Donna Hamilton

In this episode of Meet the Boss, meet Donna Hamilton. She’s a Virtual Event Marketing Expert, a Multi-Platform Marketing Specialist, and the Founder and CEO of a clothing line. Donna oversees the sales process to attract new clients, works with senior team members to identify and manage risks, maintains fruitful relationships with clients, and addresses their needs effectively as a marketing expert. Donna founded the Hanlyn Collective brought by the lack of boy options for clothes and wanted to make a change. Hanlyn Collective combines Donna’s two kids’ names – Hank and Falyn. The company’s mission is to provide high-quality, unique eco-friendly Bamboo sleep and loungewear for the whole family.

In this episode, Pamela uncovers Donna’s journey to success. Among the highlights are:

  • Donna’s inspiration on her journey to where is now?
  • Who are her inspirations and cheerleaders?
  • What motivated her to leave the dental world behind and pivot into sales?
  • The toughest challenges in Donna’s life and what are the best decisions she’s thankful she made?
  • Why and how did she decide to make Hanlyn Collective?
  • Donna’s best pieces of advice in business?
  • Based on what she knows now, what would Donna’s older self tell her younger self?
  • What’s coming up in Donna’s world?

Listen to how Donna Hamilton shares his remarkable story. Listen to the full episode here:

Catch up with Donna Hamilton on her social links here:

Click To Read The Transcript

Donna Hamilton Shares Her Success in Business Ventures and Development

Kevin Harrington
Hi, I’m Kevin Harrington, an original shark from the hit television show Shark Tank and you’re listening to the underdog podcast

Pamela Bardhi
Hello, everyone, and welcome to the underdog podcast. I have an amazing guest here with me today, Donna, how are you?

Donna Hamilton
I’m doing great you.

Pamela Bardhi
I’m doing absolutely fabulous on this fine day. It is so wonderful to see you. I just can’t wait to hear your story and everything that you’re about and all that you’re up to in the world. So thank you so much. And welcome.

Donna Hamilton
Thank you. Thanks for having me. This is my first podcast. I’m super pumped.

Pamela Bardhi
Oh my god, it’s an honor to have. We’re just having fun. That’s all it is. So I like to start off with the most loaded question possible. Which is what inspired you on your journey to where you are today?

Donna Hamilton
Oh, gosh. So I guess I started this journey. When I was 24. I started working with a guy named Russ Whitney. He’s a leader in the seminar industry in the real estate world. And I worked with him on his sales team. Then from there, until a couple of years ago, I still worked with that company, it just sort of went all over the place. Just seeing all the different trainers and all the different speakers and all the different gurus. And people that inspired other people made me want to inspire people too. So that’s sort of where I got the idea of doing what I’m doing.

Pamela Bardhi
I absolutely love that. Don’t I absolutely love that. Yeah, you’ve worked great. And you’ve done a lot of amazing things for sure. But I’m gonna relax a little bit for you because I really want to know about a story. So question for you. What did you want to be when you grew up as a kid?

Donna Hamilton
A Singing, dancing acting police officer. So that’s apparently what I wanted to be could be further from what I am. So yeah.

Pamela Bardhi
And who or what inspired you from like a very early age,

Donna Hamilton
I would say my dad is my biggest inspiration. He started off in a factory at the age of 32. He came up with this brilliant idea, he became an accountant in the mail, which is crazy. And he started management of fisherman’s taxes from Newfoundland. And that’s primarily like the fishing community, and no one must target fishermen. So he did that. That’s how I sort of got his start. So he’s always been a massive inspiration to me. I’m very similar to him. We’re very entrepreneurial in our mindset, very stubborn. Lots of pluses and negatives and minuses, but you know, you gotta roll with that. Absolutely.

Pamela Bardhi
I love that story. I mean, me I’m a daddy’s girl with like, times 1000 So for me, it’s like me always been my cheerleader. My everything, since I was young, you’re not gonna need any man. They’re gonna be dude. You know, like, you’d be all Agon, and it sounds like your dad’s pretty much similar to mine.

Donna Hamilton
That was a big time. Yeah, they’re like

Pamela Bardhi
Our biggest cheerleaders. It’s the greatest blessing in the world. But we realize how much they influenced us later in life, right? Because at that time, I was always like, oh, you know. So I started that my parents’ restaurant when I was about 10 because I was just trying to hang out with my dad. And so then I got plugged into the business world. And then my dad started treating me like an employee. So I would get so angry with him. I’m like, I’m trying to go to like the middle school dance.

Can I just go to the dance and be a normal kid? And he’s like, No, you’re right. But those lessons don’t shine through until way later and you realize like, they built you for this. All those lessons, and absolutely everything. What a gift. That’s absolutely amazing. And now, early in your career, like how did this all start? Like how did you even get into the real estate investing space with Russ Whitney?

Donna Hamilton
Yeah, so I was actually in dental school. So I was in a completely different field. My friend Julie worked for respite needs company here in Canada. They just opened up a division. And she said to me, do you really want to be looking in people’s mouths for the rest of your life? I was like, I don’t know. So she’s, like, come to this event. It was a free two-hour seminar. And I want to show you what I do. And I did, and I sat there and she’s like, why don’t you just join and like, we can travel all Canada together and like, whatever. So I did. I put medical school off for a year and that year ended up being over 20.

Pamela Bardhi
Amazing. So now med school what inspired you in that route?

Donna Hamilton
I love anything to do with oral hygiene. I think that the mouth is the window to the soul. Forget about the eyes. You know, the teeth are so important. So yeah, I was just really intrigued by it. And I did really great in school, and I wanted to take that path. But I’m so thankful that I didn’t, to be honest with you.

Pamela Bardhi
Right? So I want to peel the onion on that one a little bit because I think it’s super important. Where we think we’re destined for something and like, we start a journey that we think we’re meant to be on. Then all of a sudden we pivot, right. And this happened in our lives tremendously. And I feel like a lot of listeners, anyone who’s listening right now, and a lot of people are going through that right now. I mean, I went through it myself going from real estate development, where I was super highly successful.

And then transferring into like, a coaching and consulting space, which I was like, What the hell is this? Not like that, like, What the hell is this? But it’s like, it’s a totally different skill set. It’s for over, right? And it’s like, I know how to do great for myself. Now. I’m like, crap, how do I build you know? So it’s a, it’s a scary thing, when you know, like, you start this path, and you’re like, I’m comfortable here. I am very, very comfortable here. I do not want to go there. Like, it’s like this mental thing.

So I really want to peel the onion on that a little bit. And just really hear your experience and your thought process on how you went from that. And then really shifted into something different, because I think a lot of people are struggling with that right now. Whether they want to or they’re being forced to, given their life circumstances. So if you could kind of fill us in on what happened there, and really how you process it?

Donna Hamilton
Yeah, you know, I think the biggest fear for me was telling my family telling my parents. Because they had this idea of what I was going to be, but it was actually so easy. I just sort of said, you know, I’m not really sure. And they’re like, Well, if you’re not sure, then follow your heart. And my dad has always said to me, find something that you love to do, and the money will come to you. So I started doing these events, and we got to travel, and I love traveling. I travel the world, literally from the age of 24 to 36. I’ve been everywhere in every single state in the US, obviously, all over Canada, except for the territories of illumine LiteOn. But anyway, from all over Europe, I lived in England for 12 years, Australia for two years.

So for me, I’m glad I did what I did, it was super hard at the time because you have an idea of where your life should be. And when you make that shift or that change, it’s the unknown. Being a dentist would have been a secure position, I would have known exactly my day in and day out. Whereas being in sales, or then eventually in operations, it is sort of all over the place. There’s no guarantees and obviously, with the pandemic, there were really no guarantees with live events. So that would have been crazy. But yeah, I just think if anyone’s going through this right now just follow your heart and not the dollar signs. And I think a lot of people do follow the money as opposed to doing it the other way around.

Pamela Bardhi
Right. And this is a perfect example of like how one decision can change your whole life. I tell pH. I’m like, guys, one decision could make your whole life, make it shift right for you. You made that decision to move on to this journey, this career journey. And it’s like, look at where you’ve got to travel. Look at all the beautiful people you’ve met. Can you imagine Donna? Like not having done that? Like now you ever met? How many people would you not have met?

Donna Hamilton
Oh my gosh, like my whole business was based on networking and who I’ve met. So I would have had a different life for sure. One that wouldn’t have fulfilled me. I know that now.

Pamela Bardhi
Right? And like the fact that you followed your heart and kind of went with that, which I love what you mentioned with times. We get caught up I mean, you know, we get caught up in life. When we really sit here and think about it. We’re like, Guys, we are like this lifetime like the money does not come with you. But like, memories, the legacy the people you meet the people, you touch the places you see. Like, all of those things like just enhance life in such a way that’s indescribable. And it’s like, you want to play small or play big, you got to kind of, if you view it as a risk, it’s really not.

But the risk I see is if you don’t follow the life of your dreams if you don’t listen to yourself. What’s going to happen at the end of life when you say Oh, I wish this like. That is horrifying to me. I love what you shared with that, that you were like, hey, you know, just follow your heart. Like, let’s rock and roll. And then the rest kind of unfolded. Because sometimes we seem to think like, All right, well, you know, this is all big and scary. But it’s like it’s just one step and it’ll lead you a whole different direction. That’s amazing that your parents encouraged you on that, though. Big-time like to follow.

Donna Hamilton
Yeah, yeah. I’m so thankful to have such great supporting parents, that’s for sure.

Pamela Bardhi
Absolutely. Well, they played a huge role in that. Because imagine if they had said to you, Donna, like disappointment, right? oh, you’re not going to med school, or whatever. And I think that some people face those societal pressures if you will. And it’s like, Would you have any advice on how to break that like any sort of like mindset or thought process? Or anything that maybe helped you during that time when you did make the transition? That kind of enabled you to pull forward?

Donna Hamilton
Honestly, if my family had said something opposite to dad said. No, you have to stay in school, I probably would have done the first year. Just out of being a doting daughter. Like wanting to make sure that I don’t disappoint my family, I was only I was a kid. I was like, 24. So although I had a major rebellious streak, I still wanted to make sure my family was happy. But I know I probably would have just failed out of school because my heart wasn’t in it. As much as I love, dentistry. My personality type is definitely more networking. And I love sales, I love connecting with people. And I love supporting people and helping them get to where they want to go. Although I could have done that a little bit in dentistry.

Like making sure that their teeth were perfect, they smile, and they feel confident, it wasn’t enough for me. So I think if somebody is in a situation where they’re in a transition phase, they really need to think of both sides. And I need to see if they stay where they are. What are they going to look like in five years? Are they going to be where they want to be? Is that the goal that they want? Is that the life that they want?

And if not take the risk. If you fail, at least, you tried, you can always try again. You could always go back to your other plan. If I failed doing sales, and I went on the road, and I didn’t like it, school wasn’t going anywhere. I could have gone back if I wanted to. So I think people need to understand it’s not just like one decision that you make. And that’s it. You can make a zillion decisions, it doesn’t make a difference.

Pamela Bardhi
I absolutely love that. Thank you for sharing that. Donna. You know, I know ya heard of so many people that are just going through it right now. And I’m just like, wow, this is an important one. Yeah, super important. And I think you’ve had an amazing journey, right through all that you just mentioned, like traveling the world for basically, what 12 years straight?

Donna Hamilton
Yeah, pretty much so. So we did the row crew in Canada. And then I actually was transferred. Yeah, I was transferred to the UK. Then I helped open up their division there. And I lived there for 12 years. Within the UK, we actually traveled all throughout Europe. We spent a lot of time in South Africa, I helped open up the division in South Africa. Then two years in Sydney, because we opened up the division there. So it started off as Russ Whitney, and then went to tie grunts learning now mental legacy education, they went private to public. So it all changed everything go crazy. I left that company eight years ago and started my own little consulting business.

Pamela Bardhi
Oh, goodness. So then there’s another one going from a big organization to starting your own. I’m sure that was definitely a transition as well. Walk me through. Yeah, sure.

Donna Hamilton
So that was probably the hardest year of my life. So I was engaged to a guy in the UK, and everything was going great. Had a booming career I was doing so well and then one day, everything just crumbled. I had a bit of an altercation with the new CEO of the company, I won and so I walked away from that company. At the time, I was heartbroken because that was my life for so long. And it was wrongful dismissal and things were settled. that was fine. But I’m glad it happened because it gave me the opportunity to open this new company. At the same time, my engagement also ended. And so I’m in the UK. I don’t have this job anymore. I’m sitting there going, you know, my parents are aging. I haven’t lived in Canada for so long.

My sister is like, Okay, you gotta come home like I need help with Mom and Dad. Come home, spend time with your niece. And I was like, You know what, I’m gonna come home. So I literally packed up my flat. I put some stuff in storage, and I just said adios. And I flew back to Canada. For like, four months, I lived in my sister’s basement until I got my feet on the ground again. Had to wait some time, part of the agreement that I signed with the company. Then I started doing some consulting for seminar businesses. I went out and did some sales for seminar businesses. Then I sort of went into more of a CEO position for a couple of companies as well. Bought a house did a complete renovation.

So it was an absolute hole and brought it down to the studs fixed it up, flipped it. I started doing all the things that I was teaching people for so many years and putting it into play. While still running this business, this consulting business and doing some events. And then when I wasn’t looking, I met somebody else. Then we had a baby so everything just sort of happens for a reason. Like if I had stayed in the UK with that partner at that job. I wouldn’t have been home here in Canada to help my parents were aging. To be a little closer to my niece, to have that awesome house to flip it like I wouldn’t have had those experiences either. So at the time, that was a very hard decision for me to come back home but the best thing that could have happened.

Pamela Bardhi
That’s amazing. Don, thank you so much for sharing that to it. Yeah, like, that’s not It’s not easy to get vulnerable. I commend you for that. But like there’s moments in our lives that are really trying. We’ve all been through them. That’s the underdog moment, I would say for you. But again, you followed your heart. Which is so magical. Like you were just like, you know, and another thing that I really respect about you is the fact that you actually went back.

And you were humble enough to do that. Some people let their ego get away of a lot of things, right? So like, if it was me with my hard-headed self five years ago, I’d be like, No, I’m staying here. I’m gonna own it. Then knowing darn well, it’s not where I was. Again, the ego. But you have the heart to say, No, I’m gonna go back. I’m gonna start over. I’m gonna refresh. I’m gonna do that. So I love that, that you did that. And you really humbled yourself to say, hey, we’re gonna start from ground zero, we’re gonna rebuild.

Donna Hamilton
Yeah, I mean, after, after the ending of an engagement, like my wedding was planned. That was probably harder for me than losing the job at the time. So being back home and being with family was great. I think that was definitely an underdog moment. I think the bigger underdog moment for me actually happened in 2020. So I got back to Canada, we have this beautiful home now I had a little baby boy. And then I just gave birth to a baby girl, nine days after the state of emergency she was born.
So I had a serious pandemic, baby, here. And then two weeks after that, my last client, like I lost three of my clients. My last client pulled the trigger because he couldn’t work with me because there were no events. And I was a live event specialist. You know, I taught people how to expand into new countries. These are the things that I was doing with my clients. So I’m sitting there with a newborn baby, and two and a half-year-old son, in the middle of a pandemic. My husband couldn’t go to work, it’s like, so it was just absolutely crazy. That was probably one of the hardest times because I sort of pigeonholed myself into being part of a live events seminar space. Although I have a tonne of network, and like contacts, it was scary.

So I was feeding my daughter at three in the morning and Rohan Shieff, who owns grow rev was online, and we had never met face to face. He was connected to me through a mutual friend named Steve. And I had actually transferred a few of my clients that I was working with over to his marketing firm, and they had great success. He had a daughter a month before me. He was up feeding her right. So we’re both like, half asleep, and I’m like, Hey, bud, what’s up? And he’s like, Hey, how was your day? I’m like, honestly, it was pretty hard day today.

It’s like, oh, no, what happened? I’m like, I lost my last client. He’s like, Well, that’s great news. And I’m like, why he’s like, I’ll send the paperwork over in the morning, I’d love to have you on the team. That’s literally how I transitioned from an operational role in the seminar world over to business development. And strategic partnership role within row rev a marketing firm when I wasn’t even in marketing at all. So it really is about who you know, and the connections that you make with people. He took a chance on me and I will be eternally grateful.

Pamela Bardhi
That’s amazing. I mean, I love though that, again, like your vulnerability, and your willingness to like, show what you’re going through. You know what I mean? Like, had you not reached out and been like, today was a real ass of a day, like terrible. And, again, like, if you’ve got that ego like I say this a lot because I had a huge ego before. Then businesses, humble life has humbled me and in ways that, you know, being vulnerable and authentic.

I think that’s the most important thing. I think the way that you speak to your authenticity is really amazing. Because you’re able to stay truthful with the things that you’re going through. Oftentimes, what we find is, people are like, Oh, life’s great, it’s great. And then they like, bury themselves outside. And kind of are like, shocked. You know, like, I actually need some help here. But they’re too afraid to ask right? So for you, had you not said today was crap. He would have never said, Yeah, I’ll send you papers in the morning. Like how?

Donna Hamilton
Yeah, yeah, it’s been pretty awesome. I mean, I think everyone’s really nervous to ask for help. I mean, I am still but just like taking chances, what do you have to lose? Like, the person is gonna say, I can’t help you? Well, okay. You know, and I live my life trying to help others. And I think you and I really connected and that’s how our connection actually grew. Because I reached out to you and I just said, if you need help, just reach out to me, and you’re like if you need help reach out to me.

And it’s like, no one ever really says that to me, like, they always want something. Like, oh, if you can connect me with this person, I can help you. And it’s like, you didn’t want anything for me. And that was just so cool. Because I do that all the time. I don’t want anything from anyone. Because it will come back to you later on. I feel that anyway.

Pamela Bardhi
No, I do too. Well, that’s the beauty of like being a giver, right? You just have expectations. Just do your thing and just continue to do that. Your journey though I love so much because it’s just like your authenticity throughout the process. I think is really what inspires me and what I admire quite a bit. And I mean, like transitioning from like in the COVID time. I mean, that’s just an end Well, being a new mom, like what was like. Give us some tips here on how you transition into a basically new career. And then also, of course, a two-year-old plus a newborn. Like, my goodness, that’s a superpower strength right there.

Donna Hamilton
Yeah, you know, it was weird. I don’t know how it was, were you were but here in Toronto, it was really strange. Like it was blocked down crazy, it was nuts. So we didn’t leave the house. Like I had a new baby. And no one saw her for three months. Basically, my dad and my mom would come to the house and like, actually, my mom, like moved you in because she was by herself. And we didn’t want her to be alone. So we moved here in a couple of weeks prior to. But my dad would come to the door and like look in the glass and like I’d hold the baby, it’s just crazy. Now looking back on it. I’m like, oh my god, anyway, yeah, that was a really trying time for any parent, I think.

Or somebody that was alone, not even a parent, just somebody that was just by themselves in their house. Like I can’t even imagine how sad that would have been to. But although I was super busy learning a new skill with Rohan and the team. One of the things that I learned during this process was I don’t want to be just relying on one thing. So although I have real estate, so it gives me multiple streams of income. I wanted to think of something else. And I wanted to follow a bit of a passion and get my creativity out. So I started a clothing line, so why not. I’ve always really loved designing stuff. I’m not I can’t draw, but I work with a great couple of artists.

They’re also moms. So I work with all ladies that are doing this as their side hustle while they’re raising their families. And it’s all bamboo, it’s all eco-friendly. It’s super soft on your skin. It’s really great for problematic skin, like people who have eczema or eczema. So I started that on the side, as well as learning a new skill, which has been pretty amazing. And that I opened up March the 24th 2021. It took me almost a year to find the manufacturing team to create everything, all the designs, the size charts. I know nothing about that like this is completely new. So I did a lot of research. I’ve been doing that for its almost 17 months now, which has been just mind-blowing.

Pamela Bardhi
That’s amazing. Not only are you a new mom, and then you have a two-year-old already. And you also have another business that you basically worked in and consulted. And then now you add in a totally different industry. I’m new business in a totally different industry and juggling. How does that work?

Donna Hamilton
It was a lot honestly, I am glad I did it. But looking back, oh my goodness, I would be up until like three in the morning. My kids would go to sleep, I would be working till three, my daughter would wake up at 430. And then again at six. So like it was just not it’s I have a very supportive partner. Thankfully, he just manages the kids when he’s home. But he works out of the house. It’s, it’s been hard. And thank God for my mom. Honestly, my mom has been such huge support, and so helpful with my kids. So yeah, thankful for my family again.

Pamela Bardhi
That’s amazing. And like, what piece of advice would you give to an entrepreneur who’s looking to start something completely different. Like in a completely different industry that they know nothing about? Like for you? You said you’re like, I have no idea what clothing but I’m going to start it anyway.

Donna Hamilton
Yeah, so okay, the passion for the clothing line came. Because I have a son named Hank, and my daughter’s name is Fallon and I love matching them. And I think it’s so cute that they like oh, like not exactly the same but very similar. I couldn’t find any cute stuff for boys. There’s a tonne of cute dresses for girls, but there was really nothing cute for boys. So I was like, You know what, I’m gonna make some stuff. So that’s where this passion came. I think for anyone that is starting something new like I said before. Find something that you love to do, and the money will come to you. And so I invested probably 60,000 For the very first run of the clothing line.

So you do have to have some funds, whether you get them hard money. Or if you have them or whatever, really work on your marketing plan. I spent a lot of months with the marketing plan. Thank God for rug, they were super helpful. And yeah, just really find out who your competitors are and what they’re doing. And don’t copy them, but maybe see what works and just make it better. That’s sort of what I’ve been trying to do over the past 17 months. Just taking something that works that looks like it’s working and then just improve it makes it better. There’s no point in reinventing the wheel if something’s working. I mean, it’s baby clothes or adult clothes, like, you know, it’s close. You can’t really reinvent it. So

Pamela Bardhi
It’s amazing. I absolutely love that. Thank you for sharing that, Donna. And now, what would be your biggest piece of advice for momtrepreneurs? So moms who are on that whether they have one business or multiple, what’s your best piece of advice?

Donna Hamilton
Lack of the mom guilt, that’s my best piece of advice. It’s really hard, you can’t do everything, you’re one person. And that’s whether they have a business or just a mom in general. There’s times when my son will be home, and I have no choice. But to take a call, I need to talk on the phone to a client or something, and you do feel bad. You’re like, Oh, he’s sitting in front of his TV, or he’s, you know, doing whatever. But it’s 20 minutes. And then after that, you can engage or do something.

But like, you have to be able to manage your expectations, you cannot do everything. And you need to also make time for yourself. So being an entrepreneur, being a mom of two small kids is super hard. And maybe don’t be like me, don’t take on everything. That’s the advice I should give myself. But you know, just take your time and get rid of the mom’s guilt. That’s what I would tell anyone.

What Would Donna Older Self Tell Her Younger Self

Pamela Bardhi
Love that. Thank you so much for that, Donna. And now for the deeper question. This one’s one of my absolute favorites. So what would your older self tell your younger self based on what you know, now, then it can be anything, whatever comes to mind?

Donna Hamilton
To not worry so much about things that don’t work out. Like the amount of tears, I had over things that didn’t work out from losing my job, you know. The ending of my engagement, all those things, just cut it and walk away. Because there’s so many new things on the horizon that are better for you. I know we all get caught up and things that we wish you know, woulda, coulda, shoulda that kind of thing. We have to let those go because they are literally sucking the joy out of our lives. So that would be the number one thing I would tell my younger self, just let that shit go.

Pamela Bardhi
Absolutely love that. I know, we get stuck in our mind some like so off. And what is even an overthinking because men are my experience, I could be totally wrong. I like they just go out and my husband’s like. I’m like, But what about this, this, and this and that? Like the what-ifs and all of that. And you’re just like, why?

Donna Hamilton
I know. It’s crazy. I don’t know, men are like that, though. Definitely say just

Pamela Bardhi
Like, don’t think about it. And just go and do it. I’m just like I’ve been learning to be more assertive in that realm. And I just like try not to think and just go which can be dangerous sometimes. That was my early entrepreneurial career, like, just go. Now I’m much more risk-averse, right? Like, guys would put my time into you. But I’m in a year like what’s gonna, you know, so it’s super, super, super interesting to see the different patterns. But I feel like a lot of women that I talk to you. They’re like, I’m just stuck in overthinking, and I can’t get over it. What would be some advice that you’d give on that?

Donna Hamilton
I’m not great at giving advice on that because I am also an overthinker. I think really though, like, I’m also a Libra. So I have a lot of things against me here and overthinker. And I’m indecisive so these are all things. I’m working on personal growth and development, right? Once you have an idea, once you’re ready, I think just pull the trigger and go for it. If it doesn’t work out, let that shit go. That’s literally how I’m trying to live my life right now. I have a really amazing friend named Bethany. And she used to see my work so freaking hard when I was in the UK like I would come in earlier. Well, she would be there super early. But she would leave early.

But I would stay late. And I would be constantly on my phone working. It was so annoying. She would say to me, Donna, on your deathbed, you’re not going to look back and say, Oh God, I wish I worked harder. I wish I worked longer hours, you’re going to be like, I wish I had traveled more. I wish I had done this at the other stop wishing that and start doing that. So that’s another thing that has been stuck in my head for years. And I try to at least take my family on three vacations a year, you know, take them like we’re going to Disney at the end of October. My kids have no idea. It’s gonna be so exciting. Yeah, you know, just try to take time for yourself and your family. That’s all I got. I overthink everything too.

Pamela Bardhi
No, no, that’s what’s up though. I mean, I really love that you’re like you’re prioritizing the things that are super important to you. Like the family and all that stuff and I can’t even imagine your kids’ faces when they go to Disney. Like they’re gonna be pretty cool. Oh, yeah. Like I remember being a teenager going to Disney for the first time and I almost lost but I was like, I love it such a child. You just go there and you’re just like it refreshes you. You know, for whatever reason Disney should be paying us right now for this.

Donna Hamilton
We’re actually okay, so grow. Rob is going to Orlando in September. And the event is like right by Disney and universal. So I’m super excited because I’m like one Tonight I’m gonna sneak out from the event like go to Universal. Because my kids won’t be there. So just be mean, I haven’t had anything like that, like some sort of a fun night out like at a theme park. How cool.

Pamela Bardhi
So I’m just, that’s like me to just put me at a theme park. I will entertain myself I’ll find, I’ll find Yeah. No, that’s amazing. That’s amazing. So Donna, what’s up in your world in like the next three to six months? Like what’s new? What’s happening? Aside from Universal one night after you’re at the event in September?

Donna Hamilton
Well, Traffic and Conversion, I believe that’s the one that we’re going to. I super excited, we’re going to Matt Andrew’s event in Tampa. So I’m excited for that as well. So just really getting out there. And networking. You know, I haven’t done this since COVID. Like, this is my first real trip doing events since all that kicked off. So I’m going back into my element, which I am so excited for. I have to like dust off my old clothes like shine those shoes and get out there. I’m super excited. That’s the next month and a half or so. I’ve got so many things going on with my clothing line.

Right now. I’m doing some work with Ronald McDonald House. And Tim Hortons here in Canada for charity prints. I’m all about giving back as well. So we’re going to be working with them, those two charities is just going to be awesome. And yeah, just really focusing on bringing in some new amazing clients to help them with their marketing. Trying to help people get them back into their groove prior to COVID. Like they were kicking butt and live events. Now people are still a little bit hesitant. A lot of things have moved online, which is great. So just getting them into that. That’s my goal, just really helping people you know. Doing the charity prints and coming up with some new designs for my clothing line. While being a mom and a wife and getting manicures and pedicures once in a while. Care myself.

Pamela Bardhi
Love that. Boss, straight Boss, boss, my mom. No big deal. That’s huge. That’s amazing. Goodness. Oh my goodness. Now you’ve got to let everyone know where to find you and your awesomeness.

Donna Hamilton
Oh yeah, well, thank you. So my clothing line is called Hanlin H A NLYN. It’s my two kids’ name Hank and Fallon mixed together. It’s hanlyncollective and anyone that needs anything for marketing or any sort of like operational services. They can just find me at donna @growrev.com. So grow rev is one of the largest marketing firms especially here in Canada. But we manage a tonne of traffic in the US as well all over the world.

Pamela Bardhi
Amazing. Got it. Thank you so much for being here today. It was an honor to hear your story and all that, you know so much. So that’s it for today’s episode of underdog. Catch us next week, always dropping on Thursdays. And remember, if you’re interested in real estate, or want to learn how to create more money and magic in your life. Check out meetwithpamela.com and let’s chat sending you so so much love

 

 

Tune in to the episode to hear the rest of my incredible interview with Donna Hamilton.

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The Underdog Podcast host is none other than Pamela Bardhi. She’s rocking the Real Estate Realm and has dedicated her life as a Life Coach. She is also Forbes Real Estate Council. To know more about Pam, check out the following:

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