I sit down with my friend and boss, Samantha, to talk about her journey from being a young girl obsessed with hair and all things beauty to becoming the owner of Salon Stella, and most recently a brand creator of her very own hair extension line, The Mane Collection™. Sam shares where her passion began and how each chapter of her career unfolded. From starting out in a corporatized salon, to stepping into the safety-net of a commission-based environment, to eventually taking the leap into chair rental, she walks us through the lessons learned in every season.

It’s funny how just when the chaos of life finally starts to settle, the next door of opportunity swings wide open. Ready or not, she took the biggest leap of faith and purchased her own salon. Unfortunately, it wasn’t all roses and butterflies, and smooth sailing from there. No matter how hard you try to be the perfect boss who gets it right every time, business ownership has a way of sharpening you. As a female, it will harden you, & that’s just a fact. In Part 2, we dive into what that hardness really looks like behind the scenes.

I’m coming to you solo and catching you up on all things Life Lately- starting with big news: we officially have a walker! Someone woke up on the morning of her 11-month birthday and decided she’s not a little-bitty baby anymore. I share how I audit my calendar and routines to figure out what’s working, what’s just wishful thinking, and which expectations I need to let go of. Momming is more than a full-time job- it’s not 9–5 or even 6–6. It’s 24/7, 365.

I also wonder: if I had gone back to a corporate job, would my baby have by default become a better sleeper because she wouldn’t have had a choice? Wake up, daycare drop-off, scheduled naps, pick-up, dinner, bedtime, repeat... I’ll never know!

And last but not least, I’m highlighting the ever-controversial Candace Owens this week. Love her or hate her, there’s no denying she has grit & grind- all while being a mom to four littles.

Matt and I break down our very first trip without the baby- the nerves, the freedom, and everything in between. The baby stayed with Grandparents and we headed off to a 3-day wedding retreat… and honestly? It was just what the Dr. ordered! We shared where we stayed, the good times, the beautiful scenery, and the questionable cleanliness of our hotel. Turns out bringing Volk turned the whole trip into a mini hiking adventure!

Being surrounded by vows, speeches, and that infectious wedding energy had me wanting to marry Matt all over again. The simplicity and boldness of true love reminded me that life gets richer when you build it with someone. You will go further together- and to all my friends waiting until they accomplish XYZ goals before pursuing love: you don’t need the perfect bank account, investment strategy, or portfolio to be worthy of meeting your person.

The whole weekend felt like one long fairytale date with my husband- a reset, a reminder, and a chance to dream all over again!