When I began this new journey, I vowed to myself and my community that I would be transparent as much as possible. This vulnerability has not been easy because I am more of an introvert, but here I am spilling my guts because I know that there is strength in sencerity.
2022, wow, another new year, thank God, right?
I am so grateful for this fresh start, and for those reading this. Thank you for your support and being a part of my community, especially on 'the medias' as I like to call them.
I think social media is a wonderful tool. It allows us to connect, to learn, and it is even a means of being artistic for so many creators in the world. However, let’s take a second for this transparency I mentioned earlier. The medias convey a false narrative at times. Many people look like they have it all figured out. Even I’ve gotten this comment many times, but I’m here to tell you like IT IS. I do not have it all together.
I have a beautiful new business, my family is happy and healthy, my marriage is healthy - we are closer than ever, and my relationship with God continues to grow, but I DO NOT HAVE IT TOGETHER.
I created this business in 2018 and the truth is, I should be seeing some fruits of my labor nearly 4 years later. Although, I only really leaned into my business pre-pandemic, after having my daughter, I should be growing, right? (at least that is what I tell myself)
Here is the short and sweet version of my journey.
I left my full time job as an educator in 2020 and started staging and styling homes full time. I helped my husband rehab properties and then the home decor and gift side of my business was born.
Later my husband and I purchased 3 commercial properties and my brick and mortar store opened in 2021.
With a hard working busy husband, 2 little ones, and a new business, I have to plan everything I can- which may be mistaken as "having it together".
Listen, those little busy bodies of ours, you just can't plan for and we always have our children. I am grateful have that option. As a mother, I have been very hesitant to ask for help with my little ones. And when you throw in the health crisis, and now the danger of non vaccinated family members, it has made asking for help that much more challenging. So mama be momming okurrrrrr !
Planning doesn't always help, but it is what makes things smoother. I can't plan for random school closings, or sick minis, but we make it work. And if we can, you can. I am happy to share what this has looked like and I want to encourage others to dream. It is so important to create a life as beautiful as your dreams.
But everything doesn't always look dreamy. As a black owned business with a store front in a town I do not reside in and I am not from, there are so many odds already against me. Many minority entrepreneurs do not have the privilege of financial advantages when beginning a business, but as a minority you learn to speak resilience fluently at a very young age. And that is what I am doing. Speaking resilience and creating what we were not given- being obedient, following my purpose, and teaching as much as possible to our children.
My pastor is preaching about following your purpose. Today's sermon was based on the Matthew 5:14-16
A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
So here is my light - my transparent light.
It looks beautiful, it is beautiful, but it is hard. Following your purpose is fun, but it is work, but stay with it. It is all worth the work. All of it. And looking like you have it together is not the goal - the obedience, the dream, the purpose that is the goal.
Happy Sunday beautiful people, may your week be as beautiful as you are !