Today, I want to share a deeply personal part of my journey with you all. Many of you know that in May 2021, amidst the pandemic, I made the difficult decision to leave my healthcare career—a job that I was deeply passionate about, especially because it involved working with seniors, which was my dream job. I found immense joy in my work until the responsibilities of being a mother to my three-year-old and newborn started weighing heavily on me. Postpartum challenges threw me for a curve, and I began to feel a sense of guilt and loss in my life.
One day, I had a heart-to-heart with my husband about wanting to prioritize being a stay-at-home mother to our beautiful kids. His support for this decision led me down the path of becoming the entrepreneur I am today. I vividly remember the words I spoke when I left my career—I yearned for freedom, flexibility, and the ability to serve my community on my terms.
Transitioning into entrepreneurship wasn't about stepping back completely; it was about finding a balance that allowed me to fulfill my role as a mother while also pursuing my dreams. I gained a newfound understanding of the incredible efforts working women put into their careers and the dedication of stay-at-home moms who work tirelessly to support their families.
Being a business owner meant working more than a full-time job, with hours that weren't scheduled but rather dictated by the demands of the moment. Over the past three years, I've faced fears of potential store closures, customer dissatisfaction, and the anxiety of negative reviews. However, with the support of loyal customers and a growing base of regulars, I've started to see momentum and stability in my business.
Our boutique, which initially started with Nepali earrings, has evolved to showcase earrings from around the world and other items that reflect the culture of Nepal, my home. This growth has been humbling and fills me with pride, but it hasn't come without sacrifices. There were countless nights of doubt and questioning if I made the right choice.
Launching a threading store during the pandemic was met with skepticism from even close friends and family, who deemed it a venture only crazy people would pursue. Yet, I was driven by the desire to work on my terms, unleash my creativity, and help people feel beautiful both inside and out.
Balancing entrepreneurship with family responsibilities meant missing out on many family events while working seven full days a week. But amid this, I also managed to attend numerous networking events, join community programs, serve as a board member for local organizations, and host social events—all aimed at building the foundation of my business and connecting with my community.
Recently, I made a deliberate choice to prioritize a stress-free family trip. Those five days spent with my children in Sarasota, Florida, were transformative. It was the first time in my journey as a businesswoman that I was truly present with my family without worrying about work. The experience reinforced the importance of flexibility and freedom in my life.
I've learned that working smart is key—not just working hard. It's about saying yes to meaningful opportunities and no to things that bring unnecessary stress. I encourage every hardworking individual to take breaks, spend time with loved ones, and pursue their passions. Understanding what truly matters and making it a priority can lead to a fulfilling life.
Today, as I reflect on my journey, I aspire to balance my roles as an entrepreneur and a mother while prioritizing my well-being. Quiet moments, like listening to my children's laughter or enjoying the serenity of a beach, fuel my spirit. I'm grateful for the opportunities, challenges, and the support of Namaste Brows and Boutique in not only sustaining my family financially but also in enabling me to make a difference in the lives of women and children in Nepal through our work.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Let's continue to strive for a life filled with purpose, balance, and joy.
Warm regards and Namaste,
Jeena Gurung Vomhof
