This is me and my friend Kelly Rae Roberts. You might know her by her gorgeous art, inspiring blog or her beautiful book, Taking Flight.

The first time I met Kelly Rae, we were in a circle of creative women here in the bay area, chatting about creativity and money and what stops us on our journeys. It was a really inspiring conversation. Kelly Rae and I had never met before that day but she happened to be seated next to me on the couch. At some point in the conversation, a comment was directed at me that felt like, well, an attack, and I froze. Not knowing how to respond, I could feel the tears burn behind my eyes. A total deer-in-the-headlights moment.

As I tried to collect my thoughts and find my voice, I felt Kelly Rae’s hand firmly grasp my own on the couch. With this kind gesture (I can still remember it so vividly) I understood that she saw exactly what was happening, that she had my back, and that she was offering me extra courage. There was no rescuing or defending, but a fierce love. I am still amazed that I gathered all of that from one small gesture, from a stranger really, but there it was. Friends forever.

We went on to share a studio until she moved away to Seattle and then Portland, Oregon. I still miss her every day!

The great thing is that we continue to have those inspiring conversations regularly. Whether it’s about motherhood or creativity or friendship, she is one of the few people I go to for advice. Especially about business! Kelly Rae has mastered the art of soulful business, of being outrageously abundant while still keeping her heart, integrity and joy in the game. I am in awe of the magic she has created with her art and with her life.

That’s how I know her new e-course (that she co-creates with Beth Nicholls) is going to be SO GOOD!

It’s called The Business Soul Sessions, Where Passion Meets Profit and it’s all about how to create abundance in your business while infusing it all with passion and soul. It starts next Monday, January 16th. I am in! and really excited about it. Here’s what they say:

“This collaboration was born out of a shared vision to revolutionise the way entrepreneurs approach business. We want to inspire a new generation of business owners who build businesses with soul, infuse them with beauty, and have a positive impact in the world. And we want those business owners to flourish, embrace abundance, and make more money than they thought possible doing what they love.”

You can find out more here. Just had to put in a plug for a talented, whip-smart and generous teacher. It will be worth every penny you invest. Let’s make 2012 prosperous and soulful! Or, in the case of many of us, soulful AND prosperous! 😉