In a month I will officially have taken over Matis Fourways for 10 years.
My designer sent me the logo I had in mind as the first step in recognising & commemorating this milestone this morning & seeing it brought a rush of memories, & all the emotions that came with the rollercoaster that has been the last 10 years. Honestly, nothing could have prepared me for this emotional tsunami.
We don’t know how very unwilling the banks are to loan money to someone who is already self employed until said person decides to buy a salon. A little over 10 years ago my journey started with a lot of “No” & I eventually ended up buying a business with the help of my #1 supporter- my gorgeous mom, in instalments from the previous owner – AND she agreed to still work for me for a few months. My mother has so fearlessly believed in me! She has so easily invested in my dream, & even when I felt overwhelming guilt for not doing better, & sheer gratitude for how much she loves me that all I could do was cry; she just kept reminding me that I’m not alone.
I had no idea what was in store for me… The next 5 years were undoubtedly the most stressful years of my life; trying to manage expenses, working in the construction site that was Fourways Mall, & trying to hold myself together was like trying to climb a mountain with no shoes, people on your shoulders, & a mustard seed of faith that the long string you’re clinging onto, tearing open flesh, won’t just snap & leave roadkill of what was once a woman’s dream & the people who depended on her.
I can clearly remember feeling like I had made the biggest mistake of my life, many times… There have been instances on this journey that I was saved purely by God’s grace. Stone cold business people with hearts seemingly as hard as the concrete used to build the demise of many people’s lifelong dreams & only source of income. A pandemic that stole the lives and livelihood of countless, & yet Matis Fourways made it through – only by God’s grace. A man who thought underhanded moves would teach this woman that business is a man’s world, BUT God used him for my good.
As I take a pause to wipe away the tears- tasting the saltiness of the ones that escaped the tissue – & to take a sip of the salty water Veniva has introduced that feels like a physical representation in this moment of the years I’ve cried. I can now close the door to my office & weep with thanksgiving to my father who has never failed me. He has carried me though the lowest valleys & reminds me that HE is holding the string on the top of that mountain.
This is not where my story ends, I give all the glory to God that His plan for my life is far more beautiful, more abundant & more joyful than I could ever imagine. How wonderful it is to be in the palm of His hand.
This month, I’m just going to pause & take stock. I’m going to take a very wise man’s advise & stand on every promise He has kept & be reminded that He will never fail.
To every single one of our amazing clients who continue to choose Matis Fourways over & over, – there are no words to express my gratitude. To my unbelievable landlords, I thank God for you all every day. To my staff, you are what makes the wheels turn, & my phenomenal mom – none is this would have been possible without you.
I hope my story will remind someone that nothing is too far, whatever you can imagine is within reach.
With an overflowing heart,
Laurien
