A VIP Night with the Fireflies: Our Unforgettable Baseball Experience

 

Hello everyone!

Thank you so much for stopping by maryamsjoyfullife! I’m so glad you’re here. Today is a beautiful day, and I hope you’re feeling just as joyful and grateful as I am.

I’m so excited to share our amazing VIP experience at the AAA Fireflies Baseball Game in Columbia, South Carolina, this past Friday! 🎉⚾️

We were invited to the game by my sweet man’s stepdad, Randy, and let me tell you—it was truly a night to remember. Randy’s company treated us to a private booth, and yes, it was fully catered. From delicious food to front-row views of the game, we were spoiled in the best way possible!

When Randy first invited us, we didn’t hesitate to say yes—and I’m so glad we didn’t. The energy at the stadium was incredible, the crowd was alive with excitement, and best of all, the Fireflies won! 🏆

Our suite was air-conditioned (a lifesaver in that South Carolina heat!) and gave us a perfect view of the action. It felt so special to enjoy the game in such comfort, surrounded by good company, laughter, and a whole lot of cheering.

If you’ve never been to a Triple-A baseball game, I highly recommend checking one out in your area. The vibe is unbeatable—family-friendly, high-energy, and so much fun. Whether you’re a baseball fan or just love a good outing, it’s definitely worth it.

This whole experience reminded me how beautiful life’s simple joys can be—good food, good people, and a good game.

I’m sending you love and light, and I pray something truly wonderful happens to you this week. 💛

Watch our vlog from the experience!

Sincerely,

Maryam

Bringing Hope to the Struggling: A Call to Action from Dream Big Corp

At Dream Big Corp, our mission has always been to stand in the gap for the underserved — to be a beacon of hope for those silently suffering. Recently, we sent one of our officers to a remote location in Nigeria to get a firsthand look at the difficult economic conditions many families are facing. What we witnessed was both heartbreaking and eye-opening.

In this quiet corner of Nigeria, poverty isn’t just a word — it’s a reality that grips families each and every day. Mothers go to bed hungry so their children can eat. Fathers take on back-breaking labor with little to no return. And small business owners, against all odds, hustle daily just to survive.

Among the many stories that moved us deeply are those of Ms. Blessing Chijioke and Ms. Anita Ogbeche.

Ms. Chijioke is a mother of 7 who sells okra to feed her children. She doesn’t have the capital to purchase in bulk, so she buys okra on credit, sells it, pays back her creditors, and starts the process all over again. Every day is a struggle, but she shows up with resilience and determination.

Ms. Ogbeche, a mother of 3, has been selling fufu for 7 years — carrying a heavy tub on her head from street to street in the scorching sun, just to scrape together enough money to feed her family. Despite her years of effort, she is still barely getting by.

These are not isolated stories. These are the everyday realities of countless families in this community.

As the CEO of Dream Big Corp, my heart is heavy — but it’s also hopeful. Because I believe that with your support, we can do something about this.

We want to provide food donations, support small businesses, and help women like Ms. Chijioke and Ms. Ogbeche stand on their own feet. We want to bring dignity, hope, and real change to those who need it most.

Instead of standing on the sidelines and complaining about how bad things are, I’ve chosen to act. And I’m asking you to act with me.

Please consider partnering with us through your donation. Every contribution — no matter how small — goes directly toward helping families in desperate need.

Donate Today:

PayPal: PayPal.me/dreambigcorp

CashApp: $dreambigcorp

Let’s be part of the solution. Let’s put food on tables and hope in hearts.

Together, we can make a big difference.

Thank you, and may God bless you for your kindness and generosity.

Warmly,

Maryam Shumate 

CEO, Dream Big Corp

From Heartbreak to Hope: How Dream Big Corp Was Born

Hello everyone!

Thank you for checking out Maryam’s Joyful Life blog today. I’m so glad you’re here. I wanted to take a moment to share something close to my heart, a journey that began nine years ago—one that turned pain into purpose and fear into faith.

Nine years ago, I started Dream Big Corp during a time when my life was far from perfect. I was struggling both financially and emotionally. Just a few months earlier, I had experienced the heartbreaking loss of a baby at just 7 weeks old. It was one of the most painful and lonely seasons of my life. But instead of allowing that sorrow to bury me, I made a decision—I wanted to do something good for others, even in my grief.

My son; Le’Veon

My daughter; Zoe

My Sweetman and my newborn; Laila

In the middle of that mourning and uncertainty, God blessed me with another child—my sweet Le'Veon. He brought so much light into my darkness, and reminded me that joy can grow even from the deepest pain. I was filled with gratitude, but life was still difficult. I had been praying tirelessly for God to move the immigration process and release my work documents. The waiting was long, exhausting, and at times, discouraging.

But despite it all, I felt a tug on my heart to serve. I didn’t have much, but I wanted to give. I began reaching out to people, asking for donations—food, money, anything they could spare—to help our local homeless community. With every small act of kindness, something inside me healed a little more. Dream Big Corp became more than a project; it became a lifeline, a mission, and a way to spread hope.

And today… what can I say? God has been so good. I’m now a U.S. citizen, and I also own a travel business—a dream I once thought was so far out of reach. The path hasn’t been easy, but every step was worth it.

I just want to encourage anyone reading this today: Don’t give up. Whatever you’re going through, trust God and never stop believing. Even in the darkest seasons, He is working behind the scenes. Great things are ahead for you.

If this story touched your heart, I’d love for you to share this post with someone who needs a little hope today. And if you're feeling called to be part of something bigger, consider donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about Dream Big Corp. Together, we can keep making a difference—one life at a time.

Keep dreaming big,

Maryam

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