The Big Dream: How One Vision Changed Everything
This is a TRUE STORY of how it all began.
Childhood & Early Dreams
As far as I can remember, I’ve always been a positive, forward-looking person with crazy ideas, an open mind, and a wild imagination. Growing up in Poland in a post-communist, grey environment with almost nothing to buy in the stores, you had to rely on imagination to navigate life. But despite the limitations, I had a happy childhood, filled with friends, family love, happiness, and hope. My family supported me, and I was always encouraged to dream – no matter the circumstances. I would constantly visualize what my future would look like, even though I didn’t understand how those dreams would materialize at the time.
As a young man, my dreams continued to grow. I vividly remember watching TV shows about real estate agents in Los Angeles, feeling as though I were part of that world. Of course, like everyone else, I dreamed of owning a beautiful home and my dream car. I was always ready for immediate action if any opportunity could bring me closer to it, even if that meant moving across the world with my wife and baby in just three days. I was determined to make my dreams come true, no matter the inconvenience.
Moving to Dubai
That courage led me to Dubai. Sun, sand, and sea – who wouldn’t fall in love with that? But it wasn’t just the beauty of the place that captured my heart. It was the overwhelming sense of opportunity in a booming city that welcomed those who were ready to chase their dreams. Just two weeks after arriving in Dubai, I was already working in my dream job as a licensed real estate broker and, just three months later, I could afford my own real estate company, selling stunning homes on Palm Jumeirah – exactly like the agents I had watched on TV. You might say, “Yeah, but it’s not L.A.,” and you’re right, but I never dreamed of selling properties in Los Angeles, to be clear, and this story is not yet over… Dubai, with its promise of new beginnings and limitless potential, had become my LA in the Middle East and the perfect destination for my next life chapter.
Design has always been my other big passion. I’ve been obsessed with great, minimalist, and modern design from Apple’s iconic aesthetics to the sleek lines of the Porsche 911. It’s this passion for design that has influenced my real estate projects, and now, it’s steering me toward a new venture: a design company where I bring visionary concepts to life. Every project I undertake is about combining high-end design with practical beauty, creating spaces that are as inspiring as they are functional.
But beyond real estate and design, there’s something deeper to my journey. I’ve always been fascinated by personal development, meditation, the universe, and the power of the human mind. I can proudly say I’ve learned to control my heartbeat through thought, during rare moments when I wake up with a racing heart after too much caffeine. It may sound crazy, but it’s a testament to the power of the mind, consciousness, and the subconscious.
The Birth of The Big Dream
While already living in Dubai, for the first time, I printed photos of my biggest dreams and stuck them on my wall. As anyone who knows me can tell you, I’m a perfectionist, obsessed with details. So, I couldn’t leave it at just that. I spent time selecting the perfect images that best represented my dreams, making a beautiful collage. But this wasn’t just about arranging photos – it was about bringing those dreams to life in a way I never had before. This desire for a more powerful and efficient way to visualize my future led directly to the creation of The Big Dream, a tool designed to allow anyone to quickly and easily create a stunning, personalized vision board, bringing their dreams to life with just a few clicks.
The Challenges
Along the way, I’ve always tried to teach my children the power of thinking big – that they can achieve whatever they dream about, and that their possibilities are limitless. But life in Dubai wasn’t always perfect as it’s a very expensive city. During a challenging period when we couldn’t afford to pay for our daughter’s very high school fees, we had to make the tough decision to hire a private tutor for two years.
During those two years, Patrycja, our daughter, dreamed of attending a regular school, of making friends, and experiencing the social life that other kids her age were having. It broke my heart to see her isolated, but she never let that stop her. Despite everything, she stayed focused on her dream, working hard with her tutor, and keeping her spirit strong. Finally, when the time came, we were able to send her to a regular school. From the moment she stepped in, everything changed. She didn’t just make friends – she excelled. She went on to be recognized year after year for her academic achievements, winning diploma after diploma in various categories. It was incredible to watch her grow, and honestly, sometimes it was a bit embarrassing as parents to see our daughter up on stage, year after year, collecting awards for her excellence.
But what filled us with pride wasn’t just the recognition – it was the proof that Patrycja’s dreams had become reality because of her unwavering determination and belief in herself.
The Turning Point – Patrycja’s Success & CALARTS Acceptance
And Patrycja’s story didn’t stop there. Since she was little, she had been obsessed with animation. It wasn’t a passing phase – this was her true calling. She would draw for hours, creating characters and stories, fully immersed in the world of animation. When we first shot videos for The Big Dream, she placed a picture of the famous wall at the California Institute of the Arts (CALARTS) – the prestigious school known for its animation, fine arts, and film programs. Patrycja dreamed of attending CALARTS, and although it was incredibly difficult to get in, she refused to give up. She applied three times and was rejected each time. But she kept pushing forward. She applied for the fourth time, and this time, she was accepted.
Today, Patrycja is a top student at CALARTS, motivating her fellow students with her dedication, creativity, and passion while preparing her first animation movie. She understands the power of dreams better than anyone, and she is proof that with perseverance, no dream is too big. Her journey reminds me that no matter the odds, the roadblocks, or the setbacks, you can make your dreams come true if you stay determined and never stop believing.
The Present & Future
Watching her achieve her dreams and continue to exceed every expectation fills me with immense pride. Her story is a testament to what’s possible when you dare to dream, work relentlessly, and never give up. It serves as a powerful reminder that no matter the obstacles, challenges, or setbacks, you have the ability to create the life you’ve always envisioned if you remain determined and believe in yourself.
Her journey not only inspires me but also reminds all of us that dreams are within reach—regardless of the hurdles we face. Patrycja’s success proves that if you hold onto your dreams and pursue them with unwavering dedication, anything is possible.
While she’s discovering her world of animation, I am quietly living my next dream, journeying back and forth to California – a place I’ve always felt deeply connected to, driven by my immense love for movies. It’s another manifestation of the universe’s incredible ability to align everything when you stay true to your passions, showing that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead you exactly where you need to be. It’s a testament to how the universe rewards us when we embrace our dreams fully, trust the process, and remain open to the possibilities that come our way.
As I reflect on everything that’s brought me here – Patrycja’s journey, my own, and the creation of The Big Dream – I realize that our paths are often shaped by a deeper, unseen force. It’s about having the courage to follow that inner voice, to believe that anything is possible, and to keep moving forward even when the way isn’t clear.
And while I’m incredibly proud of everything she’s achieved, I also know that it’s a reminder of the bigger picture – the importance of believing in your dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.
I always say: IF The Big Dream had been created for no one else but Patrycja, it would still have been worth it...
Founder of The BigDream
