What a great and inspirational personal journey. So many of us can relate to the many passages of our life, thanks for sharing! A moving and motivational piece!

Donna,

What a great video, very professional, and a great story too! Good luck in the contest!

Fantastically motivating. What an inspiring life and lifestyle. We all so wish to be able to get up and do what we are passionate about. Kudos for making it yours! Where do we vote?

Entrepreneurs often have an interesting life journey and Donna is no exception. I'm sure she brings to bear in her business her unique and varied background in fashion, sports and more. Good luck, Donna!

Fun story! an incredibly adventurous and full life at such a young age. The work you are doing in Bali is inspirational and I love your jewelery designs, I look forward to your fall line** Keep up the great work!!!

Donna you rock! Not only is your story inspiring but I love Betty Belts and everything it stands for! Good luck!

~misty, founder, http://myinspirationlounge.com and http://www.inspirationlounge.tv

I am charmed by the fact that you went from the world of parties and German social life to working on improving things for the people of Bali while at the same time implementing a strong message to our own country regarding being socially and environmentally responsible. Your life without compromise approach is a beautiful thing and it appears that you have found your way. LOVE your song in the video. GREAT lyrics and voice! Sebastian may get jealous :0)

What a fantastic story of growth and self-discovery. To be able to find your passion and a business that goes beyond simply retail to affect the lives of people is an example for all of us.

Donna, I wish you all the best in the contest.

David, great job on the video.

Fabulous video, I can relate on so many levels, being a small green business owner now and even flashing back to my days as a traveling punk rocker/sound person/roadie/manager for my husband's band. Hey ho, let's go! Good luck.

I LOVE the van!!! Photography is really nice too! Yay! Wonderful journey and so much more to go. Great story!

wow! What a great story. Donna has been so many things, and all of them interesting. I could watch an entire documentary on her.

kajm

Beautiful, photography, people, and script. You managed to connect your passion and purpose seamlessly. You, Donna make a difference.

Thank you for having San Buenaventura be your home, for now.

Donna is a truly gifted person, her sense of propriety is un- matched in the community and abroad. Culture meets surf, surf meets beauty and if we had more of this the world would be a better place.

Again, you rock. An amazing video! I wish you all the luck, for I truly believe you deserve it!

Wonderful video! Enjoyed the visuals, the story, the life experiances. Thanks for sharing!

Obercool video, Donna! Inspirational message for everyone to heed. David, the production is top-notch!

What an amazing life you have lead and the best is yet to come

Loved your story in narrative, Donna, but this video takes it to another level altogether. It opened the door to Betty Belts and your life for us to witness and learn how to turn passion into profit--Donna style.

I LOVED the video! Props to David on that one! Lovely photos as well and a very inspiring, useful and funny story to go along with it. Miss you!

Much Love,

Hailey

Awesome video...gotta love the 80´s hair-do´s! And everything you´ve done and are doing on a daily basis!

From leading the Betty Belts surf team, to your work in Bali...very inspiring!

Incredible video Donna. I had no idea of your background and how the story of Betty Belts began. You are an inspiration in this industry both by the wonderful products you bring to market and more importantly by the manner in which you give back to the community.

What a great story... I love walking into her store...one of the few places guys can get very cool surf enspired designs. the other reason I love her store is all of the fun and interesting people that walk into her store. I have yet to leave her store without a item for me or my wife. Also tend to leave her store with having met at least one new friend.

Love her store and the cool people I always seem to meet there. I always seem to find something for either my wife or myself. She has designs that look great that you can feel great about. Small businesses are the heartbeat of our society. Donnas business always makes me smile, because of the care she takes in everything she designs and every person she meets.

Very nice. As I am living at the Ocean myself I certainly have empathy for you.

Lovely story Donna! Miss you!!!

Who knew belts were the key to the universe and good accounting too.

Fantastic video. Never thought that you could sum up an eclectic life in a minute. Awesome job. I look forward to part II.

Awesome.

What a fantastic life - and what a fantastic white wig!

Sent the newsletter to my peeps about this. Hopefully will send you more votes.

Donna, your beauty is inspirational and your depth, enchanting...now the world will know!

Donna,

Great vid, great story, great business, great van and then at the end your song perfect well done.

What a beautiful video!! Thanks for sharing your story-- YOU ROCK!!

Awesome Dawesome! You rock Betty Belts!

I am so impressed with this video! My only questions is why has it taken me 10 years to figure out all of Donna's amazing past? She is so beautiful and wonderful. Thanks for being so supportive in my life Donna!

~Mary Osborne, Bettybelts team rider

What a great video and company! My only question is, Why has it taken me so long to know about Donna's amazing and exciting past? jk.

Thank you Donna for your continued support, love and passion.

~Mary Osborne, Bettybelts Team Rider

From the heart, with love- what else is there? Living your life with passion, living for passion, living love. Good stuff! BAGUS SEKALI!

Living life with passion, living life for love- what else is there?

BAGUS SEKALI, CHANTIK CHANTIK!

i didnt think the first one worked so you now you get 3 good comments from me!!

What a story. You are a model and inspiration for all of us who want our lives to be exactly what we want them to be.

You are model for all of us who want to live the life we want to live. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story!

Interesting story, on both a personal and professional level. Good luck!

What an inspiring story. Way to follow your dreams.

What a wonderful and exciting life you've had!! Very nice video and I hope you win this, you and Betty Belts deserves it!

it is so inspiring to see a punk rock teen blossom into such a beautiful, influential woman!! Go Donna!!

great story and video. very creative :)

loved this

she has evolved and that is an inspiration to women and men

I'm so glad I "met" you through this contest Donna (& happy that 3 Green America members are finalists!). Your story is very inspiring and I love the video! I hope we'll stay in touch and share ideas in the future. :) Melissa

I love your video, Donna.

It is the story of a true world traveler and the story of a strong woman.

Living life to the fullest, very inspire life journey. Great video and music, well put together.

agree with the other commentators extraordinary journey thanks for sharing

Thank you for sharing your journey with us! I hope you win!

Thank you for sharing your journey! I hope you win!

Great video, Donna. I'll be sure to pass this on to more people. Best of luck with Betty Belts. Bring BB to Tokyo someday!

Donna: great presentation. You're an amazing woman.

Love it!

I love how you seem to reinvent yourself but still remain true to the things you believe in. Your passion is an inspiration!

Who are you!? What an awesome story and adventure your life is. I'm inspired...yet again!

Melissa sent me a link to your video along with her's. Really great story and video, and what an interesting life you have had! Go Green America!

love the video . you are an amazing person.

You are living an inspired life! Thank you for being authentic. Good luck! I am pulling for you to win.

Can I comment on my own video? Wow! I gotta say I'm just blown away by all the love so many people are sending my way via these comments! I had no idea that my story would inspire so many. I want to express my most profound gratitude to those of you who commented and rated my video so far! 11 more days to go.

Betty B was one of the first things that I noticed when I moved to Ventura, Ca. It's not too often that you get to meet someone who strives to do what they love most in life. In a world where cities are swallowed up by huge department stores and chains, Donna offers a creative haven for those of us who don't want to wear a necklace or bracelet that millions of other people in the country own as well. There would be no Betty B without Donna, for they are truly both one of a kind.

Donna,

Beautiful video of a beautiful betty inside and out. Your passion of our global future is inspirational and you are amazing. Thank you!

Donna, Ventura is a much better place with you in it. Your video is great,and you are truly an inspiration. Best of luck...

Got a story---got a love-------follow it, what else matters. Good Luck. Look forward to meeting you and re-connecting with David.

Good Luck! We love Betty's Belts in downtown Ventura!

Donna, what a talented and brave woman you are! Thanks for all your good work in the world. I hope you win the contest!

It takes 76 seconds before I hear anything. The speaker sounds dull.

Donna, you have caught the wave - enjoy the ride. You have already won the more important contest ......... finding surfing and the stoke that fuels you dreams.

It's such an inspiring story, your journey has been amazing. The awsome part to consider is that the journey continues! Good luck in the contest!

Good Luck Donna! YOU DESERVE TO WIN!!

Donna,

What a great video. Good luck with your contest and all that you are doing in the community!

Ahh... looks like Surfers Point, right? Across the bike path past the stacked rocks and no feeding of the squirrels ... wonderful break! I've learned much there. Work to surf ... nice philosophy, more power to you and thanks for the cool inspirational video!

Very cool and quite interesting journey. Keep up the great and creative work!

awesome. just plain awesome...

Cute Video! Surfing Rocks! Germany Rocks! Ventura Rocks! Your 80s Hair Rocks! Betty Belts Rocks! You Rock, Donna!

I am so impressed with the multitude of high profile experiences you have had. I also feel funny trying to give you marketing advice, when you have so much more experience than me. Any-ways, I know you've got the surfing bug now! It is great to see you incorporate your talents into a business, in a way that celebrates our precious lifestyle. loved the video! It is great having you in the lineup!

This is a fascinating life's journey indeed.

This is a fascinating journey indeed.

This is a fascinating journey indeed.

Donna, that was awesome and very inspirational. Thanks for the invite and good luck with everything you have going on in your life. Don't give up and keep living tha dream. Let us know how the cotest turns out.

scottyp

Donna is inspiring as she follows her passions. But you should also know she supports the community of other aspiring entrepreneurs!

Great stuff Donna! It shows who you are, where you've been and inspires one to keep moving forward. Thanks for sharing yourself!

The goddess of Ventura and our very own Eco-Icon.....Donna rocks the central coast with a layered past and an exciting future.....can't wait to see what comes next! Much affection, Kathleen

Big challenges, little rewards....Big Rewards, little challenges. We never fully know the fruits of our labor when we accept a path, but you my friend have met so many wonderful characters along the way and been very blessed. Thank you for embracing me into your world along this journey and encouraging me to accept the rites of passages that I face. You are an inspiration.

Much luv, keep on, keep on.

What a wonderful ride. Best wishes for many more years of creativity and success.

wow, you've had a great life! And continue to! Love your store, love your car, love to give your stuff as gifts, wish you all the best.

Thank you so much for sharing this with me, Donna. I loved it. It is always so powerful to see another woman keeping her passions alive and thriving. May your creativity always support your lifestyle and may your lifestyle always support your creativity. Cheers to you!

Highly inspirational...

Very inspiring piece. Thank you!

Love the video. Your story is amazing. I am inspired.

great history of live, wish you all the luck in the world.

Go Donna

We wish you the best of luck!

You are such a hard worker! We've enjoyed doing business with you.

Heather & Dave

Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Co.

Hampton NH

There are people who dream about living life to the fullist, and those who actually do....You my friend live life to the fullist....Great story!

Lucky you to have accomplished all this! Keep up the great work!

i didn't really "get" what betty belts stands for, i didn't really get a sense of the company. i got that donna had an interesting life abroad and loves surfing and has a kick ass van. i love the van. i voted "inspiring" because i trust the peeps that forwarded this to me. good luck!!

Hi Ryan and everyone, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support!

Yes, the video does leave a lot to the imagination. Which isn't a bad thing. It's meant to inspire and portray how one passion can change your life so much that it makes you start a business. And that the business can be viable.

Rest of my story details on BettyBelts are below comments & on my profile page. It would have been in the video too, but it got edited out because it could only be 4 min. long.

Smiles, Donna

Very cool Donna, is that really your car? : ) You have a great company- keep doing what you love and success will follow. Best of luck to you!

Donna your classic....enough said...This is awesome!..P.s Where's the Teddy bear?

Donna, I had to move away from Ventura recently but there are certain things that bring it home for me~i'd see your van all over town riding my bike and happily wear the earrings you bestowed. You are solid lady. I sincerely hope that your business and passions are full of fortune and peace.

Ok I did what you asked in your story and googled you. Here is the video of you performing with Sebastian in Tenerife: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwgP4oaiTWQ

You definitely get the funny vote! What a unique life you have had.

Beautifully told and inspiring story. We need more businesses like Betty Belts. They are at the heart of our economic recovery. May you live your vision.

All the Best!

This was an excellent piece of personal expression and art. Well done!

What a fantastic job you have done with the video! I already knew a bit about your journey, but it is really nice to view a bit of it through the lens. This is a beautiful, creative and inspirational piece that gives all of us a little peak into your life and passions. Best of luck and continued success!

Donna,

You are an intriguing lady who radiates inspiration. And that van is the epitome of a classic. I feel lucky to know you and David. Best of luck with this effort.

Cool!

Wave Tribe supports Betty Belts and honors her dedication to the green revolution!

Donna, nose si me recuerdas, no conocimos en San jose del Cabo en mi tienda, espero todo siga bein ucha suerte, y seguiremos votando.

Very inspiring. I think I'd like to get to know someone like her. It seems she's able to create a lot of smiles, and a lot of happiness.

love life. continue the journey. best of luck.

Great story, lovely images. The Maddonnaish sound at the end though I find pretty surprising and uninspired/uninspiring. Wheren't you a Jazz singer at some point? (I vote inspiring anyway, just thought less mainstream music would have fitted to your story way better).

very inspiring..expecially to up and cpming youth....and those who find themselves having to re invent themself from the economy...you do what you love and love what you do....you're not afraid to take chances...your up beat..and should get a grant....

Donna what an inspirational story that just continues to flourish! It is amazing to see what different people from school have been up to. Congrats on living your dreams... Keep embracing it and may you have much luck with the contest. Blessings.

Hi Jamooroo, thanks for your vote! Just occurred to me that viewers might not know that the music credit at the end of the video goes to... uh, well... me.

I wrote and sang back it in 2001, right before I left Berlin. After touring w/ Sebastian for a year and a half, I started working on my own "pop" projects. This song "Clearing my Mind" was the first. Being inspired by my ocean time, it was a perfect match... I wanted to express the joy and serenity that surfing gave me. "Madonnaish"? Cool!

great video. - www.trunq.com

Strength to strength, doing well by doing good. Good on ya, Donna! All the best in this next level of the competition.

wow, I thought MY life was interesting. looks like she turns everything she does into a success--& fun!--I'm sure BettY Belts will prove the same...best to you in the process of doing what you love & helping others in the process. Thanks for being an inspiration : )

Great business and a geat supporter of surfing and womens surfing. Continue on to more greatness.

Extra points for style Donna!

I know how challenging it is be an business owner.

Keep going.

See you in the line up!

i am the mother of a teenage boy...and i like the idea of transforming from an angst ridden young person to a bohemian world traveler to a ocean entrepreneur, giving back to the community that helped you find yourself.....

Following your heart is a great thing...

fabulous donna ! i love the story of how you came to be there doing what you're doing.... and i love your business philosophy ! keep going girl !

Wonderful Story!! Amazing how you you found success in Berlin and again reborn into an entirely different lifestyle and business in California.

Donna, you're wonderful! What a very fun and inspiring life you lead. It's fantastic how you've grown from your gritty punk rock days, to witnessing the fall of the wall to working with the balinese in your business. Surfing is such an amazing motivation! I'm thrilled that you have found a way to share this passion with so many people on so many levels. I hope you kick butt in this contest!!

You're story is truly unique and intriguing! Kudos!!!

It is a wonderful life story. Best of luck with your adventure.

What an amazing life story! I can't wait to hear about all the new adventures that come your way. Betty Belts is an amazing company... very inspirational. Best of luck!

Donna has given so much back the community and inspires all of us with her environmentally spirited work ethic. Keep up the great work on behalf of all of us! Oh, and her products make the best presents!

Good Luck Donna!!

Cool story Donna - good luck with everything! I love Betty Belts!

Donna- Wishing you the best and a hopeful win for your grant. Your products speak for themselves and your story makes me want to support you in any way I can. Congrats!

I don't get why you got into the business you are in at all except that its another happenstance thing. What is it that you are really passionate about? surfing? singing? DO THAT!

Hi Tothez!

If you read the story below, you will find the answer to your question. Each contestant's original submission story is posted here on their pages so you can get the bigger picture on each one.

I formed my company to align it with the surf community so that I could stay in it and contribute to it, my first customers were surf shops and many still are. It's the core of my brand's identity. We make Ocean-Inspired Accessories. : )

Love it!!

Donna, what a beautiful piece. Thank you so much for sharing.

Great video Donna, well done! Pulling for you!

Donna, I love your story and your passion and creativity. Follow your dreams and your heart will guide you. Cheers!!

This is the best! Good Luck, you deserve it!

Beautiful video, covers much ground in very little time. Way to go, my best to you and your good works!

The van is pretty darn cool too.

Very inspirational ! and you're beautiful! Good luck!

Your life experience is rich and inspiring. I received a necklace from Betty Belts from my son for Mothers Day and it's breathtaking. A perfect compliment to a San Francisco lifestyle. I'm trusting you're selected as a recipient of the Intuit Grant! Good luck!!

Nice video, best of luck!

Leaving home at 17 is no small thing.You have done very well.May you continue to prosper and grow in life.

what a great story!

Donna, Good luck!

That was a really beautiful video Donna.

Best Wishes in everything you do. :)

That was a beutiful video Donna.

Best wishes in all that you do! :)

Awesome video; I needed that jolt of inspiration today. Stoked for you and Betty Belts having a chance at that $25,000 grant.

Best of luck Donna. Your passion reaffirms to me that we need to do it all now! Encourage our children to do it all. And never stop enjoying the journey. You have inspired me.

go girl!!!

very artistic video and interesting journey line

Love the story, LOVE your store! It was a pleasure meeting you.

Great video Donna, very inspiring, best of luck in the contest and thanks for sharing your story.

You are an inspiration! Go Girl!! Love ur red truck wagon. :)

Great video Donna, very inspiring. I really admire your passion for life. Best of luck in the contest!

Donna, this is an awesome video! I agree with other posters that your story is great, the video is very professionally done.. and entertaining. You have done so much in your journey, what an adventure! Can I vote seven million times?

MAZEL TOV! I JUST LOVE IT!

Great video! Good luck!!!!!

Your story is interesting..... But you haven't really identified or illustrated why you deserve the money over other worthy small business. What is your business plan?

plinken: I would like to read her answer too. Guessing it is in the last line of her story. Not many banks would fund a female run, socially conscious green business that straddles international borders in it's blueprint. Not in this economy anyway.

I think many of the small businesses with employees are experiencing this issue. They want to grow, but there is no real funding. Great that Intuit has given them all a venue. Seems like a REAL stimulus plan. So what say YOU BettyB?

Hi Plinken & David3: The reason is in the last line of my story below, though not illustrated well due to contest space and time considerations. My company is 6 years old and consists of design-manufacturing here and in Bali, wholesale distribution and a retail store. I want to grow my business but find myself, like many, in a proverbial hamster wheel, just to make ends meet. I have nothing left over for my three key growth objectives:

- Hiring more help, and filling the job positions that I have available

- Implement a solid merchandising plan to communicate the brand and reinforce sales figures

- Attend key trade shows or hit the road to reinforce sales.

In spite of my company having accomplished great things, there appears to be no viable funding for people in my position. THAT is the reason for me being here, hat, er wig in hand

Hi Donna- Great video; well done. Always wondered what you got up to for all these years! Best of luck!

I have walked in may shoes to find a path of Harmony. I am inspired by your film to recognize that not only in my own life but in others as well.

a well made short should speak volumes.......

Well done indeed!

Best wishes in the contest and also in your endeavors!

Beautiful story, beautifully told.

great story, we love it Donna and David and even the Co staring role by that lovely Van : )

great story, we love it Donna and David and even the Co staring role by that lovely Van : )

What a great story... very inspiring... all moms should have their daughters watch this video. Love the red car too! Good luck in the contest.

Good on you Donna for standing by your ethics! You and the rest of the Green America people live what you preach, and are a great inspiration. The wig IS funny though :0) Thanks for baring your life in this. I know your story will make a positive difference in some people's lives.

Wow, thank you for so many wonderful comments! I never knew my story would be so inspiring and hit such a nerve with parents and teens alike. Also with so many of you because of our economy and the realization that when you have nothing to lose, you can create something out of a passion that can eke out a living for you and give back to many others in the process. Winning the grant would give me the tools to build on this and make even more of a difference in many people's lives. Thank you! : )

I have a jewelry box full of handmade pieces from Betty Belts and I've had the pleasure of seeing how Donna gives back to her community and her team riders. She is a tremendously generous person, and I have no doubt that she deserves a business grant to further her wonderful work..

I read through comments who didn't really get the full experience of who and what Donna does and why her mission is useful, funny and inspiring.. here's what wasn't clear in the video Donna is passionate about surfing, the environment, connecting people, forming tribes, sustainable communities, supporting her team riders, supporting local arts, and donating her time to worthy causes. The video is a glimpse into the past, which most don't know about, but the present can be found all over the web

Integrity - Generosity - Authentic defines Donna, a hui hou!

Love it! Love Donna! Love Betty B!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpIhy-gYvpw

great grabs you nice hair we all had it what and ride yu have been on all the girl love your stuff and some boys

Hahaha! Thanks (I guess) Josh, for posting that link to my past with that silly song I did backup for on youtube. At least it explains why I'm wearing that outrageous costume with the wig next to a guy with a pink heart on his chest in the photo they put on my video here. I guess now I just have to OWN it. Everyone is just pretty tickled about that, aren't you all?

Great video! You inspire all of us Donna. We had no idea you had even more intriguing facets.

Great video! Donna you are an inspiration and even more multifaceted than we knew. You make us all feel special. Best of luck in this contest!

I love your products, and now I know why. They are the responsible, beautiful manifestation of a woman who's led an interesting, varied, unconventional, inspired life. Keep at at!

I love your products, and now I know why. They are the responsible, beautiful manifestation of a woman who's led an interesting, varied, unconventional, inspired life. Keep at at!

I love your products, and now I know why. They are the responsible, beautiful manifestation of a woman who's led an interesting, varied, unconventional, inspired life. Keep at at!

I love your products, and now I know why. They are the responsible, beautiful manifestation of a woman who's led an interesting, varied, unconventional, inspired life. Keep at at!

Thank you SAND312! That was beautifully said. 4 times! Oops, looks like the system is overloaded, sorry you had to try four times to get your comment to go through! Thank you for your perseverance!

As a fellow finalist, I have had the pleasure of "meeting" Donna and learning more about her story and company. I know first hand how challenging it is to keep a small, eco-conscious business running in today's economy, and I have a great deal of respect for her dedication. She has a really great thing going and I can't wait to see what she does next. I would be lying if I said I didn't hope to win one of these much-needed grants, but I hope Donna wins one as well. Betty Belts got my vote!

Great story, Great video! Thx Donna for sharing this with us. Sometimes I miss Germany, too. But I like it here more and more . Thx. Daniel

Donna - great video - it was fun to learn about the person behind the product. What I would like the intuit folks to know is that you are not only talented and creative, you are also incredibly responsive to your customers and your global community.

Good luck!

You are amazing Donna. I am a huge fan.

Thank you for your support on our concept Compostable Plates! We too are happy to see another green business in this competition. We truly believe that we need to change the way we do business, and take care of our planet. :) We wish you the best! and Thank you!

So rad.. I love it.. I know you will do so much good when you win..

What a wonderful story very inspiring. being a surfer myself i know how wonderful it is to pursue your dream so i think its wonderful to see a beautiful video of great charactor. thanx for sharing this with us. peace.

This is my closing comment and expression of gratitude for everyone who came, voted and commented on my little video. Also to Intuit, for providing a platform for me to tell the world about my small business and inspire others.

Putting my life out there in this video was a very emotional experience that had the affect of deepening my connection with my family, my customers and countless friends. They repeatedly tell me how impressed they are to hear my back story, which I hadn't told many, due to it's outrageous aspects and my own self consciousness. Revealing it was an integral step in this new era of transparency. Small Business United is the perfect venue. It was breathtaking to hear how this video resonated with moms of troubled teens, divorcees, fellow ocean-lovers, people who lost their corporate jobs, lost everything, and had to start over with nothing, teachers, travelers, anyone who wants to develop a business concept that embraces the aspects and ideals of their own lives which are important to them.

Mine: A life by the ocean, giving back to people and planet, ethical business practice on all levels, integrity and creativity.

Smiles and Aloha, Donna

Very Inspiring Video. See it just take heart and work. Great job.