In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, certain stories stand out as beacons of inspiration. Emily Hartstone’s journey is undoubtedly one of them. Hailing from Hartford, Connecticut, Emily’s early life was defined by her passion for riding and training horses—a pursuit that took her to the international stage of equestrian competitions.
Turning Points and Challenges
At 17, Emily’s life took a pivotal turn when she moved to Delray Beach, Florida, to further her equestrian ambitions. However, an unexpected diagnosis of Graves’ Disease and Leukemia forced her to step away from her equestrian dreams. Despite these challenges, Emily’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit led her to found Hartstone Bows, LLC—a company that quickly made waves in the equestrian world with its handmade, crystal-adorned bows, featured in major national catalogs.
Yet, life had more in store for Emily. Her health challenges prompted a career shift, and a serendipitous encounter with the complexities of event planning sparked her interest in the industry. This newfound passion led her to assist a convention’s Director of Events, reigniting her entrepreneurial drive. Despite her health battles, Emily’s determination saw her climb the corporate ladder and eventually establish her own company, From The Hart Management, LLC.
Rising in the Events Industry
During her equestrian days, Emily gained invaluable experience working with a friend’s mother, traveling to conventions to promote products. This exposure to event planning ignited her fascination with the meticulous coordination required to execute large-scale events. When life presented an opportunity to dive into this industry, Emily embraced it with fervor. Her first major project was orchestrating a 3,000-person convention in Las Vegas, where she thrived amidst the high-pressure environment. While others found the stress overwhelming, Emily was energized, realizing she had found her calling. The satisfaction of seeing months of hard work culminate in a successful event became her driving force.
Educational Pursuits and Philanthropic Efforts
Emily’s journey is decorated with accolades and achievements. She holds an MBA with a specialization in Hospitality and Tourism and has successfully organized events for prestigious organizations. Her philosophy of prioritizing people over profit is not just a business mantra but a way of life, reflected in her daily work and community contributions. She founded the EmPOWERThePATIENTS Foundation to advocate for chronic illness and rare disease patients—a cause close to her heart. Her dedication to philanthropy earned her an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism and recognition from the Global International Alliance Program.
Professionally, Emily’s success has been widely celebrated. She has been named Top Motivational Entrepreneur & Speaker of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals and received the Empowered Woman Award. Her influence extends to being featured on the NASDAQ Billboard in Times Square, holding a seat on the Forbes Business Council, and receiving multiple prestigious awards.
Overcoming Health Challenges
Despite ongoing health challenges, Emily continues to make a significant impact. Her latest venture, HartCenteredLife™, is an online education platform designed to empower individuals on their personal and professional journeys. Additionally, her collaboration on HART’s Purpose™, a jewelry line supporting leukemia patients, further showcases her commitment to making a difference.
Reflecting on her battle with Graves’ Disease and Leukemia, Emily reveals the challenges she faces daily. Initially, the diagnosis felt like the ground had been pulled from beneath her feet, leading to a brief period of self-pity. However, Emily firmly believes that everything happens for a reason, even if that reason isn’t immediately clear. This belief prompted significant self-reflection, helping her realize her purpose: to help others.
One of her first hurdles was navigating a career transition while mindful of looming medical expenses. Successfully overcoming this challenge brought relief and clarity about her mission. Her difficult journey through the healthcare system inspired her to establish her foundation for rare diseases and chronic illness—a pivotal moment when she realized her life’s work was about creating positive change.
Emily practices the Silva Method, a form of mind control meditation, and lives by the mantra “mind over matter.” Though the battle with illness is ongoing, she remains undeterred, driven by her purpose to contribute to the welfare of others. This sense of purpose fuels her perseverance and has profoundly influenced her professional life, instilling the belief that the only obstacle she faces is herself.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Early Lessons
Emily’s experience as a professional equestrian shaped much of her youth, teaching her the value of dedication, hard work, and loyalty. She personally cared for her horses, balancing rigorous training with her education. This regimen instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility and resilience, which she carries into her entrepreneurial ventures today.
The equestrian adage, “when you fall off a horse, you get back on,” was not just a saying for her, but a guiding principle. This resilience has served her well in both business and personal health challenges, teaching her to never give up.
Hartstone Bows: An Early Venture
Emily’s first entrepreneurial venture, Hartstone Bows, was a testament to her ingenuity. She navigated the challenges of starting and managing a business while balancing her equestrian and educational responsibilities. With the invaluable guidance of her father, a serial entrepreneur, she successfully scaled the business, enlisting help from her mother and friends when demand exceeded her capacity.
EmPOWERThePATIENTS Foundation
Emily’s diagnosis shattered her belief that doctors had all the answers. Her path to proper diagnosis was fraught with discouragement, dismissive doctors, and a sense of defeat. However, everything changed when she discovered the Mayo Clinic, where she was diagnosed within a day. Determined to share her experience and prevent others from enduring similar hardships, Emily founded EmPOWERThePATIENTS. The foundation’s mission is to guide patients through the daunting healthcare system, offering support, resources, and a community for those affected by rare diseases and chronic illnesses.
HartCenteredLife™: An Online Education Platform
Emily envisions HartCenteredLife™ as the legacy she leaves behind. This platform is designed with various “areas” or “schools” of learning, allowing her to focus on diverse topics, including EmPOWERThePATIENTS, healthcare, business, and mindset. It fosters a sense of community, offering collective engagement and distinct spaces for individual growth.
Through HartCenteredLife™, Emily is excited about educating and inspiring a wide array of individuals. She believes this venture encapsulates everything she has worked toward, and the potential of the platform fills her with immense anticipation.
HART’s Purpose™ Jewelry Line
Emily’s collaboration on the HART’s Purpose™ jewelry line, in which a portion of the proceeds is donated to leukemia patients, is a testament to her commitment to making a difference. Dorothee Kumpe, a dear friend and the mastermind artist behind their physical jewelry, designs and consistently crafts stunning new pieces to stay ahead of new trends. While they can’t reveal all their plans, Emily and Dorothee are thrilled about the exciting developments ahead. Their newest launch includes a convertible jewelry line, featuring the HART’s Purpose signature lariat necklace and interchangeable charms.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Resilience
As Emily Hartstone continues to blaze new trails, her influence extends far beyond her professional achievements. She is a role model for resilience in the face of adversity, showing that even the most daunting challenges can be met with determination and grace. Her work is not just about building successful ventures, but about creating a lasting impact—one that empowers others to overcome their obstacles and pursue their passions.
The Future: Expanding Horizons
Looking ahead, Emily has her sights set on expanding the reach and impact of HartCenteredLife™. She envisions the platform evolving into a comprehensive resource for individuals seeking guidance in both personal growth and professional development. By offering courses, workshops, and a supportive community, she aims to equip people with the tools they need to lead fulfilling lives.
Additionally, Emily is committed to growing the EmPOWERThePATIENTS Foundation, ensuring that more people have access to the resources and support they need to navigate the complex healthcare system. Her dream is to see the foundation become a global force for change, advocating for patients’ rights and transforming the way chronic illnesses are understood and treated.
A Commitment to Personal Growth
Emily’s journey is also one of continuous self-improvement. She is a firm believer in the power of education and is constantly seeking new knowledge to enhance her skills and broaden her horizons. Whether through formal education or personal exploration, Emily remains dedicated to personal growth—a commitment she encourages in others through her platforms.
Her entrepreneurial spirit is matched by her passion for helping others succeed. As a mentor and speaker, Emily shares her experiences and insights, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and never give up, no matter the obstacles they face. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
Emily Hartstone’s journey is a remarkable blend of personal triumph, professional success, and unwavering dedication to helping others. Her ability to turn challenges into opportunities and her commitment to living with purpose have made her a beacon of hope and empowerment for many. As she continues to push boundaries and explore new ventures, one thing is certain: Emily’s legacy will be one of resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of making the world a better place for all.
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