Tuesday Thoughts and Vision, Resilience and Lifting Others

Dear Friends,

This week I would like to highlight a woman who you probably have never heard of, either. But you might know the product she created!!

Women with a clear vision and the resilience to pursue it, possess the power to create lasting change—not just in their own lives but in the lives of others. Throughout history, women have shown that when they stay true to their purpose, despite obstacles, setbacks, or doubt, they can shatter limitations and open doors for others. Visionary women inspire by example, demonstrating courage, perseverance, and innovation. They lift others as they rise, whether by mentoring, building businesses that empower communities, or advocating for change in areas where women’s voices have historically been silenced. By staying connected to their purpose and refusing to give up, these women pave the way for future generations, proving that success is not just about individual achievement—it’s about creating opportunities, fostering resilience, and building a better, more fair world for all.

Melanie Perkins – Redefining Success and Empowering Creators Worldwide

As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s the perfect time to spotlight trailblazing women who’ve challenged the status quo, broken glass ceilings, and changed the world. One such woman is Melanie Perkins, the co-founder and CEO of Canva, who turned a simple idea into a billion-dollar global business.

From University Student to Tech Visionary

Melanie Perkins grew up in Perth, Australia, where she discovered a love for design and creativity. While still a university student, she noticed something that frustrated her. One night, after finishing a project using complex graphic design software, she sighed and said to a classmate, “There has to be an easier way to do this!”

That simple question sparked a big idea.

Melanie realized she wasn’t alone. Countless people struggled with clunky design tools that were time-consuming and hard to learn. She began wondering: What if anyone could create beautiful designs with just a few clicks? That’s when Canva was born.

A Challenge She Overcame: Funding Rejection

Starting a business, however, wasn’t easy. Melanie and her co-founder (now husband) Cliff Obrecht spent years refining their pitch and searching for investors. They pitched to over 100 investors—and heard a lot of “no’s.”

In one meeting, an investor leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms, and said, “You’re too young. You don’t have the experience to build a global company.”

Melanie could have walked away discouraged. But instead, she left the meeting with renewed determination. “We’ll prove them wrong,” she told Cliff as they walked out the door. And they did. Eventually, their persistence paid off, and they secured the funding they needed to launch Canva.

Her Vision: Making Design More Attainable

From the beginning, Melanie’s mission was clear: to make design more available and make it accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical skills or background. Canva’s intuitive platform allows users to create professional-quality designs for free, empowering millions of small business owners, students, and creators around the world.

In Melanie’s own words: “If you make something where people can achieve their goals faster and more easily, then you can really change the way that people work.”I love that attitude in her, don't you? She had you and I in mind (even though I still get stuck using Canva, but I'm learning).

An Actionable Step for You

Melanie’s story is proof that big changes often start with small steps. Think back to her, “There has to be an easier way” moment—what’s something you’ve noticed in your own life that could be simplified, improved, or reinvented?

Take a page from Melanie’s playbook: Don’t wait for the perfect moment to pursue your dream. Start small, test your ideas, and keep going, even when you face setbacks. Ask yourself today: What’s one small step I can take toward my big vision?

Melanie Perkins’ story is a powerful reminder that persistence, passion, and a clear purpose can change the world. As women in midlife, you, too, can tap into your strengths, embrace your creativity, and reinvent your life. It’s never too late to dream big and take bold steps toward a future you love.

You are loved. Deeply loved. Loved beyond measure.

Until next time,