I firmly believe we attract the energy we exude and I was depressed, negative, and fearful. As a result, I had mishaps and disappointments one after the other. Instead of being open and sharing about them and what was happening, I retreated into the shadows and felt vulnerable and isolated. I wanted to give up, I felt embarrassed that my rollercoaster of a business had been so publicly displayed, and I wasn't sure where to go next. Then in January of this year I met with my dear friends and mentors who have closely followed my journey and choices as a business owner, and they encouraged me to dig my heels in and keep trying. It was their ultimate trust in me that gave me the courage, hope, and positive attitude to keep going. I remember heading into my car after our meeting and actually being moved to tears by their unwavering confidence and devotion to me and my capabilities. They saw something in me that I had been unable to see in myself. I took all that love and emotion and let it drive me forward, with excitement, without fear, and with the power of believing in myself. I found new ways to run the brand, made new connections to help me create new systems and plans more efficiently and effectively, and have been met every step of the way with new opportunity and success