This morning, I had breakfast with my family, and we found ourselves talking about how it’s time to start wearing warmer clothes. My 7-year-old and 4-year-old weren’t exactly thrilled about the idea—especially my son, who loves his shorts. My daughter already misses swimming with her friends and cousins. As I stood by the kitchen sink, looking out at the dry, fallen leaves on the ground, I could tell it was a windy day. The sun was out, but the crisp air reminded me that fall is truly here. Living in Minnesota, I cherish this time of year with the beautiful colors of the leaves, a season of change.
As I counted my blessings—my home, my family, my work—I couldn’t help but think about the devastating floods in Nepal last week. My heart ached for those who lost everything. I saw images and stories on social media that were hard to shake. I was reminded of a recent conversation I had with a friend whose parents were deeply affected by the hurricane in Florida. Their condo was flooded, and they showed me a video of their cars floating in the water. Thankfully, they had insurance, but it was an eye-opener for me.
It made me reflect on how fortunate I am to live in a country where I have access to safety nets, like insurance, and a secure home for my family. I started from scratch when I came to America, and the journey hasn’t been easy, but I’m grateful for how far I’ve come. Life truly is a roller coaster, full of ups and downs, but through it all, I’ve been blessed.
The cold winds today also made me think of the homeless, many of whom have become my friends over the last few years. Since opening Namaste Brows and Boutique, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many people in need, and one of the most impactful things I can offer them is simply my time, a warm hug, some water, or snacks. I want to give back in whatever small ways I can, because I know how much a little kindness can mean.
Just a few weeks ago, I had a powerful experience with two young women sitting outside my boutique. I went up to them, introduced myself, and asked if I could sit with them for a bit. We chatted, and I asked if they were homeless. They told me they were, and they were on their way to the grocery store with a EBT card. They had walked for a while and were resting. I invited them into the boutique and asked how I could help. They mentioned they were waiting for a shelter but weren’t looking forward to it, having experienced verbal and physical abuse in places they had stayed before.
They were both calm and smiling, despite everything. One of the women eventually mentioned that she needed a small-sized men’s belt, as she liked dressing in more masculine clothes. I was so happy she told me that small need. I promised to help and told them I would reach out if I could find. After searching for a while, I thought of my father-in-law. He’s always been on the slim side, so I called him, and sure enough, within 30 minutes, he came by with two nearly new belts. I was thrilled.
The next morning, despite the rain, I gathered some food and drove to the picnic shelter where the women were staying. When I gave the woman the belts, she tried one on, and hallelujah—it fit! The look of joy on her face was indescribable. They both thanked me for the food and the belts, but really, it was their gratitude and their resilience that touched me the most. Even now, as I sit in the warmth of office desk, I think of their smiles on that cold, crisp morning, and it humbles me.
As we embrace the change in seasons, I feel called to help more people who are struggling. If you have warm clothes to donate or would like to contribute financially, I would be so grateful for your support. We’ve been collecting items to give to homeless individuals and teenage mothers over the past year, and with your help, we can impact even more lives. We also continue to send support back to Nepal, helping those affected by the floods.
In this season of change and growth, I want to stay grounded in who I am—kind, powerful, and impactful. I’m so thankful for all of you who join me in this mission of love and service. Together, we can make a difference, one warm coat, one kind gesture at a time.
Donate or Get Involved: If you have extra warm clothes or resources to share, or if you’d like to support our efforts, please feel free to reach out to Namaste Brows and Boutique, 1718B Lexington Ave. N. Roseville MN 55113 (Ph:651-529-5080). Together, we can spread warmth and hope to those in need.
Happy October! Let's embrace the new season.
Jeena Gurung Vomhof
Namaste Brows and Boutique
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