My First International Speaking Engagement – A Dream Come True in Bali

My First International Speaking Engagement – A Dream Come True in Bali

By Joan Dellavalle – Motivational Speaker, Hair Artist, Light Bearer

Today, I just want to take a moment to pause, reflect, and honour what was truly a divine milestone in my life.

I had the absolute honour of speaking at my first-ever international engagement the One Woman Fearless Summit held at the breathtaking Mansion Hotel in Ubud, Bali. A dream I once whispered to the heavens became reality… and I’m still soaking it all in.

To stand on that stage, surrounded by powerful women from all walks of life, sharing stories that stretched across continents and cultures this was more than just a speaking opportunity.
It was a soul moment.
It was alignment.
It was a spiritual homecoming.

I could feel every bit of my ancestors with me their strength, their sacrifices, their prayers all moving through me as I spoke. I was not alone up there. I was carried by generations of resilience, faith, and purpose. “ i come as one but stand as 10,000.” Maya Angelou

In my speech, I shared two quotes that have been anchors on my own journey:

“Turn your wounds into wisdom.” Oprah Winfrey
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” Nelson Mandela

And I added a little piece of my own truth:

“Dreams need action. Faith needs a step.” – Joan Dellavalle

Let these words be a reminder to you today:
Your story matters.
Your voice matters.
And your journey—no matter how messy or painful can become the light that helps someone else find their way.

You were not made to shrink in the face of adversity.
You were made to rise.
To overcome.
To win.

Every setback? It’s setting you up for a mighty comeback.

The Mansion Hotel was the perfect backdrop for this experience where beauty met purpose and every conversation, every moment, became fuel for the soul.

This summit wasn’t just an event it was heart work. And I was deeply moved by the platforms that made it all possible:

One Woman Fearless

A global movement that empowers women to rise above fear and create the life they were born to live. From summits to mentorship and global community impact One Woman brings courage and purpose to the forefront for women around the world.

Bali WISE

An incredible initiative that empowers underprivileged young women in Bali through education, skills training, and employment pathways—breaking cycles of poverty and giving women the opportunity to build independent, purpose-filled lives.

It was an honour to contribute to and support these missions. I purposely choose platforms that align with my story and values, because this is personal—for my wellbeing, for the services I offer, and for the legacy I leave behind.

To Amber and her phenomenal team, Mary, and Sharla—the founder of One Woman who was with us in spirit the entire time: THANK YOU. Thank you for the vision, the heart, and the impact. You’ve created a ripple that will continue to touch many lives.

To every woman and man who showed up, clapped, cried, laughed, and listened you are now part of my story. I carry your energy with me as I step into what’s next.

Watch this space there’s more to come. This is only the beginning.

And to you, beautiful soul, reading this now:

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, uncertain, or afraid to start
This is your sign:
Start anyway.
You are stronger than you know. You are more ready than you think.
Your dream is valid. Your faith just needs that one brave step.

✨ Want to support?

Head to onewoman.ca to learn more about the Fearless Summit movement, and visit BaliWISE.org to find out how you can sponsor, donate, or empower a young woman through education.

Let’s continue lifting others as we rise. Together, we are unstoppable.

With love and purpose,
Joan Dellavalle
From Zambia to Australia to the world 🌍

#BaliSpeaker #FearlessWoman #JoanDellavalle #PurposeInMotion #BaliWISE #OneWoman #FromZambiaToTheWorld #MotivationalSpeaker #RiseAndShine #DreamsWithAction #FaithAndFearlessness #zambian #hairstylist #australian #speaker #motivational

Changing life’s & Giving Hope one Hair cut at a Outreach with Elisama Orphanage Bali

My Trips to Bali always have purpose. My most recent outreach trip took me back to a place very close to my heart — Elisama Orphanage in Bali. I had the joy of offering free haircuts and sharing life skills with some of the most resilient young people I’ve ever met. The smiles, the gratitude, and the powerful conversations reminded me once again why this work is so important.

For over 12 years, I’ve had the honor and privilege of working with Elisama. This ongoing relationship has not only deepened my purpose but reaffirmed the belief that one simple act of kindness like a haircut can spark confidence, dignity, and hope in someone who needs it most.

As a hairstylist and motivational speaker based in Perth, Australia, my journey has always been about more than just beauty. Through Ebony and Ivory, a salon I founded in 2003 to embrace all hair types, textures, and cultures, I found a path to serve beyond the chair. Outreach has become a core part of my life, extending far beyond borders, age, or background.

Why This Work Matters

Haircuts may seem simple to some, but they are transformative. For the young people at Elisama and other communities I work with, it’s a moment of being seen, cared for, and celebrated. It’s about restoring dignity and building confidence especially for those who have experienced trauma, abandonment, or loss. I also teach basic life skills to help empower these young people with tools they can carry into adulthood.

Each visit is filled with laughter, hugs, tears, and unforgettable connections. But these moments require more than heart they require resources.

Elisama Orphanage is in Need

The home is in urgent need of repairs. Children need help with school fees, uniforms, meals, and basic living essentials. This is where you come in.

How You Can Help

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of something that brings real change, I invite you to join me:

📌 Donate no amount is too small. Every dollar counts. 👥 Volunteer if you're a photographer, hairstylist, barber, tradie, or someone with a heart to help, your time and talent can make a huge difference. 📉 Collaborate brands, businesses, and creatives: let’s work together. 🎥 Share the Story — follow my journey on social media and YouTube and help spread the word.

Giving back is not cheap. From airfares and accommodation to supplies on the ground, it takes a village to continue this work. I’m also seeking volunteers who can travel or contribute their time and skills locally or from afar together, we can change lives.

As Maya Angelou said, "I come as one, but I stand as 10,000." And with your support, we can continue to stand for the ones who need us most.

🙏🏽 Thank you for your love, generosity, and belief in this mission.

With love and light,
Joan Dellavalle
Founder, Ebony and Ivory
Motivational Speaker | Hairstylist | Lifestyle Blogger
www.joandellavalle.com.au

Blog Post Title Three

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Four

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.