I’ve been sharing about my transition this summer from owning a storefront in Brooklyn to moving into my parents’ Colorado home following my mother’s cancer diagnosis. If you missed that, you can read about it here.
The last time BGLH Marketplace was a home based business was 7 years ago.
I had a newborn and two toddlers at home, and I was still married. I was a “natural hair blogger” (remember those, lol!) and doing BGLH Marketplace as a side hustle.
Maaan, have times changed, lol.
On the one hand I had forgotten about the amazing flexibility of running a business out of the home.
On my lunch break I can go upstairs and start dinner for my kids. I can do inventory and answer work calls in my house coat. And if I’m behind on orders, I can hop down to the basement and put in a few hours of work. Plus, no lease or rent payments!
But it’s been hard in other ways. I wake up at 5:30 a.m. and almost immediately have to help my mom get bathed and dressed. Then I go right into waking my kids up and getting them ready for school.
About an hour after that my first employee, Jean, arrives. And an hour after that, my second employee, Destiny, arrives. I’ve always been a ‘slow chill morning’ kinda girl. I wake up, drink coffee, journal and reflect. That is definitely all gone, lol. Jumping straight into domestic labor, as soon as I open my eyes, has been incredibly difficult.
One cool thing, though, has been witnessing the power of the butters on my mom’s sensitive skin. She is currently doing cancer treatments and they tend to severely dry out skin.
And I’m talking SEVERELY. When my Mom first started the treatments, her legs and feet looked like they were covered in white confetti. That is how aggressively the top layers of her skin were peeling off.
At the time she was lotioning with Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant, which was doing absolutely nothing.
We switched to my Mint Chocolate Body Butter and within two days the flaking had stopped altogether. A day or so later her legs and feet were smooth and glowing. Now, rubbing Mint Chocolate Body Butter on her legs is a favorite part of my mom’s morning routine. 😊
Many of you have asked how I’m holding up. And I would say, all in all, pretty good. As someone who’s worked in wellness for 10+ years, I take sleep and stress reduction pretty seriously. So although my days start early, they end early too. I’m typically finished BGLH work around 3 pm and free to nap and unwind for the remainder of the day. My kids are getting older and (thankfully!) more independent. And my dad handles afternoon and evening care for my mom (I do the mornings) so that’s my ‘time off’ lol.
And although I miss surfing my beloved New York beaches, I’ve really fallen in love with hiking. Colorado is a mountain state and the views are astounding. Here are some pictures I’ve taken on recent hikes!
Make no mistake, this is an incredibly challenging season. But at the end of the day I’m healthy, I’m with my family, and I’m doing work that I love. So I definitely cannot complain. 😊
Thank you so much for reading my story over the past month! And thank you for being patient as I’ve undergone this massive life transition!
I’m so excited to be settled in and running BGLH Marketplace again. And I’m ready for all the new adventure Colorado will bring.
Upwards and onwards!
Leila
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A few things;
1. The brand is back 100% up and running, so if you need to place an order shop now.
2. Vanilla Body Oil is *finally* here!
3. Our final two oil releases — Lavender and Lemon & Lavender — are coming this month. So stay tuned.
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22 Responses
My USPS Informed Delivery showed a package from Colorado, and I was CERTAIN I hadn’t ordered anything from a company in Colorado lol! Thank you for sharing your story with us. Sending prayers and all the well wishes to you and your family this holiday season.
Lol! Thank you Ari!
I’m so sorry to hear about all that has been happening in your life. I wasn’t aware and I can empathize with you on having to be a caregiver for an ill parent, be it part -time or full-time. I pray that all will be well with you and your family. Through it all, sometimes we need a little hug.
Bless you and your family.
Thank you Alicea. 💗💗💗
I’m currently in Brooklyn and was just thinking that I could pop by your store for some shea butter. I’m sorry to hear about your mother. May God Bless, Heal and Comfort your mom, you and your family.
❤️
Thank you Angel, and sorry we missed you!
I was wondering why my order came from nearby! Sending love and prayers to you and your family.
Our southwest and mountain state customers are living their best lives with these faster shipping times. Lol. Thank you so much.
Praying for healing for your Mom and strength for you and your dad.
Thank you. <3 <3
Praying for you and your family.
Thank you Michael. The prayers are much appreciated, and needed, lol.
I’m sending healing vibes to your mother.
Thank you! 🙏🏽
Welcome to Colorado! I wish it could be under different circumstances but we put it energy into what we can actually control lest we drive ourselves insane. Being an independent parent already brings it’s challenges, along with being a business owner. It just have been quite the transition for you to do what you did, but there really isn’t much we won’t do for the ones we love.
I like that you’ve continued to live an active lifestyle through it all, and Colorado boasts some of the most beautiful sunsets around.
If you are a believer in bodywork, consider giving Muscular Realignment a try. That is my business, should you ever find yourself in Northern Colorado. http://www.massagesavedme.com #1life1body
Thank you for this Ja’Red! Funnily enough I was looking for massage services just a few days back. Working out of my parents basement is a much smaller space than my Brooklyn storefront and I can feel the difference in my muscles! A lot more tension because I am doing more reaching, turning and lifting in a really tight/constricted space. I will definitely look into your practice. You’ll see me soon!
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s diagnosis. In the past two years I have become a caregiver to a parent as well. It is not easy, but they most definitely appreciate. I constantly use your butters, and have told so many of my friends and family about it! We love it. Continuing to send you well wishes in your Colorado journey.
Thank you Shayla! And no, caregiving ain’t easy. 😂 Phew, girl. But it has been really satisfying to see my mom’s progress due to the care she’s receiving! She’s recovered about 50% of the functionality she lost! We’re hoping and praying that she can return to 100%. Thank you for your well wishes!
I’m sorry to hear that about your mom and the tough transition you had to endure but by the sounds of it you have adjusted pretty well. Your hiking keeps you grounded and your journaling helps you as well. I wish you well and your mom too, prayers to you and your family. Taking time for yourself is important, being a business woman, mom and care taker is tough. Bless you and everyone.
Thank you Kelly. 💗
I’m so sorry to hear about all that has been going on in your life. I didn’t know and was wondering what happened. I cannot wait to place my order and I wish you all the best moving forward. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you so much. <3