God as CEO, Dad as COO, and me as Founder
Collaboration is essential in building a successful brand and business. While collaborating with my designer, Jeane Derouen—who you’ll get to meet in the coming weeks—the “stars aligned” and I received absolute clarity on who to feature as my first “Collab.” Without question, I knew that it had to be the collaboration between God, my dad and me.
You see, the inspiration came from God when “He told me to do it” over a year-and-a-half ago. Additionally, my desire has been to honor my dad’s legacy by living in my purpose and expanding it in service to others. Both God and my dad, David—who died over 35 years ago when I was only 6 years old—have been with me from the inception of this idea, guiding me along the way. In particular, their presence has been strong and consistent during this re-launch of my brand and business. From the colors that were chosen, to the elements that are shown throughout, to the actual launch date chosen, all decisions that were made have been in perfect alignment with the vision of what is destined to be my future.
My brand colors were chosen in reflection of the meanings behind the birthstones of me and my dad’s respective birth months.
Sapphire, the September birthstone, is known as the “stone of wisdom” and represents symbols of truth, justice and purity of the mind and spirit. Timeless and classic, yet still modern, sapphires have long been thought to protect against jealousy, negativity and harm, while also thought to be a seeker of spiritual truth and a symbol of heavenly blessings.
Topaz and Citrine are both known as the birthstones for November. Historically, it was Topaz, which means “fire” and was thought to have many benefits, including strength. Citrine, deriving its name from the French word “citron”, meaning lemon, became official in the early 1910s. It’s said to be a “gift from the sun,” radiating positive energy and also known as “the gem of success.” Symbolizing positivity, hope, happiness and growth, it’s also believed to be the “bearer of the sun’s powers” and is considered to bring mental clarity, emotional steadiness, and increased self-awareness. It’s also thought to attract good things and promote inner peace.
Teal sapphires, in particular, have been said to be the gemstones of harmony. Combining the calming depth of blue with the renewing energy of green, they are also known to symbolize open channels of communication and clarity of thought, making them representative of “a bridge between two souls.”
When talking with Jeane, she revealed to me that the inspiration and meaning behind the three-star cluster brand element was the vision of God as the main star, my dad as the secondary star, and me as the star in the distance. To her, it represented me being guided by my dad, who in turn is guided by God, who is the Master and Creator of all things good. How amazing that her vision was in clear alignment with how I have felt throughout this entire journey! 100% alignment.
And, last but certainly not least, the launch date set to reveal my personal brand and new website: November 12th, my dad’s birthday. It’s been a stretch, but we made it! I couldn’t think of any other way to kick things off, but to kick off the launch in memory of my dad, David, and in honor of his legacy. Each year, from my birthday in September through his birthday in November, it appears to be an emotional struggle. Grief is real, and it looks differently at different times in our lives…even after 35 years! I feel so blessed and thankful to end this emotional grief season on a good note, and I know that God has been orchestrating all of these events in the forefront of any type of vision I thought I might have had regarding this brand or this business. Amazing.
So here’s to God as the CEO of this life and this business! May He continue to pour His blessings onto me, especially in times of perseverance and breakthrough. “Lord, lead me to where you want me to be. Show me who to serve. Teach me how to love.”
Shout out to the COO and co-collaborator of this awesome adventure: my dad, David! You’ve always been my biggest fan. With you as the Chief Operator of this business and this brand, we will build this legacy together. I promise to let you guide me and tell me how to run things so we can do big things! You are here with me every step of the way.
And finally, to me, Annie Naomie Caillouet—the Founder of this Business Consulting & Mindset Coaching venture! I pray to stay humble and kind, to seek growth and opportunity, and to bring light and hope to everyone I meet. May the leaders of this divinely inspired company continue to show me where to go, who to serve, and how to love. I’m so excited for what’s ahead, and I’m truly honored to be able to grow this business and humbled to have the opportunity to support and encourage those who are seeking growth, success and freedom in business and in life!