When I took the plunge and decided to open up The Little Village Play Cafe, I knew there'd be challenges along the way.
After all, this is TOTALLY new, vulnerable, scary territory for me. I've never negotiated a lease, secured small business funding, hired contractors or an architect, requested city permits, written a business plan, built a website, etc. I had total imposter syndrome. 😳
It reminded me a bit of the imposter syndrome I had when my first baby was born. Like, hold on a sec, when did I become eligible to take a baby home from the hospital, to keep them alive 24/7, drive with them in a car, put itty bitty clothes on their tiny body? When did I pass the class that certified my readiness to be a parent or become licensed in keeping another human being alive? Being a new mom was wonderful and filled with joy, but it was also filled with fear and self-doubt. 💙
Through it all, my village of friends, family and neighbors supported me.
🌈 It was my village that picked me up when I was suffering from PPA after the birth of my first babe.
💻 It was my village that crowded around laptop screens for virtual Zoom holidays throughout the pandemic.
💡 It was my village who rallied around me when I told them about this crazy idea I had to open up a play cafe.
They're the same village that has been with me every step of my life journey. Everyone deserves a village like that.
It is their unwavering encouragement and love that inspired the name and mission behind The Little Village Play Cafe. 🌼
A village reminds you that you've got what it takes. That you're not alone. That you're on a journey and will get there one step at a time.
Whether that journey is bringing home a baby, surviving a pandemic, grieving a loss, starting a new job, finding a new home... or even starting a new business. ✨ Your village is there to celebrate the highs and scoop you up from the lows.
