How Dreams Take Shape: From Imagination to Impact

Dream Vision

It was magical to be at the preview evening for ‘My Name Is Dream’ a deeply moving and thought-provoking exhibition by the incredible Roya Ghassemi at the Globe Gallery.

A ‘dream come true’ moment - not just for Roya, but for all of us invited to see her vision brought to life!

Roya is a visionary entrepreneur, artist, creator and founder. With 26+ businesses launched across three countries, she turns her ideas into thriving ventures.

Her latest venture is both personal to her, and universally resonant. My Name is Dream is a multi-faceted company exploring ways to support sleep and wellbeing.

The must-see My Name is Dream exhibition is a collection of delicate ceramic sculptures.

Seeing the Thread Come Together

When I met Roya a year ago for a Bridge The Gap: Personal Strategy Session her mind was overflowing with ideas.

She was already working on multiple projects, with a bold and expansive vision that spanned across so many elements.

Business advisors often recommend to “niche down”... however I recommend for visionary thinkers it makes more sense to uncover the "golden thread" that ties everything together.

For me, the thread that linked my visual communications business strategy is helping clients connect what they THINK, SAY, DO and BECOME.

For Roya, this exhibition revealed to me the golden thread she weaves between insomnia, healing, sleep, dreams, and art.

The journey of My Name is Dream has been shaped by Roya over several years, through personal experience, research, support from multiple mentors, and participation in over 200 events and workshops.

It’s been a process grounded in her deep commitment and focus.

Bridge The Gap

At the time of our Bridge the Gap session, the vision and structure was already in place. I didn't understand the full scope of what Roya was working on... however since the preview night, I can clearly see how everything connects. This is going to be huge!

Using the Bridge the Gap VisualDoodle framework during our session we imagined the journey from the 'Present Self' to 'Future Self' and talked through the steps to bridge the metaphorical gap in between.

I shared my own strategy I'd used with The Clarity Quest. Evolving it from a TEDx Talk, into IdeasBook, a 10-week Programme, Daydream & Doodle Day experiences, and The Clarity Questers community.

When HOW becomes WHO

We discussed the importance of when ‘HOW’ becomes ‘WHO’ by engaging with the right people on our journey to help stay aligned as we climb the success mountain.

My role during this session was as someone who supported and observed the project evolution, not a key influence in shaping the exhibition or business.

During our conversation, I visually captured the essence of the advice shared as a VisualDoodle to showcase Roya's extraordinary strength in overcoming challenges and superpower success.

“Roya’s ideas all belong together, they are the spark that ignites the imagination, and have evolved into something meaningful.” - Ann English 

 

Roya's Vision Realised

A year later, it was wonderful to catch up with Roya again, this time to see how her vision had taken shape, and celebrate the impactful action she'd taken to bring it to life.

My Name is Dream is far more than an art exhibition. It’s a sensory, emotional journey through sleepless nights, creativity, and healing.

“I couldn’t sleep. No dreams. Only nightmares. And the nights felt endless. I tried everything. One day, I touched clay. And something inside me… softened.” - Roya Ghassemi

It was amazing to see so many visitors not just viewing the art… they were connecting, interpreting, reflecting. Eager to hear the story behind their creation, opening up conversations, and taking photos of their favourite pieces.

Through fragile ceramic sculpture, Roya expresses her own experiences and invites us into a world where sleep is not taken for granted… but reclaimed!

This is the detail of my favourite piece...

Why This Moved Me Personally

I’ve always loved sleep. It’s my reset button.

I adore the dreamlike state where imagination takes flight. 

This exhibition reminded me of that. 

And it took me back… because during A-Level Art I specialised in sculpture. It's wonderful to see when a sketch becomes an object the magical transformation as it takes shape.

I was intrigued to learn from Roya that clay has a memory, like we do.

It holds what it’s been through - the perfect metaphor for healing and dreaming!

My Name Is Dream deeply resonated with me. I could see how it connected with other Gallery visitors too as I watched them drawn towards finding meaning, creating their own interpretation, and finding their favourite pieces.

“It’s weird how sleep can change your life. You don’t notice it until it’s gone.” - Roya Ghassemi

 

From Imagination to Impact

Reviewing Roya’s VisualDoodle it was interesting to see how her vision is far bigger than I ever imagined!

This is what Roya said about her Bridge The Gap VisualDoodle:

“Ann, this truly brought a big smile to my face, thank you so much for this beautiful reminder of our journey together! It’s amazing to reflect back and see how that vision we once talked about has taken shape. You’ve been such a steady source of encouragement and clarity throughout the process, and I deeply appreciate your support.” - Roya Ghassemi

Be Part of the Experience

💭 Visit the Exhibition: 2nd - 31st May 2025 on Thursdays: 11am-5pm and Sundays: 12-4pm at Globe Gallery 97 Howard Street, North Shields NE30 1NA
💭 Spread the Word: Know someone who struggles with sleep, or would love this?
💭 Support through Art: Purchase your favourite piece and support the bigger vision.
💭 Join the Conversation: Add your voice to the dialogue about sleep, wellbeing, creativity and dreaming.

Follow Roya's journey on Instagram: @my.nam.is.dream  

Reflections

Every small action contributes to a larger shift.

It’s been a privilege to witness part of Roya’s journey and to see ideas move from imagination to impact.

Not because of me, but because of her.

This is what it means to bring a vision to life… every sketch, every conversation, every sleepless night… it all counts.

Let’s keep dreaming...
Let’s keep doodling...
Let’s keep doing!

*Roya's VisualDoodle is shared with her permission. I value the privacy of my clients who share their thoughts, hopes and dreams with me before they become a reality, and celebrate the impactful action they take to bring them to life.