Sometimes you gotta shake the table to find your rhythm again. This week, I did something I’ve never done before — I sent my kids to different states so I could focus and do what I needed to do in New Orleans. My son took his first solo flight (whew), and my daughter went to NYC with Grandma. I thought about bringing them with me — but let’s be real, that would’ve been an effin MESS. I needed space. Mentally, physically, emotionally. I came to New Orleans to support a new client, Dr. Phyllis Pobee, and it was our first time meeting in person. We’ve been building behind the scenes, but this moment was big. She was nervous. I was nervous. We were about to debut her booth at Essence Fest — and we weren’t sure how it would all come together. @misteroksessentials came through and built out the wall in the booth, but when it came time to apply the vinyl — LAWD. The way that vinyl was NOT trying to cooperate? But we figured it out. The MESS got cleaned up. Dr. Pobee walked into her booth and LOVED IT. We pulled it off. And then — as if the universe was confirming I was exactly where I was supposed to be — I saw someone at the airport wearing my brand. A total stranger, walking with my MESSage. That’s what this is all about. Even though I didn’t vend at Essence Fest this year, I feel like I did something even bigger. I’m realizing that staying stagnant — doing only what you know — will trap you in a cycle. I’ve been in that cycle. I’m breaking the monotony and doing something different — and I’m proud of that. This trip reminded me that evolution feels uncomfortable. Growth comes with fear. But it also comes with faith, clarity, and wins you didn’t see coming. We’re just getting started.