End of a Chapter, and So a New One Begins

It's been a while since you've heard from me, and so much has transpired during this time. I've contemplated writing my first newsletter in months numerous times, but nothing I wrote felt like the reintroduction I needed. With time, I found clarity, and now I understand what I was waiting for.

This summer was a time of resurgence for me — a happier, healthier Ejiro who danced in the shower and dreamed about the future. I indulged in sports, laughed, and talked with friends, truly living my best life. Then, the universe decided to test me. On a beautiful Sunday morning, while cycling with a coaching group in preparation for my first triathlon, I ended up with not one but two fractured elbows. Unlucky, some would say, but I soon realised it was a blessing in disguise.

Confined at home, the first two weeks were filled with pain and disbelief. I worried that my mental healing had been derailed. However, I soon understood that this was not just a time for physical recovery, but also an opportunity to continue healing mentally. So, I embraced the 12 weeks of pause that were upon me. Surprisingly, with each passing week, I felt happier and stronger, despite my situation appearing bleak to others.

With my main source of income halted and my ability to care for my child and myself compromised, I surprisingly felt joy and peace. This period allowed me to focus on one of my other businesses and even start a new venture. I read voraciously, used voice-to-text to write, and eventually, I could write manually again (oh, the irony!).

As I recovered and returned to my daily routines, I pondered whether to continue with my beauty business. After much contemplation, I decided it was time to close it and move forward. It takes courage to make such a decision, and yes, fear crept in, but it feels right.

I know many of you have been awaiting my return, but I feel as though a chapter is closing — and this was one of the final steps I needed to take. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the support you've given me, especially when I downsized Ejiro Studio to just me. It's time to close this chapter, not from a place of unhappiness, but from a place of excitement, hope, happiness, and contentment.

So, what's next for Ejiro?

I'm continuing to build businesses – it's just what I do. As I mentioned, I'm now focusing full-time on one of my businesses and have started another. But something new is on the horizon – writing. I've always loved to write, and I've decided to continue encouraging people, as I did with the salon, but through this medium. Therefore, The Bounce Back Bulletin will become one of my full-time endeavours.

I was overwhelmed by the response to my first two articles and I continue to receive messages of thanks for sharing my story. So, what can you expect from this newsletter? Each week, I will publish an article that allows us to find solace in the shared human experience of bouncing back from adversity. I'll be sharing a mix of personal stories and practical advice to help many navigate their setbacks.

How can you support me? Simply by sharing the articles with anyone who might need them. Continue writing back to me – I've made it easier by moving to Substack, which allows you to comment on the articles and show your love. Lastly, consider pledging your support by purchasing a subscription. Whether you sign up for a monthly subscription at £6.99 or a yearly subscription at £70, your support will go a long way. It will enable me to focus on this full-time and provide more value. For now, all content will be available to both paid and free subscribers, but I aim to start writing some exclusive content for paid subscribers in the new year.

New Content on the Horizon

I have written so many articles over the past twelve weeks that I can't wait to share them with you. Next week's article, titled "The Cloak of Change - Embracing Change," will reflect on the closure of the beauty business a year later, the lessons learned, and how you can apply these lessons to your life. Stay tuned!

I'll speak to you in next week's article!

Love,

Ejiro 

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Bounce Back Guide - 12.11.23

Music

This week, I'm sharing two songs that perfectly complement our message. My love for Jazz, especially the kind with minimal lyrics, allows me to create my own words, reflecting how the music resonates with me in the moment.

Give "In A Sentimental Mood" a listen, and see if it doesn't whisk you down memory lane. Savour these two songs this Sunday, and take a moment to note how they stir your emotions.

In A Sentimental Mood - Sonny Rollins, The Modern Jazz Quartet

We Give Thanks - Kokoroko