Take This Opportunity to Try Something Completely Different

How many times in life have you thought about doing something completely different? I know I have. What holds you back? I suspect the same things that held me back for so many years. I share my story (who I am, the family behind La Vie Est Belle and how our community/store came to be) in hopes that you might learn from me/us and chase your own dreams without reservation or fear.

First, me…. I am a mom of three beautiful children (my pride and joy…oh, there are moments I might say otherwise :)…but I am blessed) and wife to my best friend. I recall when my husband proposed to me I responded not with the typical and hopeful answer of “yes”, but instead, without thinking and instead feeling, I said, “I get to be happy for the rest of my life!” Thirteen years later this is still true…and let’s not sugar coat this….we often have our moments too. :) But, I am one of the lucky ones…I know I am. On a different note (but important for context), I have always been your typical first-born, Type A driver. Voted “Most Likely to Succeed” in High School (I still chuckle about this one), graduated first in my college with a 4.0 GPA and Vice President of a $35M portfolio of work by 40. I only mention these to illustrate that “not succeeding” was never an option or in the plan. And plans never include “life”…have you noticed that? The “plan” has one simple and straight trajectory up and forward. Funny.

In my heart-of-hearts…I always wanted to own a little gift/home decor store or community. An opportunity to marry my interior design, business management/operations and retail experience. A place or destination that brought others happiness and joy (stemming from fond memories of shopping with my mom and grandmother). I also wanted to stand-for-something and inspire others…an opportunity to make a difference. Finally, I yearned for work/life integration…and not just in theory or attempt…but true integration.

When our daughter fell ill last fall it was devastating and terrifying on so many levels. Layer on covid, an election year and social changes…suddenly what I understood to be true and certain was challenged…I no longer had a compass. Rather than striving for personal and professional goals, I suddenly found myself simply hoping to successfully navigate through each day without fear (for myself and my children) and with some level of peace…if I could find it.

Funny when I reflect back on all the things that held me back from chasing my dream…life (hard to stop something in-motion), financial obligations/goals, professional aspirations, social pressures and a comfortable lifestyle…when a child falls ill…some of this suddenly and no longer matters. What you thought was so important and you could not live without…suddenly seems insubstantial. What did/does matter was my daughter’s health and safety, the emotional well-being of my other two children, protecting my marriage, my health & well-being, and demonstrating to my children that one is brave and does not live in fear. Suddenly I found myself in the position of…the the only thing I had to lose…was not trying. La Vie Est Belle was born. A gift from my oldest daughter by reminding me how precious and short life is…what you think you know today…will change tomorrow. Change is truly the only certain we have.

So with pride, gratitude…and a bit of humor…I introduce the Lake Elmo, MN family of five behind La Vie Est Belle…our little store…a labor of love as a result of our journey with our daughter courageously living with acute anxiety and panic disorder that has pivoted our lives and opened our eyes & heart.

Golden Retriever: Our Mascot. Not mentioning names...but...another great retailer has a dog for a mascot and it seems to work for them!

5-Year-Old Spitfire: Head of Logistics and Sales (she has more energy than any of us...X10...maybe 1000). Does not take “no” for an answer.

11-Year-Old Tween: CMO...rarely is social media used in our family, but she already knows more than any of us! Are we sure they are not born with it?!

9-Year-Old Practical and Systematic Thinker: CFO...constantly counting money in his piggy bank and trading Pokémon cards (diversified savings plan). I wish I had hung on to some of my baseball cards...darn it!

Husband: COO...anytime I say “we should”...he knows it really means him. Natural fit.

Me: Mom = CEO.

I know for so many, a crisis or traumatic event is often the catalyst for change. Our story is no exception. But again, I share our story in hopes others will not wait for the traumatic event, but instead pave their own way…even if completely different. I wish I had. Although life is harder on many levels as we journey with our daughter, I have never been more at peace knowing I am where I should be, doing something I love, with those I love. I am truly grateful and finally present in my life.