We’re In This Together + A Personal Update 💛

The world feels so loud right now, doesn’t it? The news, the noise, the uncertainty—it’s hard to ignore. But through all of it, I want you to know that I’m thinking about you and I feel you all thinking about me. I have to thank you all and let you know that collectively you saved the other day when we didn’t have more than a handful of sales and I posted the Cleaning Tablet Sale to go out to you all. The goal for the day was almost met and I got to get busy packing up boxes while feeling much more motivated and with a renewed positive outlook to end the day. Things are hard, but not impossible.

And that’s the way I’m really trying to think about things right now. Glass is always half full… And we need each other more than ever right now. I need those of you that are reading to keep reading…and it’s also pretty nice when you’re telling me to keep up the good work— because imposter syndrome is such a booger.

I also need those of you all that can shop here, to keep shopping here. I want God or the Gods or the Universe to keep guiding me to be creative in the ways I have been lucky enough to implement and make sure the shop sells enough to pay it’s bills. Even more recently, the slow, quiet days have helped me try to forget the present moment and think of the future. Which, I often try to stay present…but what I saw in the future was this darn automated refill/check-out situation I have been wanting to get investment in for a year. I had it right at my fingertips, but then the holidays didn’t pan out the way I had hoped and taking on debt through an investment firm wasn’t feeling great. I knew a grant or private investment was more the tune I needed to make this project come to life. And sure enough…I have been feeling brave and put some feelers out in to the world. I don’t think I would have found that bravery or the vision if I didn’t have the stillness of winter foot traffic.

I want you to know that whatever it is you need or want… I’m always happy to send all the good juju and vibes your way if you need me to. You can even try to look to the future and step out of the moment.

A “We’re in this together” moment I had today was with a small shop owner in New Jersey. She’s visiting Massanutten and we chatted and chatted because she owns a corner grocery store/mart and is experiencing a lot of the same fear and frustrations I am experiencing as a small business owner. At the same exact time we both said “just keep swimming” to the tune of Dory in Finding Nemo! It was so hilarious and also made sense because she told me she too is a Mom of 4, one being 3 years old like my youngest.

We have GOT to lift each other up, choose kindness, and remember that community is where strength and hope begin. Together, we can create small ripples of good in these challenging times.

On a personal note, I want to share something deeply meaningful to me. After many years as "Melissa Nguyen," I’m ready to change my name this Friday. This marks a huge step in letting go of a painful past and embracing the person I’ve always been at heart. It’s my way of coming back to life—my true life—and I’m so excited to carry this renewed energy into everything I do, including the work I love to share with all of you. It will be bittersweet not having the same name as my oldest children, but I look forward to the strength a simple name change will give me

I know there will be growth within the shop when I grow too…not to mention how excited I am to marry the best guy I’ve ever met this year! So cheers to Melissa Lauren…or Melissa Black on Friday…I’m still deciding if I’m dropping a last name altogether or going Baaackkk to Blaaackkk. (cue music on my next reel).

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or just joined, your presence means more than words can say.

Let’s keep going, together.

With all my gratitude and a reminder to drink water and breathe,

xoMel

P.S. Positive Affirmations I am using today are below for you to have too. Just snip/ download and post, print or make your background 💛