fun.
Authenticity
Because I wouldn’t have guessed, having met you at first, that you would have such a rabid fanbase.
When I share that I work with FOCI, and that this includes you, I get quite a reaction from some of my participants in my workshops.
“How lucky are you to not only have gotten to know THE Emily Abrera, but to have worked with her!”
Yes, I DO consider myself lucky.
Lucky because she is effortlessly brilliant, doing what she does, with no airs and pretensions. Not like a firecracker or noisy fanfare, but like a calm, deep, soothing ocean. She will draw you in with her warmth and kindness.
That’s just who she is, and with Ems, there is no pleasing everyone, and that’s fine, because she is crystal clear with what she stands for and holds dear.
The more you accept who you are, and become more of who you are, the stronger you become, the more influence you have, and the happier you are.
Be more of who you are, and not someone else. Thank you Ems for always reminding me of this.
When Criselle was orienting me about the first ever workshop we did together, She kept dropping your name as one of the people I would get to work with.
Didn’t ring a bell. I had no reaction.
Turns out, not only was I going to work with the advertising legend Ems, but also with Ems the doting lola, devoted wife, loving mother, witty friend, hard worker, energetic storyteller, and fun-loving adventurer.
Thank you Ems, for being just who you are.
Live life with gratitude
Because we are all blessed.
Because a little kindness, goes a long way.
And that people don’t really remember what you did to them, but they will absolutely remember how you made them feel.
And in everywhere we went, in our many interactions with people from all walks of life, you have always been the perfect example of this.
Of how being kind to people, is the way to go. That everyone is deserving of kindness and respect.
That being thankful and grateful for the blessings in your life, will only serve to bring you more happiness, joy, which in turn ripples to others through their interactions with you.
That every little discovery, person met, connection made, is a reason to be thankful for.
I’m not really sure, but I feel this is one of the major reasons people gravitate toward you Ems, and that we are lucky to have you in our lives.
It is the gratitude you bring into every conversation, relationship, and piece of work that you do.
Happy Birthday Ems!
And in your young, young age of 70 (promise, you don’t look it!!), you’re still so driven to do so many things, and to keep on loving and sharing the blessings that you have.
Thank you Ems, for being such a blessing not only in my life, but in the life of countless others.
I look forward to the next story you will share, the next workshop, or time that we get to see each other again.
And how you continue to remind me of these lessons, and inspire me to keep becoming better than what I was yesterday.
To continue to hone my craft and my talents.
To become more of who I am.
To be thankful for every little moment, every chance that I can get.
From the bottom of my heart, Ems, thank you.
Happy Happy Birthday!
Sincerely,
Lippy
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