HOW I ALMOST LOST MY BUSINESS - A Story of Resilience and Tenacity
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Who would have thought that after losing my store 6 months ago, I would be able to reopen another one 6 months later? My name is Monica, CEO and founder of Fyre Skin, and this is my story - a story about resilience and tenacity.
It all started over 5 years ago in 2018 in my parents' garage, fueled by nothing but a dream and determination. From those humble beginnings, I managed to carve out a niche in the competitive world of skincare. By 2019, I had moved out of the garage and into my very first store. It was a moment of pride and accomplishment, but little did I know the challenges that lay ahead.
The turning point came when I expanded my business from a modest one-room store to a spacious 6-room haven for skincare enthusiasts. It was a dream come true, until it turned into a nightmare. My landlord, for reasons known only to him, decided to sell the property. Suddenly, the sanctuary I had built with sweat and tears was ripped away from me.
I vividly remember the day he informed me of his decision. I stood there, staring at the walls I had meticulously adorned with the best paints and decors, the floors I had to work extra nights to afford, and the repairs and renovations I had done to transform the once abandoned, incomplete building into a haven of wellness and relaxation. The emotions surged within me—anger, betrayal, heartbreak. I kept asking myself, is this how human beings are in real life? But amidst the chaos of my thoughts, one thing became clear: I couldn't stand by and let him profit from my hard work without acknowledging its value.
I demanded compensation for the investments I had made in the space's interior. He blatantly refused, saying he never asked me to make the place better, and he was right. So, I made a decision to leave the building exactly how I met it—I brought the whole place down. It wasn't about causing destruction, but about reclaiming my value and refusing to be taken for granted. Though I wish I could have done more, my mom's a Christian, and she made me "Leave the rest for God."
The experience broke me emotionally and financially. I had invested so much in creating a space that reflected the essence of Fyre Skin. It was devastating to see my dreams shattered, and the path to rebuilding seemed daunting and impossible.
I spent countless sleepless nights navigating the aftermath. My belongings were scattered, my thoughts chaotic, and my finances unstable. Without balance and organization, I couldn't focus on rebuilding my business and regaining my momentum. It was a challenging and confusing time, but I refused to let it defeat me.
Six months later, with resilience and tenacity, I find myself on the verge of a new beginning. I have almost completed my new store, a testament to the power of perseverance. In the face of setbacks, I have discovered a newfound strength and clarity that pushes me forward.
Follow me on this journey to get all the updates on how I faced all setbacks and how building resilience helped me get back on my feet!
Instagram: Monica Odeh
1 comment
Monica, you are very inspiring! thanks so much for sharing your journey!