A Heart Full of Gratitude — Reflecting on an Amazing October

It’s November already, and my heart is full. Full of gratitude, full of reflection, and full of a deep knowing that every small step we take, even the quiet ones, leads us closer to something beautiful.

October was one of those months I will always remember. It was busy, unexpected, emotional, exhausting at times, but also so full of grace, growth, and blessings. When I look back, I realize how much I’ve grown, not just as a business owner, but as a person, a mother, and a woman who continues to learn and evolve through every experience.

The first weekend of October started with something I hadn’t planned for — the Minneapolis Trade Show. To be honest, it wasn’t even on my list this year. I’ve learned to plan, but I’ve also learned to say yes when opportunities align with my purpose, even if they scare me. A few months ago, one of the managers at Kowalski’s looked at my handcrafted collections and said, “More people need to see your products.”She shared information about the Minneapolis Trade Show, and even though I wasn’t planning to do it, something in me said, just do it. So, I did.

Those three days were long and quiet, really quiet. Hundreds of business owners walked past my booth without stopping, without even a hello. It seemed like everyone there had a mission, a purpose, and I was just trying to find my place in the mix. But you know what? In those quiet moments, I learned something powerful. Because I didn’t wait for people to come to me, I invited them in. I started conversations. I smiled even when no one smiled back. And out of hundreds of people, seven businesses stopped, listened, and placed small orders.

It might sound small, but to me, it was a big win. Every “yes” means something when you’re building something from the heart. Those seven orders were a reminder that it’s not about how many people notice you, it’s about the right ones who do. Now, as I pack and prepare to ship out those orders, I can honestly say, if a hundred businesses had said yes, I wouldn’t have been ready. I am still learning to be a polished wholesaler. There are so many tiny steps, and none of them are wrong. They’re all part of the journey. My dream is to become a wholesaler for more big retail spaces, and I know this season of learning and patience is preparing me for that next level.

Then came October 7th — a day I’ll never forget. I received the STELLAR Award from the University of Minnesota during their UMN Supplier Diversity Expo event. I was blessed to have my mother and two dear friends by my side. Sitting in that room, surrounded by people who nominated and believed in me, was emotional. I thought back to my early days to the times I doubted myself, to the nights I stayed up thinking, Can I really do this? And yet, there I was, recognized not just for my business, but for the journey, the faith, and the purpose behind it.

This past year has come with its own set of struggles. Navigating international tariffs and ever-changing business rules has not been easy. When you’re importing handcrafted products from Nepal and running a small business in Minnesota, there’s a lot that goes unseen, the paperwork, the costs, the waiting, the unexpected roadblocks.

But through it all, I remind myself why I started. I’m not just selling products; I’m telling stories. I’m giving women in Nepal a platform, and I’m helping to reduce waste by promoting sustainable, handcrafted goods. So even when it gets hard, I keep going. Stopping is not an option when your work has a purpose.

Another highlight was being invited by Women Venture for an in-person interview at the Better Business Bureau in Burnsville. It was such a special experience because they asked deep questions about who I am, why I started, and how Women Venture has helped shape my journey as an entrepreneur. And from my heart, I said: “Women Venture was the big sister I needed when I didn’t know anyone else who owned their own business.” That’s still true. I didn’t grow up around entrepreneurs. I had to learn by doing, by failing, and by surrounding myself with people who believed in me. I will always be grateful to Women Venture for giving me the tools, confidence, and sisterhood I needed to grow.

In between all of this, I also had the chance to do something that means the world to me. giving back to my community. Together with my dear friend Kathy Ramundt and Do Good Roseville, we hosted a truly powerful community event on October 11th. It reminded me once again how impactful collaboration can be when people come together with good hearts.

People often say “busy people get things done,” and I think I might be living proof of that right now!I also yes to Roseville Optimist Club's, ROSEVILLE CARES committee. This project is all about exploring how we, as a community, can care more — for one another, for our city, and for those in need. We have our next meeting on November 11th, and I’m really excited to see what comes next.

And of course, many of you have been asking how the Fall Market at Rosedale Center went! From October 24th–26th, I had the privilege of hosting this beautiful event featuring 27 local businesses. It was not easy to put together, I had limited help and even less time but my heart was all in. I worked closely with Rosedale Center management, and the experience was amazing. The feedback from both vendors and shoppers was overwhelming. Everyone felt the energy, the togetherness, and the excitement of seeing small businesses shine. For me, it wasn’t just an event, it was a reminder of what’s possible when you lead with faith and determination.

It took a lot from me, time, energy, and prayer but it gave me back something even greater: pride, joy, and connection. This wasn’t my win alone; it was the win of 28 small business owners who showed up, created magic, and made our community proud.

And just when I thought my plate was full, life surprised me with another blessing! In October, I said yes to a new opportunity a temporary job as a Business Advisor with MCCD (Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers). To be honest, I did ask myself, “How am I going to do this on top of everything else?” But I chose to say yes again with a positive attitude and faith that I could manage it. Now, a month into this new role, I can say I’m truly enjoying it. It feels good to work for others again to guide and support entrepreneurs who are just starting their journey. This position is temporary, just for six months, but it’s already teaching me so much.

If you’re reading this and dreaming of starting your own business, please check out www.MCCDmn.org. They have amazing resources and people ready to help you get started. I’m proud to be part of their team, even for a short time. I step into November, my heart overflows with gratitude. Every experience, from the trade show to the award, from community events to markets, has shaped me in ways words can hardly explain. I’m growing, evolving, and learning every single day.

The holiday markets are already keeping me busy and joyful, and if you’re wondering “What’s next for Jeena?” — here’s a little sneak peek: I’m currently writing a business book with 11 other amazing women entrepreneurs! This book will share our stories, lessons, and truths about what it means to lead with resilience, heart, and purpose. I can’t wait to share more soon.

And of course, the tradition I hold dear, our Annual Christmas Party for Roseville Seniors is coming up. This year, our goal is to give each and every senior a gift card, so if you would like to contribute, you can drop off donations at Namaste Brows and Boutique.

I am so thankful for all of you who continue to support me, my business, and the causes close to my heart. Life isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Every challenge, every small win, and every connection reminds me that I’m walking in purpose.

I love my life. I love my community. And I’m thankful, truly thankful for everything.

Here’s to November “a month of gratitude, giving, and grace”

With love,

Jeena