Hey there! Great lesson learned in this post & I can’t wait to share it with you but first let’s do a quick recap of my journey thus far…
In 2010 at the age of 25 the dream was planted in my heart and this was the time I discovered my purpose: helping others take care of themselves. Then, I did what I could with what was available to me to keep my dream alive. After discovering a brand I absolutely loved I made a plan to go the franchise route and I was sticking to it! Then, in 2014 I finally was able to transition to the spa industry to begin doing what I love, helping and serving others. Not only did I begin doing what I love, soon after I unexpectedly got the opportunity to work with the spa brand of my dreams, a brand that will always be in my heart!
All was going well in my world. I was working, doing what I love, headed in the right direction but there was just one problem…things weren’t going as quickly as I expected them to go. Meaning, I was working towards my dream but I felt like things were moving too slowly. I thought “Maybe going back to the government for a year or two to increase my income would be a great idea!” “This way, I can save up a great deal of money to help the process happen a little faster!” Bad idea!!!
Let me tell you, this was the worst thing I could have ever done! This occurred back in 2019 and it was the most miserable year for me! I remember my 35th birthday was approaching that year and instead of wanting to celebrate all I kept thinking was “another year has gone by and I’m not where I want to be yet.” I applied for over 30 positions and nothing came of any of them! Every single time I submitted an application it was like torture. You see, simply put, I was out of alignment with God’s will for my life and I must be honest, I never prayed before I began applying. I just started to apply. However, I must say that everytime I submitted an application I would say, “God, if this is not your will I don’t want it!” Needless to say, it was not His will for me to go back to the government and later on that year I received the confirmation I needed. I stopped applying and started focusing on what He called me to do! To be more specific, He instructed me to stay connected, keep learning, keep doing and that’s exactly what I did and let me tell you, that following year in 2020 was a much better year and I knew, without a doubt, I was back in alignment with my purpose! Thank goodness for what He didn’t allow!
The moral of this short story is: It’s never worth it to get ahead of God! You’ll know when you’re headed in the right direction. There will be peace in every season. The moment you feel miserable or unhappy during your journey it’s time to check in with yourself. No seriously, you need to do some soul searching and get connected with the source, whomever you believe in. For me, it’s God. He’ll never lead you in the wrong direction but you must seek Him first in all things. Why? Because His ways are better than ours and He sees the end from the beginning!
Greatness requires a process and patience! Don’t ever get ahead of God. His timing is ALWAYS perfect!
Be sure to come back next week! I can’t wait to tell you how ALL of my plans were interrupted and took a huge turn that required a big leap of faith! Stay tuned in! It’s going to be a good one!!
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
~Maya Angelou
No one can say it better than the lovely, late Maya Angelou! WE will not only survive, but thrive with passion, compassion, humor, style, and might I add…some grace too!
Hi there! So last week I mentioned how I transitioned to the industry with the opportunity to work for a very well known spa brand here in Atlanta and how this was the beginning of me doing what I love! I also shared a picture showing me in my element while pregnant with my second son. Well, that very next year in 2015 my son was born and during maternity leave I got a call from someone letting me know that a Woodhouse Spa was opening in Atlanta. What??? Now, remember in my previous post I mentioned how I prayed for God to allow me the opportunity to work at a Woodhouse location prior to opening my own?! I couldn’t believe it! I remember saying these exact words on that particular day, “I must have the owner’s number so I can give them a call” with hopes of becoming a part of the team!
So what did I do next when I hung up the phone??? I called up the new owners! Yep! Just like that. I was super nervous, but still trying to be brave at the same time! To make a long story short, I got the interview & started working with them! Seriously, I couldn’t believe that the very thing I prayed for years prior was actually happening! Be careful what you pray for! At this point, God was blowing my mind! I knew I was right where I needed to be, headed in the right direction.
I have to say, I will always remember my days at Woodhouse. I worked with the best team, gained a wealth of knowledge & hands-on experience, had the opportunity to attend the Woodhouse family reunion (another thing I prayed for that came true), and had the opportunity to meet the founder who also believed in me and my dream. It’s true, Woodhouse will always hold a special place in my heart! God had me in the palm of His hands the whole time, and still does!
You’ll see as my story continues that my season at the Woodhouse came to an unexpected end in 2020! Ironically, it was the end but also a new beginning that I wasn’t expecting!
I promise you, the story keeps getting better and better! Next week I’ll be talking about how I tried to take matters into my own hands and speed up the process! Just know that was a horrible idea and I can’t wait to share this lesson learned!
Below I’ve shared with you some of my Woodhouse memories that mean the world and will last a lifetime!
My first day at work as Spa Coordinator!! Attending my first WH reunion!I finally had the opportunity to meet Jeni!
In honor of Black History Month I thought it would be a great idea to highlight and support black owned businesses in the wellness industry this week! When we support black owned businesses we’re not only supporting their actual business but it helps raise awareness, it celebrates their successes, and helps to recognize contributions to their communities as well!
Fun Fact: Between February 2020 and August 2021, Black-owned businesses increased by nearly 40 percent. (Study by Merchant Maverick) You can read the full article here.
This proves that although the pandemic was extremely difficult to endure on so many levels, it still created opportunities for many entrepreneurs.
Here are some of some black-owned businesses in the wellness industry you can support! Some I use personally and some I have on my list!! Remember, even if you can’t buy from them you can always share, like, and comment on their socials for support and engagement to help increase awareness!! There’s always a way!
GOLDE: Superfood self care essentials to support your wellbeing and always 100% natural & vegan friendly. My personal favorite is the Matcha Turmeric Superfood Latte Blend and their Superwhisk frother. Click here to learn more.
Donna’s Recipe: All-natural vegan friendly hair recipe with hair products created to encourage and stimulate hair growth. I’ve been using both the hair vitamin and the strengthening oil since the day it launched back in January 2021 and I’ve been using it ever since! It’s a must for me because, if you’re consistent, you will see a difference for sure! Click here to learn more.
My Happy Flo: Daily all natural, plant-based vitamins that support healthier hormones, reduce inflammation, & replenish key nutrients. I promise you this will change your life if you experience unhappy “times of the month.” I’m currently on my third month and all I have to say is no more migraines. Plus, the extra boost of energy is an added bonus! Click here to learn more.
Marimad Luxury Spa: Marimad Luxury Spa offers affordable, safe and painless treatments for people of all ages and ethnicities and was founded with one goal in mind, the wellbeing of their clients. Owned by one of the best and one who happens to be a dear friend of mine! Book your appointment today and tell her I sent you! Click here to learn more.
Gymwrap: A fitness sweatband developed using a patented revolutionary process that provides maximum sweat absorption. It is the unique blend of fabrics that allows heat to escape while letting cool air in and we all know how important this is for our hair! I love working out with mine! Click here to learn more.
Organically Bath & Beauty: Family owned, small business located in Texas offering a robust collection of vegan skincare for all skin types, all of which are handmade. Click here to learn more.
Black Girl Sunscreen: We all know how important sunscreen is for our skin. Black Girl Sunscreen is an SPF 30 lotion formulated for women of color. It dries completely clear and protects without leaving a white-cast on the skin. Protect your skin!! BGS is one of my personal faves! Click here to learn more.
Hot Head Thermal Care: Hot Head™ is the “original” flaxseed deep conditioning heat cap making it easy to deep condition at home with heat. I promise you it is the absolute best thing ever!! I use it every week! Click here to learn more.
Renewed Scents: Luxury inspired fragrances that are non-toxic, vegan, & cruelty free created to stimulate your senses and encourage self care. The packaging is absolutely beautiful too! Click here to learn more.
Lindwood Court Candles & Decor: All natural, small batch candles for the modern millennial. I purchased the SoHo at an outdoor festival one day and absolutely LOVED it! It has scents of Pineapple, Lavender, Bamboo, and Dark Musk! Divine!! Click here to learn more.
Of course there are SO many other brands, I could go on and on. If you’re looking for a new black-owned business to support you can start here!
Today, I chose to share with you an actual journal entry from 2014. You see, July 2014 was when I officially transitioned to the spa and wellness industry. Therefore, it was a must that I document my thoughts and feelings about this huge moment in my life. And it reads…
Ke’Anna’s Thoughts: Sunday, 27 July 2014
“This is the year of “New Beginnings” for me! In June, my family and I were finally able to move back to Georgia where it feels like home! I will begin working at Natural Body Spa & Shop, TOMORROW!!! I actually cannot believe it, really!!!! This past Wednesday (23 July 2014) I had an interview with the Spa Director and after two hours of us talking I got the job as a Spa Coordinator. For the first time in four years I finally feel like I am moving towards my dream, my goal of owning my own day spa! God is awesome and He does work in mysterious ways! The initial plan was to continue working my government job from home but clearly that was not God’s will. He had something better planned for me that would allow me to do what I love, what I was passionate about. It is true, when one door closes another one opens.
I am so thankful to God for giving me this opportunity and allowing me to walk in my purpose & destiny. He knows my heart & I will continue to follow Him and ask for His guidance while on this journey! Although this new position as Spa Coordinator may not pay nearly as much as my previous position, the main difference is my heart is in it and my passion has come alive! Finally, I can say I am doing what I love, but I’m not finished yet! God is preparing me to become that successful spa owner I aspire to be. I can, and I will with His help! The best is yet to come!”
It brings my heart great joy to be able to go back and reread my journal entries and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share them with you to help prove we are all on a journey! This was 8 years ago! Wow! It just proves that greatness takes time & today I have learned to not only trust, but to ENJOY the process!
Some important points to mention:
I transitioned when the time was right for me, not when I wanted to necessarily
I took a major pay cut to follow my passion & purpose
I was like a sponge and wanted to learn it all
I was very open and honest from the very beginning about my long term goal of becoming a spa owner one day
For the first time since 2010 I felt like I was finally headed in the right direction for my future
Below, I’m sharing one of my favorite pictures that illustrates me “doing what I love!” It was the beginning of an adventure! You can see the smile & joy on my face…and my second born son was in my belly! Because of this, it will always remain as one of my favorite “journey” pics of all time!
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” Zec. 4:10 (NLT)
