Where Did May Go?

Every month, I find myself asking the same question: Where did the month go?

I don't want the month to end, and I don't want time to fly by so quickly. When those thoughts begin creeping into my mind, I pull out my calendars and look back at everything that happened. Every single time, I am surprised by how much life was lived in just a few short weeks.

As I reflect on May, I do so through many lenses: as a mother, a business owner, a business advisor, a wife, a friend, and simply as a woman trying to live an intentional life.

Whenever I sit down to write these monthly reflections, I ask myself, What is important to share? Why does it matter? Right now, what comes to mind is a conversation I had with a client yesterday. I greeted her and asked how she was doing. "Tired," she said. Her consulting business has been slow. This year has felt heavy. Blah. Uncertain. I listened and told her, "I hear you, and I'm sorry you're feeling that way." Then I shared something honest with her. I am tired too.

Not because life feels hopeless, but because I choose to do a lot. My hands are in many things because my heart is in many things. That is how God created me, and I am learning to embrace it.

I asked her if she was utilizing the resources available to small businesses. I shared how fortunate we are in Minnesota to have organizations and people fighting every day to support entrepreneurs. Sometimes we get stuck looking at the darkness. We focus so much on what isn't working that we forget to look for what might help us move forward.

We all have responsibilities. We all have a future waiting for us.

So today, I want to ask you:

How are you feeling about life?

About yourself?

About your family?

About your work?

Why do you feel that way?

Are you seeking help, resources, or support if you want change?

Do you have people around you who can help?

Are you in the right circle?

And for those of you who are in a good place right now, are you grateful? Are you enjoying it? Are you truly happy?

By now, many of you know that I wear a lot of hats. I show up in many places and carry several titles. It isn't always easy, but I choose these opportunities because I know they help me become the person I am meant to be. Growth requires us to say yes and do uncomfortable things.

My heart goes out to those who are still feeling exhausted, discouraged, or stuck in a dark place months into the year. I encourage you to build small communities around yourself. Find people who understand you and who can help carry some of the weight. Earlier this year, I remember calling a friend and telling her how alone I felt. My family was facing uncertainty, and I was terrified that we could be forced to leave this country. The fear, uncertainty, and emotional triggers were real. But I made a choice. I chose to keep moving forward. That was one chapter of my year. Now May represents another chapter, and I continue to write each one differently.

The first week of May began with participating as a vendor at "Mom Boss 5K", organized by Covey Events. I felt welcomed, included, joyful, and hopeful. I was grateful that I said yes to showing up and sharing our spring/summer collection. I also met several boutique owners who are interested in future collaborations. There is something special about women supporting women and finding ways to grow together.

That same week, I was a vendor at a Lifestyle event in Edina. I left feeling encouraged that Minnesotans are becoming more open to brighter colors, handmade products, and fashion that tells a story. At a networking event later that week, I met successful women entrepreneurs working in wealth and financial management. Their conversations sparked something inside me. Since then, I've been asking myself important questions:

What is my net worth?

How can I be smarter about building wealth?

What is my business truly worth?

I've already scheduled meetings to learn more and will keep you posted on that journey.

One of the highlights of the month was attending the Team Women Leadership Conference. Hundreds of aspiring women gathered in one room to learn from one another.

As I sat there listening, I thought, Someday I want to be on that stage. Not because I want recognition, but because I want to share my story in a way that helps someone else take the next step. I want women to know they are worthy, capable, and able to create the life they dream about.

This month, I also did something I never imagined doing. Alongside some amazing mom friends from my children's school, I participated in the Run for Her event, women completing both the 8-mile and 16-mile distances. The organization supports women in Nepal and Minnesota making the experience even more meaningful. During those miles, I prayed. I reflected. I thought about my past. I thought about the barriers I've broken through. Some memories triggered old emotions, but they also reminded me how far I've come. The entire experience felt deeply spiritual. I left feeling incredibly grateful for the life I am living.

One of the biggest moments this month was informational meeting with Target to explore whether our products are Target-ready. I was nervous. I was scared. Negative thoughts tried to convince me I wasn't good enough. But I showed up anyway. The meeting went well, and I left with a lot of homework because the answer was clear: I am Target-ready. Now I have work to do.

People often ask me, "How do you do it all?"

The truth is simple:

1. My family supports me.

2. I know I have a bigger purpose.

3. I believe I deserve more.

   
   

On May 18, I was able to bring my entire family to the National Guard headquarters in Arden Hills. This was something I originally hoped to do for my son sixth birthday in March, but life had other plans. General Sharkey graciously gave us his time, educated us about the National Guard, and provided a private tour. As someone who often experiences incredible opportunities alone, it meant so much to share this one with my family. The highlight for everyone? The military vehicles. My kids still talk about them every day. That same evening, I did my favorite thing with my friend Kathy Ramundt (Do Good Roseville) and volunteer Joyce, we went to serve dinnerand spend time with our senior friends at the Roseville Seniors. Thank you, Panda Buffet Roseville for donating food. Thank you to my friend Jen Bailey and her friends for making the toothbrush and wash cloth flowers. Seniors were joyful and very appreciated.

Our Summer Kickoff event at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds was a success. Customer engagement increased, sales were strong, and we felt incredibly supported by everyone who stopped by. My family and I are especially excited because this will be our third year as vendors at the Minnesota State Fair. This year, you'll find us on the first floor of the Grandstand.

Please stop by and say hello. We would love to see you and share our newest collections with you.

This month, I also spent few Mondays at the Capitol advocating for small business grants and relief programs. Unfortunately, this legislative session did not deliver the support many small businesses were hoping for. As a business owner, and especially as a business advisor for MCCD, that hurts. But I also know that entrepreneurs are resilient. I believe something bigger is ahead. Sometimes we ask for small things while God is preparing something much greater.

This final week of May was especially meaningful because we celebrated my husband's birthday.

He is the reason I can show up in so many places. He is the organized one. He keeps things running at home. He is with the kids when I cannot be. He is my partner in every sense of the word, and I am deeply grateful for him.

As May comes to an end, I want to leave you with this:

Keep moving forward.

Keep an open mind.

Look for small moments of goodness, even on difficult days.

The stories I hear from customers every day remind me that everyone is carrying something. We never know what another person is facing.

My kindergarten son often says we should keep things "six or seven"—his way of reminding us not to make everything a ten.

My wise friends remind me that balance matters.

Both lessons are worth remembering.

Life is moving quickly. The seasons are changing. Summer is arriving.

Let's make time to soak in the warmth, appreciate the people around us, and fully enjoy this beautiful month of June.

With gratitude,

Jeena