Easy Cosplay Costume | Kiki's Delivery Service
Easy Kiki’s Delivery Service Cosplay
It is no secret that my partner loves anime.
I am always looking to have fun dates and was able to find a comicon a town over. The OMG!con, located on the Owensboro, KY riverfront takes place each year in June. This was our first comicon ever and I think it’s an awesome start for anyone wanting to dip their toe. It was big enough to explore, but small enough to not be overwhelmed.
While I don’t find most of it in my lane of interest, I have always loved Kiki’s Delivery Service. If you’ve never seen it, it’s currently on HBO MAX. It premired the year I was born which makes it even more special. This coming of age story is about a little witch who has to help a town full of people before becoming a full witch. The animation is so…. soothing to me. When I watch it I just feel calm. Every year when I get the itch I turn it on and tune out. I wasn’t sure it would be a costume that would translate in real life, but it did! I had quite a few people compliment my Kiki Cosplay and ask to take pictures. It truly made the little effort I did put fort totally worth it.
THINGS TO DO AT THE EVENT
The game room was a highlight for me, because there were so many games - new and hold to check out. I got nostalgic with some Mortal Kombat and Mario Kart, but also checked out some games I’ve never seen before. There was a drumming game that was a workout! Which reminds me they also had a Wii! While they didn’t have the Michael Jackson experience on there it was still fun!
We got to watch some people karoke, which was a fun touch. Being in costume added a level of fun to the performances. Since we were just popping in on one of the 3 days we didn’t visit any of the bigger names.
There were games outside that looked really fun with fake swords. It was too hot for me so we did not indulge, but I’d be interested to give the jousting a try.
Food and drink were available, we had water on hand and stayed about 3 hours so we ended up not purchasing any of that.
I scoured the internet for “easy” cosplay outfits, but none of them were truly EASY. When I stopped to think about anime that I like, my girl Kiki came back to mind and I started looking for ways I could be here without buying things that I couldn’t reuse. My Kiki outfit I bought days before the Con on Amazon Prime. Super easy to make and I got things that I could wear again in normal lfe. I spent about $80 and will definetly incorporate the shoes and dress into my wardrobe. Not sure what to do with the bow and the cat, but I’m sure i’ll find a kid that could use them.
THE DRESS
THE SHOES
THE BOW + PURSE
All in all as a non cosplayer I hada good time. I totally plan on returning next year and having a few more under my belt! Have you been to any ComiCons? What was your favorite part.
3 Hard Truths of Wedding Planning
You hear of crazy things happening all the time when people are planning their nuptuials. Maybe nothing quite as crazy as the classic Monster- in- Law or The Hangover has happend to someone you know. Those could be a little far fetch, but there are a diffrent breed of disasters to be on the look out for.
You hear of crazy things happening all the time when people are planning their nuptuials. Maybe nothing quite as crazy as the classic Monster- in- Law or The Hangover has happend to someone you know. Those could be a little far fetch, but there are a diffrent breed of disasters to be on the look out for.
Having been in the bridal industry for a decade, I thought I had seen and heard it all. It truly takes going through the process yourself to feel the weight of it all. There are such emotional waves that I did not expect planning the smallest wedding. We are hoping for 50 of the closest people in our lives to celebrate with us this September. I want to tell you some things I did not realize going into all of this that may help the blow a bit when it’s your turn. Granted I live in the midwest and in my 30’s so I’m pretty late to the game. Here are the things that I am experiencing currently during my wedding planning process.
You will really have to analazye your finaces.
Even with seeing and working with wedding vendors all the time, I had no idea that everything cost SO MUCH. You hear it and expect it for the more extravagant weddings, but everything that we are seeing online as picture perfect weddings are 20k + easily. SImple flowers, 2k. Photographer 3k. Food 3k + and on and on.
At the end of the day I just want to be married to the person I love, but there are certain things that we can’t even think about adding once we realized how much everything costs. We were lucky to recieve help (make sure there are no strings attached, a story for another time), but it is still a stressor to know that such a HUGE finacial investment, I just do not think it is talked about enough. A lot of people are covered entirely by their families and that is a blessing that not everyone has. We may be able to create a vibe for about a lttle under 8k. Only because we’ve kept it small, gotten creative and called in some favors. I would highly recommend just eloping and inviting people at a later date for a dinner they pay for. We are lucky to live in a time where weddings are becoming less and less traditional and more personal.
If your feeling the love and want to contribute to our weddings feel free to send a few dolla dolla bills to my Ko- Fi account!
People will judge your entire relationship based on if they are invited to your wedding.
Speaking of personal … We want to keep our wedding small. We want to celebrate with people who have a big part of shaping us and shaping our relationship. Needless to say, doing this means people we care about, but aren’t close to us won’t be at our wedding. This has stirred up a lot of hurt feelings. I hope that more people start to realize that a wedding is not the end all be all of a relationship with someone. You can totally still be a part of their life and not be invited to their wedding. As for you bride babe, you have to not put their emotional response on your plate- you are already dealing with enough. Just know that your truest relationships will not crumble over this one day.
It’s all really a big ol’ test for your relationship.
I love this man, I do. When planning anything I get very stressed, but somehow nothing has touched wedding planning stress. You have to really look at your relationship and the values you are wanting to create as you are solidifying your little family to be. I think ithis part is actually amazing, albeit difficult. We have learned a lot about how we handle stress, what feels like a celebration, childhood triggers…the list goes on.
Something that has been helpful for us finding the balance in it all is keeping date nights. It makes it a little less “plan-y” and “vibe-y”. Being in different atmospheres while creating the wedding also lets think in new ways. At the end of the day you have to remember you are a team that is CO CREATING something special.
Our photos were taken by Megan Vinson Photography
I would love to hear more wedding planning tips in the comments below! What did you love about your process?
New Dog Adventures | Evansville, IN
Dog Friendly places in Evansville, IN
To everyone in my life’s surprise, we got a new dog!
Last Monday I was scrolling through instagram and saw a very familiar face. Ziki happen to belong to one of our friends. I had no idea they were even thinking of rehoming him. I reached out to her after I saw this post and asked if it was silly to have a trial. She thought it was a great idea so within a few hours of seeing the post, I went to scoop Ziki up.
I have NEVER been an animal person. Like zero percent. I’ve always respected coming into their spaces and I’ve even lived that veg life before. I’ve always respected the lives of animals, but have never been interested in having one. I’ve also been mildly allergic to pet dander. I really wasn’t sure what to expect. Jake has wanted another dog since we’ve met. His last one he did not get to take in his break up and he still talks about that dog (Rose) every week.
I was thinking maybe after the wedding we would give it a try, but time is funny of course.
When we were on our way home to surprise Jake, I was so scared he was going to lose his shit and bite my face off. He didn’t, he was just a scared baby. You can see how the surprise went here.
Jake has been loving having a running buddy. Ziki really likes new doggos and people. He’s very sweet and loves all the snuggles. I am excited to find new ways to have fun and places to go with him. Here are a few places we have visited so far in the
Evansville Area.
Sixth and Zero
Give A Dog A Bone
Honey Moon Coffee Co
Bayard Park, Woodmere, Audubon State Park
Myriad Brewing Company
We’ve gotten a few things ordered from Chewy , since Ziki’s new doggo friend sent him a gift card. The customer service has been amazing. He was put on a grain free diet when we got him, but I am very interested in exploring fresh food. We’ve gotten books to read and I have been watching videos like crazy to make sure we continue to train him. He knows how to sit, stay, shake and is potty trained- thank sweet baby Jesus. I would love for him to bark sometimes, because he never does. Which some say is awesome, but to be honest I would like him to be a little scary if we ever go camping.
I am feeling very emotional and a bit overwhelmed on this journey. I am so lucky to have friends and family give a healthy dose of advice and support. I would love to hear your experiences and any advice you have for new dog moms in the comments below!
If you want to help support us in our process of rehoming Ziki, ( because y’all left out the part that having a dog is $$$) you can send him a treat on my KoFi page.
The Secret Sauce To Getting What You Want | Soloprenuer Support
Don’t be afraid of messy, non linear action. Don’t waste any more time not going after the things you want.
If you’re not on #manifesttok, it’s probably for the best. January can truly be a big ole vision board szn. While I love and have manifested a lot with the various boards I’ve made, I do think there is an element of embodiment + and action that need to be entwined with them to see the best results for seeing your life align with your vision.
I’ve had quite a bit of practice with this. With very little credentials in the beginning of my business, I was able to do sooooo many things through aligning my actions with the visions I had for myself. I wanted to be regarded as an expert, work for myself, travel internationally through work, create a skin care line- the list was extensive. I did all that and some hunnyyy!
The secret.
ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
I am the queen of the ask in my circle of friends and my favorite quote is “ a closed mouth don’t get fed”.
It mostly just takes being a little more bold. Here are the ways that I have found have a 87% rate of getting exactly what you want. I know you may be thinking “Kana, I don’t have a business, I don’t have followers” or things along those lines, but trust me this works for anyone.
This seems like a no brainer. You would be so surprised that not only do people feel scared to ask, but also think it’s “not their place”. When you think in this way you are preventing so many good things from happening from not asking. The collab you’re wanting to do, could open up the business you're asking to a whole new pool of clients. The job position you dreamt up might not be created yet, but is something that not only can change your life, but the trajectory hires in a new department.
My first magazine column came about because I merely ASKED. Ya boy got a ring on my finger…because he asked.
In all seriousness, sometimes you are sitting on an opportunity that could not just work for you, but also the person you're asking. Which brings us to the next point.
CREATE A WIN/WIN
In every situation that I have made the ask, I made sure that it had benefits for all parties involved. In this day and age I don’t see this done as much, but I always personally like to spend money at places I plan to partner with in the future. I think it extends some good juju. This obviously doesn’t work for every situation, but it leaves a good impression when you can.
The best way to create a win/win most of the time is to be really transparent about what your goals are. For example, when I wanted to write a column for a local magazine I wanted to reach an audience to show them a new side of the city. The aligned goal for them was diversifying their voices and ALSO reaching a new audience. A win/win.
BE OPEN TO A PIVOT
So what if you ask and what the other person wants to give isn’t exactly what you were expecting? A STEP towards something you want is still creating energy of movement forward. My first spa room on my own was essentially a closet, a window nook. At the time I was so proud of it and I still miss it to this day. Was it the space I dreamed of having? No. Did it eventually get me to my dream space? Absolutely.
Don’t be afraid of messy, non linear action. Don’t waste any more time not going after things
That you want. If you need some more personal guidance take a look at these SERVICES.
I would love to hear if you try this, comment below!
And Just Like That... it's 2022
You ever feel absolute overwhelm in December/January?
As I sit in my unfinished floor of a home I am making with a man I love- I am overcome with emotion of seeing my life through the lens of love. It’s been extremely hard to do in this season of my life.
I am someone who can be really hard on those around me because I am especially hard on myself. So taking this moment to see my life for where it truly is feels miraculous. I expanded my capacity for love, I expanded my business, had some great adventures- overall it doesn’t seem like I should be struggling to see the good.
But I am a mildly reformed pessimist. I am someone who tried very hard to remain emotionless. I actually kind of lived for figuring out what the worst case scenario is. My anxiety loved that game. While I weave out of doom and gloom to hopeful and full of love it’s nice to have the grounding moment in my attic that love really is the answer as cheesy as it sounds.
If you are new around here, I started The Beauty Room in 2014 legally, but went solo in esthetics a couple years before. Having a business was really never something I intended to do or have. I had never seen it done in real life. I just truly wanted the freedom to do things the way I wanted.
From its inception, it's been a whirlwind of opportunities- from becoming a brand ambassador for a global company (before influencer culture) and learning from celebrity artists, Paul Innis + Lauren Anderson. To being flown to Europe and everything in between. I’ve done makeup for prom clients who turned into bridal clients. I’ve gotten to start a magazine and create a skin care line. More recently, I’ve gotten to help others start their own businesses.
I’ve also not known where my next client would come from. Been lied to and devastated from ruthlessness in business. Not always shown up my best self. I’ve been very lonely, even surrounded by so many others. I say all this in hopes that if you are thinking you shouldn’t try something- you absolutely should. It won’t be all rainbows, it will actually be really fucking hard. But what that one singular choice of creating freedom for myself has created- WHEW.
I am in the final stages of removing the last traces of myself as The Beauty Room. TBR will no longer be just me, it will now be for everyone else who wants a new route to freedom in their businesses.
It feels liberating, sad, methodical...the right time to.
I welcome the shift, and it’s a layered change that I’m not quite sure how it will play out. The weird space this puts me in feels like one foot out the door. I am, albeit scared, very excited for what by be next for me. I can’t put exact words to how all of these changes make me feel, but I hope that starting to be more transparent about the journey will help others and even myself, feel not so alone anymore.
Even though I draw closer to not doing business in the way I’ve been doing it. I am still very thankful for all the things it has taught me. Some of the biggest lessons that you can apply to a wide range of things are:
Get it in writing. Always have receipts.
Your ideas are never as original as you think. It’s okay. You have something that meets the right people for you, where they are.
You don’t have to give it all away for free when you start. Your peers will be more willing to work with you when you take your industry seriously and at the very least charge minimum market price.
So as I also get a little further away from social media, I will be posting more here. I would love if you interact, share and really get some nuggets of wisdom you can use in your own life.
I’m making up for lost time and making my website, my business or whatever it turns into, way more personal. More authentically me. What has come up for you in this season of refection?
A Weekend Getaway | Portland, Oregon
This birthday was the first that Jake + I have traveled. It was nice to get away for a bit. We settled on Portland, Oregon! I have never been. Here are the places I be bopped to during my latest orbit around the sun.
This birthday was the first that Jake + I have traveled. It was nice to get away for a bit. We settled on Portland, Oregon! I have never been. Here are the places I be bopped to during my latest orbit around the sun.
We chose Canopy by Hilton because of the asthetic! I am a sucker for jewel tones. The bed was very comfortable, there were windows in the bathroom and I loved the view of the city from here. A really solid choice if you want to stay downtown. The International Rose Garden, Voodoo Donuts and very cute dispenseries were all within walking distance and or public transit from the hotel.
SITE SEEING
The gardens were so beautiful. The lines were long for the Japanese- and why wouldn’t they be. So much beauty!! After going through the past two years looking at our 4 walls it was so good to breathe in fresh air and see all that nature has to offer. We walked a ton, but it was a really covid friendly experience.
Being a holistic esthetician, I had to drop by an natural based spa. Echo Natural Beauty squeezed me in and I got to relive some good moments with ladies I met a few years ago at a Laurel Whole Plant Organics Retreat.
My facial was done with Marie Veronique products. I enjoyed them so I took home a prebiotic mask.
Getting a facial was the top of the list because we have no one else in Evansville giving plant- based facials!
The food everywhere SERIOUSLY makes my top 10. There was more Asian inspired dishes than I would have thought possible in Portland. Every soup we had was freaking life altering. It is really hard to pick a favorite, but I really loved the vibe of HunnyMilk. I love sweet + savory and this place gave me the best of both worlds.
Found the cutest drinks everywhere we went! One of my favorites was Stem Wine Bar - we booked a wine tasting through Airbnb Experineces and it did not disapoint. Ahead of time they ask you questions to tailor the tasting. The place was adorable and the service was amazing. I also can’t forget how my bestie sent wine to my room to wake me up on my birthday!
All in all we had a good stay. Not a lot of cannibus content here, but it is plentiful in Portland.
Your Skin Care Line Up Re-Imagined As Bridgerton Characters
Okay, I admit I am a wee bit basic. I have traded pumpkin lattes for a good chai, but I still fall victim to mass trends. I gave into the Bridgerton craze a few weeks ago and finished the whole season in 2 days. I am only mildly ashamed. While there are some things that could be criticized I feel the need to withhold them due to the fact that inspired me to write this post in the wee hours of the night. I am the opposite of a skin care junkie, but pretty much everything some how relates back to it. So here are my thoughts on which characters are what type of skin care products and why.
Let’s Dive In.
DAPHNE BRIDGERTON
The trendy skin care item that was made in partnership of a derm who wanted more klout and a celebrity that already had good skin. They have a team of people who live to make them look good, but swear it’s these new products.
It will have the most basic attributes, but some how the marketing and JLO saying it’s great adds an air of magic and you now feel a gravitational pull to have it.
It could bring you some mild satisfaction, but it’s mostly packaged very well and hyped. It won’t completely wreck you, but there are better, less expensive (less drama filled) options.
THE DUKE
Vitamin C serum hands down.
Unstable most of the time...but there to kick things up a notch and add some kink to your line up. Just like the actual product, it sucks to get addicted to the results because meanwhile you’re creating more damage (with improper usage). Not using this in conjunction with a sun screen, using it with very sensitive skin or getting a rancid batch will leave you with an emotional hangover ala Duke style.
THE QUEEN
EXFOLIATION
Whether you do it with a scrub, or an acid...it’s a bit abrasive. It also does not care how you feel. It’s there to do its job and you must oblige to get what you want.
Your queen commands it.
LADY DANBURY
An ever so lovely balm.
Danbury was a shield for The Duke of having to go at life alone. Soothing over all your visible insecurities while at the same time building you up. Much like a power packed facial balm, we need it in our line up more than we realize. It cares for us in all the other ways our physical products are lacking. Lady Danbury is the gift that keeps giving.
ELOISE BRIDGERTON
Your intuition wants to get down to the bottom of things much like Miss ELOISE.
Very often you push aside your inquisitive nature, but honestly it is the MOST important part of any skin care regimen. Learning to question what you ate, where you were and what you were doing throughout the day can give so much insight when you are trying to get to the bottom of any irritating skin condition.
PENELOPE FEATHERINGTON
This one is a curve ball. She most definitely is your birth control.
Always making you feel a little uncomfortable, a bit rash and at times vengeful-this part of skin care is easily overlooked, but can be a huge culprit for breakouts.
While it has been linked to help with acne it is pure accident and not intentionally made to do so. The reason it can be helpful or harmful depends on your levels of estrogen and progesterone. Guess what, those change all the time. Going off or on can throw your skin in a tizzy.
As Sir Brown once said, “These hoes ain’t loyal”.
Let me know your thoughts on who’s who!!
5 Ways To Deal With Business Heartbreak
I have personally gone through this with transitions with The Beauty Room, the end of Love IT! EVV Magazine and many other partnerships that I loved. When these things end, we are expected to just carry on like nothing happened. Something did. A partnership that you felt very invested in severed and now your competitor is in your spot, you had to close a business or your feelings were just very hurt. You may have got a big NO for something you were betting on to be a sure thing. All of these can be so heartbreaking, so I wanted to give you some things that may help. Here are five great ways to get through business heartbreak.
I have personally gone through this with transitions with The Beauty Room, the end of Love IT! EVV Magazine and many other partnerships that I loved. When these things end, we are expected to just carry on like nothing happened. Something did. A partnership that you felt very invested in severed and now your competitor is in your spot, you had to close a business or your feelings were just very hurt. You may have got a big NO for something you were betting on to be a sure thing. All of these can be so heartbreaking, so I wanted to give you some things that may help. Here are five great ways to get through business heartbreak.
BE SAD...OR WHATEVER.
Yo. It is completely okay to be all up in your misery, your anger, your heartbreak. It’s okay to feel your feelings. I repeat, IT IS OKAY TO FEEL YOUR FEELINGS. They are valid no matter the situation. You only create more pain and resistance when you try to stuff them down. There is a time for trying to get back in the groove of things and putting on a happy face. Right after a perceived failure or disappointment are just not it. Not addressing how you truly feel about the situation will only further complicate future business endeavors. What you resist, persists. So listen to Alanis Morissette, rip stuff up, have a bonfire whatever fits your mood at that moment.
PLAN A GETAWAY
Run away. Far away from your problems. An Island always sounds nice.
Well, I am only half way serious, because you may not have island money or a week to spare. While not a popular opinion, I do think it is healthy to take your body and all the things that could be triggering out of your life if only for a couple days. Really during your business heartbreak are the stages of grief. We pour our resources, our love, our life into our businesses. A mental break does not come often enough. Especially when it may be your sole income. So schedule a weekend or a couple days for sheer space to let your mind and body go to other places. This can be done to have more space to feel your feelings or a great time to do it is when you’re ready to get over that hump of self pity.
TAKE INVENTORY
Okay you have to take your woe is me outfit off ( I legit have a playlist, outfit, tea for when this happens) and look at the situation through a few different perspectives. When you do this you can take inventory of what happened in a less biased way. This step is VITAL especially for service givers. As an esthetician, I automatically jump to “do they hate me now”, if I see that they’ve gone somewhere else for a service.
I take myself out of the equation and ask; Was I even available? Was the competitor’s price more viable for the person? Do they have other people in their life that give these services? These types of questions vary for everyone. Not taking things so personally will save you a world of hurt. Honestly things aren’t all about us. It seems that way since our businesses are very personal to us. Even with our best clients and partnerships it is still a BUSINESS transaction. A lot of factors take place when doing business. We can't forget that even when we’ve created a relationship. If this is a shock to you, look at some of the people you love but don’t patronize a lot.
REVISIT YOUR WHY
Sometimes we’re thirsty. We’re dying to drink from whatever we think may give us life.
What we don’t realize in those times, is that it may not have even been what we truly want. When things don’t work out, God was probably working and literally “business blocked” you so that you stay on the right path. Alignment will not only create better flow for serendipitous moments in life and business, but also creates sustainability. My WHY felt like it’s been changing and the last year, but it hasn’t. What I was doing to get to it has been, but when I look at the bigger picture, I know that my choices revolve around providing women with spaces to BE, sharing knowledge & love on my journey in hopes that it will help others make whatever leap they’ve been yearning for. What is your WHY and are you making your choices with your why at the forefront?
PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK
Quite easily one of the hardest things when you are going thru this. Girl, take a minute though and really applaud yourself. You went for something. Whether it was a business, a partnership a job opportunity, YOU TRIED. Honestly that is 73% of the battle. What taking action does is gets you further than you were, even if it’s not the place you originally imagined. So look at you, all in a different place & stuff! Go have a drink and celebrate the space there is for new things to happen.
As always, if you’re ready to do some plotting and have some fun on the way to creating your next business venture, holla atcha girl! .
Failure to Launch | & Other Musings Around My Travels
I think my true lust for “escaping” Evansville started about 2 years ago on my road trip to LA for a dear friend’s wedding. I took the whole month of June off in 2016 which now seems very ironic as I find myself ending this journey in the same month this year.
Most of you have heard, deducted from social media posts or have asked me directly about Louisville. Well here is the scoop from me to you with all the words I can gather about this experience.
I think my true lust for “escaping” Evansville started about 2 years ago on my road trip to LA for a dear friend’s wedding. I took the whole month of June off in 2016 which now seems very ironic as I find myself ending this journey in the same month this year. I traveled to LA with a friend I mostly knew from social media and had met in person twice. She was headed out West for an internship and casually posted that she’d love someone to ride with her. I love "almost" strangers & I was interested in seeing some more of the world so it was a no- brainer for me.
We stopped in Lincoln, Nebraska I met a white guy at a sports bar that night, go figure, that I talked to for about 2 months after that happened to know me from his cousin that worked at a news station IN EVANSVILLE. That was such a small world moment, but also felt like such an accomplishment in my world to somehow be known outside of the only bubble that I had lived in my whole life.
We stopped in Corrales, New Mexico. This was pre- passport life for me. I was so enthralled being so close to leaving the country. Our Airbnb was the most beautiful stucco house on acres of land with cactus with occasional coyate sightings. Our hosts were so woo woo it made my heart burst. All natural EVERYTHING.
So this is all before I made it to the actual destination in Redondo Beach area. It was chaotic, it was beautiful, it made me believe in love again. Even through the heartbreak I was having during a a huge blow out during my #steadmanchronicles. I stayed a few days after the wedding and met up with a former Evansvillian to party. WEHO, also known as West Hollywood, blew my mind. People did what they wanted, without hurting anyone else. They didn’t really care what your job was, they didn’t really feel the need to insert their opinions on you AND they didn’t ask what high school you went to. Strangers were so nice! One woman that I met in a post office took me to all the surrounding beaches the next day, just because.
This was my first taste of what felt like FREEDOM to me.
Following this I flew out to see my gay husband in Seattle. I had met Carlarans doing “city stuff” in Evansville. At the then Babel (now High Score Saloon). I had casually said hi, as it’s always nice to see another person of color out in Evansville. He pretty much stuffed a piece of sushi from his plate in my mouth all while saying “Try this”. It was love at first bite.
It had been about a year since he’d left for greater opportunities out West, so we had so much to catch up on. We jumped in all the trouble like he never left. Bar to bar, restaurant to restaurant no stone left unturned. I realized in watching my friend around town that he was most certainly GAY. Sounds weird to say, but back home he was out and we all knew. It’s just this new environment gave him the liberty to express that in any way he felt versus having to “tone it down” in Indiana. This was one of the times I realized that, I too, may be stiffled.
When I flew back in to Louisville, I could not bear the thought of going home. I cried, I extended my stay in Louisville just to have a taste of anything more city related. I just did not want to go back. I remember how hot my tears felt on my face as the wind of reality smacked me in the face on the ride home in a little red convertible.
I got home. I lived life again. Everything was business as usual.
For those who don’t know, I had a magazine at the time in addition to my spa business. I did so much to make the most of Evansville, so if I ever left I could say without out a doubt “It’s you not me”.
2017 hit and Laurel Whole Plant Organics was having its first Holistic Retreat for it’s estheticians and I was off to California again. This time to a much milder part, Sausalito. My breath was taken on multiple occasions from all the gorgeous views. This trip wasn’t any less mesmerizing. I met beautiful holistic practitioners. I partied with some random people from Holland. I loved soaking up air that was so clearly drenched in sea water. Again, it felt like all judgment had left me and the people around me.
I flew back in to Louisville this time with different eyes. Could this be my big city?
With a few trips, a love affair and hosting a skin care class at one of the city’s cutest shops...I was determined this would be the place I would start all over again. It had new places opening up every time I turned around, it was central to everything AND maybe I could find someone to date without kids.
I couldn’t just leave my business so I logically decided for 3 months I would try to transition. Low and behold, word of mouth helped me find a place to stay for that duration happening right when my lease in Evansville was up. Even better the owner of the new place also owned a newly opened downtown Louisville bar.
I hit the ground running making contacts, finding a networking queen which I mostly chalk up to good karma. I filled my trips with seeing all the things, meeting all the people. I found a job that I love and really felt a part of a team, that for once I didn’t have to create or dictate.
Not long after the first month, I began to run into people that I had met or talked to someone who knew someone and started to realize there was a huge lack of diversity.
Mind you, these were major reasons I was looking to relocate.
Every week I would drive to Louisville and back again to Evansville to make sure I was working this job and servicing clients. The first few weeks I had all the fun. As I approached closer to the 3rd month I was completely depleted. I remember getting off the road, heading straight into my Beauty Room for a client and as they got comfortable I sat on the bench and cried. I had absolutely nothing to give them. This was when I knew I needed to make a choice. I couldn’t though and kept going.
Here I am now 20 days after my 3 month timeline is up. I’ve decided that more than anything I crave stability. I want adventure, but not without roots. I love the newness of cities, meeting new people really absorbing the culture and city's offerings. I will never stop craving that. What Louisville did help me realize is that I can have that...from Evansville.
I still have some loose ends to tie up and will be continuing to make quite a few trips. I am looking to make even deeper roots in Evansville, IN and restore my sense of peace within the city. I don’t quite know what this means yet. Louisville has been an extraordinary experience for me. The city, the people that I’ve met and the things that I learned are invaluable. They just ended up not being what I truly needed to continue to up root my story completely.
Although on a certain level I feel like I’ve failed to launch...I have learned so much about myself, my needs, my wants, my non negotiables and that roots and wings can co exist. There is no balance in it though only ebb and flow.