Long and Winding Road

I look at my last blog post and can scarcely believe how long it has been since I posted! So much has happened in my life. I have worked relentlessly on the salon, and on building the business up. Fortunately with each setback, a blessing was not far behind, and I have been again reminded to have faith that "all things work for the good" .
  My sudden and tumultuous love affair, seems to have gotten itself into a rather pleasant, dependable state. My friend has proved to be an invaluable FRIEND, and has been the source of endless knowledge, and help in the steps toward completing my salon build. Indeed without him, I have no idea how I would have completed the task. I have cause to remind him now and then how much he means to me, and how grateful I am for his presence in my life. How's that for humble??
 My staff has completely replaced itself. My Cuban Princess, Neysi, took the low road and baled

when I went on vacation for a couple days. She has gone back to an all Cuban shop, where no English is spoken. Some of her English speaking clients remain with me, that was not a bad thing for me or them. My dalring Vinnie bought a house in Gulfport Fl, and left about a month ago. He is still dearly loved and missed by all,very many of his clients stayed behind also. I hired a new girl who will test my powers of discernment, but in my heart., I know she is not right for us, and will not prove to be an asset, it's a shame, and I do like her, but "fit in" she does not. Lastly I am blessed that my long wait for a local stylist with a following is over. The very one I had hoped to get walked right through my door last week. She has worked in the same neighborhood her whole 14 year career, and has been at exactly TWO salons in that time. Now she is with me, and is a self employed "chair renter". For a stylist that has paid 50% of her income to a salon, for 14 years, she
is in for a very pleasant surprise when she begins to add up her new income!

So my once stark white salon is now busy with art, color, happy people, lots of local support. My grandiose plans have all come to fruition, thanks to my  friend Nigel. I am down to the finishing touches on my vision now.  At times I stand back and am amazed that this vision has become a reality. I have lost people that I thought were friends, and gained friends that I did not know I had. Life is funny that way, but I am glad I found out.

 In the evening, when I am finished my work, and I close the blinds turn out the lights, and the salon is silent and shadows allow the missing details to fade away, I am filled with a love and fulfillment that I have never had for any project I have had. I think perhaps because I know it is a project that God started in my heart two years ago, and completed in His time, with His blessing, and is truly a gift to me . I cherish this endeavor, what it has taught me, the people who were sent to help (Nigel, Marcus, Kibby and her husband, Kenny, Guy, Morely, my landlord Gaye, Vinnie, Kandice, Les, Brett, and Kevin) The clients who stood by me and were patient while they got their hair done in a construction zone, LOL. with the final job almost complete , the new shower enclosure in the spa, we are ready to get into the season finished, polished with paint and construction all done. This thing of beauty is my vision come to life . I am blessed/

still not the final "organised" look, but still bright and busy