Hey There! My name is Jessica, and I am Dawn’s new Assistant/Getter-of-Shit-Done girl.
When I first started, it was quite the whirlwind. “You’re hired! Now let’s head to Banff to speak at a conference. Then we need to get copies of my book because the printer screwed up, and then plan a book launch party all in the next three weeks. AND GO!” It was a shift to a pace that I wasn’t used to, but boy, she HUSTLES. This is her business and her passion, and I totally respect that. But when Dawn sets her mind to something, look out! She’s got a plan, and she’s on the road to head to that final destination.
I was lucky enough to be given the manuscript of the book P.S. I Made It when I first started, so that I could see what it was all about before needing to promote it for the Book Launch. I even had her sign it!
Now let me tell you- this is not the type of book that you plan to squeeze in while waiting for an appointment. This is a book that you won’t want to put down, but at the same time, need to take your time reading and processing every page. It will make you feel all of the feels. You’ll go from laughing to crying to “what the heck did I just read” in a matter of minutes. I’m not going to tell you what the chapters are about. You need to go buy a copy and figure that out for yourself! Click Here to head to Amazon now. Dawn has written about her life journey from the age of 9 to present day. She’s had an extremely unique life- filled with trauma and pain, but also filled with the most cherished moments as well. And she has been brave enough to share her story with the world. Most people in her life didn’t even know what had transpired over the years, until they read her book.
Dawn launched her book on October 20, 2019. It was a beautiful event, filled with tears (happy, hopeful and thankful ones) and laughter. The launch took place at The Whitewood Barn. I married my Husband there in July. We had invited Dawn not only as a guest to our wedding, but to also say Grace at our Reception. Dawn knew as soon as she arrived, that this was where she needed to have her Book Launch. It is epicly gorgeous out there (not biased or anything).
Before the event officially started, Dawn allowed 10 VIP guests to join her for an hour, to celebrate her success. They toasted with wine and champagne, and opened up their personalized gifts (which consisted of funny coffee mugs, signs, socks and more). But most importantly, this group was lucky enough to witness Dawn opening her newly published book for the first time. Her reaction was priceless. We all couldn’t believe it when she told us that she didn’t want to see the books when we picked them up from the printer. But it was worth it. It was such a special moment, and I felt so lucky to be a part of it.
When you first walked into the Book Launch, you were greeted by the friendliest of faces at the registration table (Chantelle Bielak with Travelling the C’s and Katie Dooley with Paper Lime Creative). To your right, was a hexagon arch that Calyx Floral Design had decorated with the most beautiful floral arrangements. This was THE area to have your photo taken (especially with a variety of Dawn’s silly faces to choose from).
If you continued walking, you could see various picnic tables and lawn games on the grassy area. If you wanted to let your imagination run wild, you could sit down at a table and play with LEGO (Dawn’s favourite hobby). The patio was full of guests talking and laughing with each other. In the background, Jenesia was performing some of Dawn’s favourite songs. There were seating areas where one could cozy up with a blanket and start reading Dawn’s book. Heaters and fire pits kept the guests warm. And to warm the inside of everybody’s tummy’s- there was coffee and hot chocolate, as well as a s’mores bar.
If guests wanted to venture away, they could find themselves at the “Secrets” spot. Here, they could take a quiet moment to reflect, and then fill out a postcard. They could write anything they wanted, but could include a struggle they have overcome, or needed help resolving. Once placed in the box (handcrafted by John Granger with Fresh Carpentry & Contracting) Dawn could then read them and respond to each person with a handwritten letter.
Upon entering the barn, one was taken aback by how beautifully classic it looks. Guests could pick up a copy of their book, and also had the opportunity to buy swag (such as water bottles and Dawn Dice-silly gag item!). In the middle, were three snack bars (candy and chocolate, chips and popcorn, and veggies and dip). There was also plenty of room for guests to sit and visit, around the beautifully decorated tables that Calyx also provided floral arrangements for.
After settling in, guests were treated to a little presentation, where Derrick Meyers with Digital Link, Guy Mersereau with Little Warriors, Maiya Dominguez (Dawn’s best friend) and Chad Taylor (Dawn’s husband) all said a few words. Dawn then thanked everyone, and read an excerpt from her book. Again, people were laughing and crying. Everyone was feeling all of the feels- especially Dawn.
Side note about Dawn if you don’t already know- Dawn is a huge advocate and supporter for the organization Little Warriors. This national charitable cause helps prevent children from sexual abuse. Dawn continuously donates proceeds to Little Warriors. On top of this, $5 from every ticket sold for the Book Launch went to this organization! We all need to be more like Dawn.
Once finished, the guests were able to have their book signed by the one and only, while continuing to mingle and snack. Guests also had the opportunity to have their pictures taken with funny props in the photo booth. Some were even able to snag Christina (of Christina Louise Photography) for photos with the beautiful hexagon. We can thank her for all of the beautiful photos taken at the Launch!
Our team was definitely exhausted the next day- both physically and emotionally. Dawn had just felt a flood of love and emotion the entire weekend (along with having to prepare for the Launch). She wasn’t used to this, and isn’t used to accepting love in this way. I’m an introvert, so even though the event was a positive, fun and huge success- I was peopled out!
So- what is my review of the book? 5/5. A million stars. Everyone should be reading this, so that they can kick ass in life. It really made me realize that we truly have no idea what someone is going through at any given time. Dawn put up a wall to most people in her life for a majority of the time, to hide her pain. And who doesn’t do that? But the trick is to pick up on the signs, and just LOVE people. Love on them, even if they aren’t giving you your love in return. Because they may just need to receive for a little while. The book also made me realize that I wasn’t out of this world for feeling the way that I do some days. That my reasons are valid. But don’t keep the feelings inside! Talk to your parents, your friends, your spouse- or talk to a professional. Life is too short- so let’s fill it with the best people and the best moments that we can!
I encourage anyone to read P.S. I Made It, and to share it with friends and family. Even though you or your loved ones don’t talk about struggles or trauma, it is more than likely that there is something underlying that needs to be addressed. And it is important for people to know that they aren’t alone. Dawn talks about this in her book. She knows that feeling. But she doesn’t want others to feel that way, as there are people and resources to help (such as herself and her book).
If you want to inquire about coaching with Dawn, feel free to contact hello@thetaylorway.ca for more information. Come to her office, slip on a pair of cozy slippers, play some LEGO, and start the journey to happy. You won’t regret it!
I encourage anyone to read P.S. I Made It, and to share it with friends and family. Even though you or your loved ones don’t talk about struggles or trauma, it is more than likely that there is something underlying that needs to be addressed. And it is important for people to know that they aren’t alone. Dawn talks about this in her book. She knows that feeling. But she doesn’t want others to feel that way, as there are people and resources to help (such as herself and her book).
If you want to inquire about coaching with Dawn, feel free to contact hello@thetaylorway.ca for more information. Come to her office, slip on a pair of cozy slippers, play some LEGO, and start the journey to happy. You won’t regret it!
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