Today marks the first day in over a week that I am starting to feel better. It has been a challenging time, but I wanted to take a moment to share my journey with all of you, straight from my heart as an entrepreneur.
Last Monday at 9 PM, I began experiencing symptoms that quickly escalated. What started as mild discomfort turned into a full-blown battle with illness, and by Tuesday, I found myself in the hospital. As someone who thrives on staying active and engaged with my community, being sidelined was incredibly tough.
Throughout this past week, I've had to cancel appointments, reschedule events, and put many of my plans on hold. It was frustrating and disheartening, but it also gave me time to reflect on some important lessons. One of the hardest decisions was to close Namaste Brows and Boutique completely from Friday to Monday. I was afraid. Fear overwhelmed me—fear of losing customers, getting a bad Google review, and losing money. This was the first time I had to close the store since opening it almost three years ago, and I had no choice. It was more about the safety and health of our customers than anything else.
I blocked all booking options, canceled all appointments, took my work phone with me, and let everyone know on social media. It was a big deal for me. Last week, I could barely function, but as I am starting to feel better and preparing to reopen the shop tomorrow, I have realized many things. This boutique means a lot more to me than I thought. I also let it control my life. However, I also realized that my customers are truly loyal to Namaste. They genuinely care for us as humans.
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I spoke to at least 15 customers on the phone, and almost everyone told me to rest and assured me they would be back next week or soon. As I type this, I am in tears of gratitude for each of you who believe in our mission, vision, and most importantly, love our service. I want to say thank you for letting me take a break.
First and foremost, health is paramount. No matter how busy or committed we are, our well-being should always come first. Taking time to rest and recover is not a sign of weakness; it’s a necessary step to ensure we can continue to give our best in all aspects of life. Secondly, I've been reminded of the incredible support system I have around me. Friends, family, and colleagues have reached out with kind words, offers of help, and genuine concern. I also received several bouquets of flowers. Their support has been a source of strength and comfort during this time.
Lastly, this experience has reinforced the importance of self-care. We often push ourselves to the limit, neglecting the signals our bodies give us. Moving forward, I plan to make more time for rest, relaxation, and activities that nourish my mind and body. I am grateful to be on the mend and look forward to getting back to my routine. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been patient and understanding during this period. Your kindness has meant the world to me.
As I resume my usual activities, I am more committed than ever to balancing work with self-care. Life has a way of reminding us of what truly matters, and I am taking these lessons to heart. Thank you all for your continued support. Here’s to health, balance, and moving forward with renewed energy and perspective.
With gratitude,
Jeena Gurung Vomhof
Comments