I had a credit card that I was working to pay off and from the outside looking in you can see I was in NO sane position to leave a steady check to make this solo commitment. Mentally I was aware that my financial situation may not allow me to prosper by doing this but spiritually I was in tune with what God was asking me to do & because I trust God I trust that the bottom line would be that all my NEEDS would be met. Once I signed on I shared my vision with everyone and announced what I was doing. I had a celebration dinner at C'est la Vin (which the owner graciously allowed me to reserve the space for FREE!), also that same week a photographer by the name of Will offered his services for FREE to capture the nights events). 
The night of the celebration dinner was so special because many of my close friends & family were there & they all signed a beautiful framed poster I had put together to hang in the salon to remind me that I CAN do all things through Christ & in moments of doubt their encouraging words would uplift me. From the moment I started working for myself my higher self has been growing unbelievabley. There is no greater feeling than depending on the Lord & even in tight times having unwavering faith & watching things work out brings beauty to any pain. My first year has had MANY challenges as well, there has been times my account has been overdrawn, often I do not get paid because my business & personal expenses exceed income but each time things seem to be unbearably tough I still smile, thank GOD In advance & the trial doesn't last long. Through the toughest of times I believe in GODS planning & purpose even more & I'm thankful for still having my rent paid for the salon, still being able to get to work, feed myself, and my clients would never know the personal hardships I faced to have the salon open & he blesses me with the spirit to make my clients feel better about themselves & sharing the word. In the beginning of the difficult financial times I started a Fundme account to raise building funds so that I could rest assure I would be able to stay open and the response from Facebook friends was amazing! They helped me raise $800! I was able to actually not touch that and I transformed that same account to a foundation fund that will act as the funds to help get materials, workshops, food, and clothing to non-profits (including the one I founded that's currently in development the Blushed Beauties Flundation). All in all this 1st year has been a test of not only my faith, but my integrity, patience, diligence, & attitude and I'm so humbled and blessed to have made it through! I went from 50 clients to over 180, I have been able to maintain my most important finances & although I still have a ways to go I KNOW this second year will be even more amazing. There are so many blessings that I could share but that would make this blog a book (which may manifest one day). I literally have something GOD sent happen to me if not every day every week so just know the Lord is REAL and waiting for you to act in complete love, humility, and courage! You can achieve all things when you think in your higher self and abandon the need for materialistic things (those things will come naturally )invest in your vision and in the vision of others. The UNIVERSE is waiting for you! Thank you for helping me make this first year a success without you all I wouldn't be able to do it by myself! Love, B
