Reflections from England – A Journey of Chaos, Gratitude, and Growth

I can’t believe it’s already been over a week since I returned from my trip to England with my entire family. Time has flown, and although I’ve accomplished so much since I got back, there’s a gentle sadness in my heart that the two-and-a-half-week vacation ended so quickly. I wish I could’ve had more quiet, quality time with my family—but isn’t that how we humans are? No matter what we do, we always long for a little more.

This trip was special. My sister, who lives in England, and I had planned it for over seven months. We were especially excited to celebrate a beautiful cultural tradition: the Gunyocholo ceremony, honoring both of our 8-year-old daughters. It’s a huge deal in Nepali culture—almost like a wedding! Over 200 guests attended, and my sister and I poured our hearts into every detail—from designing matching outfits for our daughters to planning all the traditional foods. It was beautiful, exhausting, joyful—and yes, we’re both glad it’s done!

But before the celebration even began, the journey itself was an adventure.

From the moment we left home, nothing went as planned. We hit traffic on the way to the airport, faced massive lines at baggage drop, and nearly missed our flight. Thankfully, we’d arrived three hours early and made it to our gate just in time. We flew from Minneapolis to Chicago, where we learned—after hours of delays—that our flight to Heathrow was canceled due to a small fire at one of the London airports. It was chaos. My parents, husband, and two kids were suddenly stuck in a sea of frustrated travelers. At 9 p.m., all the airport restaurants were closing. We hadn’t eaten dinner.

Eventually, we were given a hotel... 1.5 hours away from the airport. Exhausted and hungry, we arrived at our hotel around 1 a.m. and ate pizza at 2 a.m. I was heartbroken for my kids—but they surprised me. They went with the flow, smiling through their fatigue. The next morning, after a big breakfast, we headed back to the airport and waited again. I still ache thinking about that day. But finally, after a detour to Pittsburgh, we made it to Heathrow. Two days later, we were at my sister’s house—exhausted but thankful.

There were two moments that truly moved me:

1. When my 5-year-old son stepped onto the international flight and saw the business class seats, he turned to me wide-eyed and said, “Mom, this is for us?” I smiled and said, “No, keep walking and find our seats.” Later in the flight, as both of my children fell asleep in my arms, I cried. I felt deeply thankful. I promised myself then and there: One day, I want my kids to experience business class. Not for luxury, but for the awe in their eyes. I work hard for that joy.

2. Our luggage didn’t arrive for the first six days of our trip. I was furious, worried, and kept calling the airlines. I had family calling from the U.S., tracking down our suitcases. It consumed me. But something shifted in me. We still went to events. We still visited friends. No one cared what we brought—they just wanted to see us. We started using less, wearing what we had, and focusing on being together. We visited the chocolate factory, Legoland, Warwick Castle, London, and the National Space Centre. We made memories. Looking back, I realize that the luggage didn’t matter. Patience, faith, and flexibility did.

   
   

This trip taught me so much.

Traveling with my kids and husband to England wasn’t just about sightseeing; it was about feeling grounded in history while recognizing how far I’ve come personally. Every castle we toured, every historic site we stood in, reminded me of resilience—not just the resilience of monarchs or soldiers, but the resilience within me.

I’ve always believed that healing comes when we allow ourselves to pause and reflect. This trip gave me that pause. It reminded me that sometimes, even in the chaos of entrepreneurship, parenting, and community service, we must take a step back to breathe in beauty and history. This trip gave me the quiet I didn’t know I needed.

Watching my kids light up as they explored places they’d only seen in books brought me joy I can’t describe. They were curious, excited, and full of questions—about the royals, about wars, about how different countries live. These conversations gave me the opportunity to connect with them deeper, to remind them of our family values: that no matter where we are in the world, we stay grounded in faith, gratitude, and love.

We wondered and laughed so much. We took silly photos in front of iconic landmarks and had deep talks during train rides. It reminded me why I work so hard—why Namaste Brows and Boutique is more than a business. It’s a vessel to create the life I want for my family, for my community, and for women like me who are still dreaming, still healing, still rising.

I got to pray with my children and nieces every night. I listened to their laughter, their giggles, their stories—and just was with them. I remembered what it felt like to be a kid again.

These last four years as an entrepreneur have been a whirlwind—markets, networking events, pop-ups, nonstop movement. I’ve grown so much. But sometimes I feel like I’ve lost pieces of myself in the process. This trip reminded me: I’m still me. Chocolates still make me happy. Shopping still brings me joy. I love meeting new people and experiencing new things. And sometimes—I just need to do nothing.

When I started this business, I didn’t just want to thread brows or sell handcrafted goods. I wanted to thread stories—connect generations, cultures, and people. I wanted to offer a piece of Nepal in Minnesota and carry Minnesota’s spirit of community wherever I go. That spirit traveled with me to England.

This blog is my love letter to that journey.

To all the moms who are tired but still keep going. To all the business owners balancing vision with bills. To all the immigrants finding home in unfamiliar places. To all the dreamers who dare to pause and rest—I see you.

Now that I’m back, I feel more inspired than ever. I carry with me not only beautiful memories and photos, but a renewed sense of purpose. I want to build, serve, and love with even more intention. I want to teach my children that they come from strength, that their mother carries mountains within her, and that our story is still being written—with God at the center.

My sister and I still laugh and complain like we used to. My brother-in-law is still the same. Some things don’t change, and that’s comforting. I’m still learning, still growing. And today, I’m thankful. I’m back at my store, getting ready for the Minnesota State Fair, feeling busy—but oh so blessed.

I can't wait to see all of you at the Grandstand, 2nd floor, at the MN State Fair this year. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

With love and gratitude,

Jeena