Conscious Capitalism of Central Maryland is thrilled to be sponsoring Ignite Howard County #4 on October 22, 2018 at the Jailbreak Brewing Company. Ignite is a high-energy evening where the community comes together to share their passions! The goal is to create conversations, common ground and collaborations between people in our artistic, entrepreneurial, creative, technical and innovative communities. Speakers will teach, enlighten or simply inspire the Howard County community.
We recently caught up with a past Ignite speaker, Beth Harbinson, creator of Sobar, to learn more about how Ignite has impacted her life and business. Sobar is a non-profit that Beth runs in her spare time, creating and serving healthy non-alcoholic beverages at social events, sponsoring alcohol-free events and hiring employees who are in recovery or experiencing mental illness.
What motivated you to speak at Ignite two years ago?
I spoke at Ignite because I wanted to address labels that people place on alcoholics, which are not necessarily true. I am a recovering alcoholic, but I am also a daughter, a mother, an entrepreneur, a business-owner and an innovator. I wanted to speak out to support those like myself. I thought if I could reach just one person, then I would be successful.
Were you afraid to speak at Ignite?
Oh goodness, yes. I was so nervous I thought I was going to throw up! Not about sharing my story, but rather I was scared to speak in front of an audience, which I found strange because generally, I enjoy public speaking. My hands were shaking the whole time, but I tried to place the experience into perspective and think about what’s important in my life – for me, that’s my family.
Why was Ignite such a pivotal event for you personally and professionally?
Being in the company of others who shared of themselves was really inspiring. It allowed me to gain perspective of my own life. We are all just a speck in the universe and sometimes problems are not as big as we think they are. I can still remember some of the stories from that evening even now, two years later.
How has your experience propelled you forward to where you are now?
I do not think I would have actually started Sobar had I not spoken at Ignite. I believe that we are on a path and the steps along the path reveal for us the purpose of what we are doing. Ignite for me was the start of my journey on the path. It gave me the courage to take that first step to helping others embrace the label of the disease of alcoholism.
What would you tell others who are pondering on whether to speak at Ignite?
Just go for it! My friends would say that I’m a confident person, but I have plenty of self-doubt. We are our own worst enemies. Find one of those friends who will give you honest feedback and utilize them to tell you the truth and ask the hard questions to help prepare you for the event.
Thank you, Beth, for your sincere and open answers!
It sounds like Ignite helped Beth pursue a somewhat unexpected and wonderful path! Don’t miss out on this great event.
Make sure you have the event on your calendar:
Ignite Howard County #4 – October 22, 2018, at Jailbreak Brewing Co.
Enlighten us. But make it quick. Sign up to speak! 5 minutes and 20 slides – you got this! We can’t wait to see you there.