Is it too late to say Happy new year? The first month of the year is already gone, I guess it's really true when they say.... Time flies when you're having fun.
Talk about fun, I've been having fun going through my journals and reading all the goals I wrote during the beginning of 2020 and 2021. I don't know about you, but I'm that type that gets so excited about new year resolutions. I usually write endless goals, a to do list for the whole year and crazy none stop creative ideas.
My new year resolutions are usually huge and bold, I sometimes admire myself for having the courage to think big and to aim high. I also do get overwhelmed thinking about accomplishing it all, and that's when fear comes in and cripples me.
As I was preparing to write new goals for 2022 at the end of last year, I paused for the cause, and realised that most of my previous goals were still pending. Ha I laughed at myself.... Moving forward, I had to go back and audit my previous goals. I needed some critical thinking about myself and my goal settings. The thing is I knew that a goal without a due date is only a wish, I also knew that in order to cut a big tree down you need to show up every day with an axe. It's crazy how sometimes we don't put to use the good knowledge that we have.
So, instead of writing up new goals for 2022, the plan is to crossover with the same goals but different mind set. Why? Because a goal is not just another to-do-thing on your list. A goal is something you desire to accomplish, a vision that has the potential to transform not only you, but can change an entire community. Unless you give the goal a due date, break the goal down, divide the goal and show up for it everyday, It will keep on pending and nagging you year in, year out. Sometimes God deposits gifts in us through our goals, it's our duty to fullfil them or unwrap them, if you will.
New year, same goals, different mind set.
What's your take on setting goals for new year? I'd love to read about it on the comment below.
Happy New Year.
Bee
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Life is way too short to stand still and keep waiting for the right time to live your dream life.
My dream life is define by what makes me happy and what gives me peace.
What's makes me happy? It's the woman I'm becoming.
I've stoped waiting.. waiting for the right occasion to wear that outfit. Waiting for the boarders to open so I can travel again. Waiting for my kids to grow up so I can be free. Waiting until a buy a house so I can transform it. I've stoped waiting.
What makes happy? It's the woman I'm becoming.
I've started creating a life that reflects my happiness. Here are few main things that I'm currently working on to make it a reality.
Clarity In My Style. I decided to only keep outfits that I truly love. I cleared out my wardrobe. Said goodbye to some items I've hoarded, so I can only be clothed in happiness.
Breathing Space. I'm in a process of transforming our home, the goal is to turn every corner into a happy place. Styling and decorating it. Giving it a splash of bold colours, plants and good reads. I call it #myafrobohome. ( check it out on insta)
Purpose Purchase. Truth be told we've all purchased so many things in the past that we didn't really need. A budget is telling your money where to go, instead of wondering where it went. Financial freedom is happiness.
Self Care. When I think of self care, I usually think of my 50 year old self thanking me for taking care of us. There are many version of me waiting on me. The best care I can give me is being me at every stage of my life.
Acceptance. Happiness becomes easy when you're at peace with who you are and where you're at. I no longer need to wait for my children to grow up so I can do certain things, I do them anyways, it just takes me longer.
What makes me happy? It's the women I'm becoming.
What makes you happy? I'd love to read all about it in the comment section. Do you have any tips I could add on my list?
Thanks for stopping by.
love
Bee
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Nine month ago I tried my very best to do everything right during my pregnancy so I can have a natural birth, and be up and about in no time. I was avoiding another C-section because I knew it will take me longer to recover and get back to work. Not that I don't like rest, I just don't like being still, especially if I have a business to run. Unfortunately, (or fortunately) I ended up having a planned C-section due to some health complication.
Elikia arrived two weeks early on the 5th of November. He was born at 11:00 am weighting almost 4 kg. He's very peaceful and calm, sleeps really well and feeds all the time, no! seriously, all the time. Did I mention that he's very cute? Oh yes he is, he's stolen our hearts and caused timed to be still. All we do is stare at how beautiful he is, we are pretty much obsessed with him.
I honestly believe that I needed a C-section so I can be still. The fact that I'm physically unable to drive for six weeks and not able to do much has allowed me to rest, relax and bond with Elikia. It really was a blessing in disguise, because I can guarantee you, if I had a natural birth, best believe I would be planning December markets right now.
God knew that if it was up to me I wouldn't have allowed myself to rest. That is why Roman 8:28 plays such an important role in my life. If you haven't read it yet. What are you waiting for?
Bee Loko
Meet Baby Elikia ( Elikia means Hope in Lingala.)
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It was October last year that we were certain and decided that our team needed a new member. With Chaya turning six this month and Jeremiah almost ten, I knew that I had my very own born baby sitters. I believe a women can raise a family as well as build an empire. We've been blessed with a multitasking gift from God.
As a business women and a mother, planning is very important to me, I usually plan quarterly, monthly and on weekly basis. I aim to work only when they are at school or sleeping. But things doesn't always go as planned. The reality of motherhood won't just allow it, and so I take every opportunity I get to squeeze in work here and there, for example Mondays are for swimming lessons but they are also for updating tracking numbers and weekly planning while watching them swim.
My children are my biggest supporters, they get supper excited every time they hear a sound of a new order, they're constantly suggesting how I should expend the business and create new products, they talk about how they want to work for me, honestly speaking they believe in me more than I believe me.
As a mother, God has entrusted them to me and it's my ultimate goal to be the best mum I can be. And in business world, my aim is to be a role model for them as an entrepreneur, I want my kids to be able to say if mama did it we can do it too. As for Elikia, we are beyond excited that in less than ten weeks our family will be welcoming a new member. We can't wait to see the little contribution he will add to the business.
Its definitely an exciting new season for Business and Motherhood at Chaya Boutique Liputa.
Bee Loko
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March this year I had decided to close my business. When all the markets were cancelled I didn't see how I was going to survive. Markets worked best for me, compapred to my online store. I didn't want to keep paying for fees and not making sales. I was really torn with the decision of shutting it down but I was also afraid of the uncertainty of covid-19. So I did what I know how to do best... Pray. I ask God for a sign. That same day I had three people who wanted to purchase something and my website wasn't working. I took it as a sign to keep the website going.
So I told God if this is your will, I want no less than 10 orders per week. That same week I had 9 orders until Saturday night, I looked at the time, and I told God out loud in front of my family that He only had less than an hour to make it to 10 orders. To my surprise an order came though after I made that prayer. And I had exactly 10 orders that week. Crazy right?? Well 10 orders per week turned into 10 orders per day. I couldn't believe what was happening, my business was doing so well in the midst of a pandemic.
This pandemic had a massive affect on small businesses. It really broke my heart seeing lots of businesses struggle. I thank God and every customer that kept my business alive. One thing I learned as a business women is how to adapt during stormy weather. Don't let the middle of your story be the end of your story. Stick around to see what God has for you on the other side.
I'm glad I stuck around because I had no idea how many people I was impacting through my business.
Love
BeeLoko
]]>A whole year has gone by since we made the big move to Adelaide.
Our move was a big leap of Faith. Started of as a simple idea that came from my husband, when I first heard it, I laughed because I knew it wasn't going to happen. I'm the type of a person who likes to know in advance how things are going to turn out, in another words I like being in control. But that's not how faith works; a lesson that God had planned through my transition.
April 15th 2019 we drove from Melbourne to Adelaide. It was a happy feeling, you know when your going on a holiday and you can't wait to get there and do all the awesome things that people do during holidays? Well that's exactly how I was feeling. I was thinking about the wineries, historical buildings, beaches and the beautiful hills. Boy! I was excited, I love holidays, I mean who doesn't?
The first few months was exactly how I expected it to be. We went on adventure trips every Sundays after church and ate out all the time. We were living our best lives. Kids started school, hubby started work and I was constantly in holiday mode. Up until my mind started telling me...its time to go home. I kept telling my mind that this was now home, but it wouldn't have it. I started struggling to accept my new home and depression found its way in.
I stopped going out, started staying in bed longer than usual, I only got up if I needed to pick the kids up from school, and I'd jump back in bed straight after that. I lost interest in my business and all the things that brought me joy. Nothing made me happy. I was missing my family so much, this was the first time in my whole life living in a different state without them. I missed having my own home and space (we were living with my mother in law at this point ) I missed seeing familiar faces and roads. I hated driving and having to relay on a GPS all the time. I hated everything. I couldn't believe that this was now my reality. I felt like I was in a box with little room to move. Depression is real! I was stuck in the past and couldn't bring myself back to the present, and if I do make it to a present moment, it was on my way to visiting the future and i'd stay there for a while.
My kids spent a lot time at the local library. They even made it on the library website advertisement, that's how much time they spend there.They also did a lot of bike riding with their dad and discovering new parks. While I was in bed all day long. I questioned God a lot, I wouldn't go as far as saying I had lost my faith, but I would be lying if I said my faith wasn't shaken by all this. My biggest question to God was where did my JOY go? I knew I needed to stop feeling this way, because I was so tired of being in bed all the time, but I couldn't physically get up. My turning point was when my son Jeremiah, offered to cook dinner because mama couldn't get up, I found the strength to get up and he helped prepare dinner. That evening I spoke up about how I was feeling, I admitted that I was depressed and seeked help. I was so grateful that I spoke up just before it got worse.
Change is often hard and painful; hard to accept and painful to go though, but it's through the hard times that we grow the most. I didn't know that I was going through a stage of growth. Growth as a mother, as a wife, as a business women and most importantly as a believer. There was so much more in me, all I needed to do was to shift my focus from my problems to my purpose. When I gained my focus back, I was now able to see past my reality and understand why we really moved... I found my Joy in the midst of being alone, and learning to be comfortable alone.
Don't let doubt paralyze you during your transition. I'm so grateful and thankful for the move. I count it all joy.
Bee Loko
]]>I always remind myself that my business is not THE DREAM, it's transportation to THE DREAM. I've got Bigger Purpose Driven Dreams, that need even Bigger Purpose Driven Savings. I'm pretty sure my fellow entrepreneurs can relate.
Over the weekend I did a two day event with Gathered Design Market. There is so much that goes on behind every beautiful stall. The preparation before and after the market, the set up and the pack down afterwards. The interaction with the customers and the anticipation of the event, just to name a few. It takes a real toll on you physically and emotionally, mentally and financially and not to mention, spiritually.
But how do you treat yourself after a huge event? As much as I want to save every penny for the future. I matter now! So I treat myself with a full body massage. It's my way of thanking my legs for standing up for a very long time. My hands for carrying heavy objects and making the products. My back for putting up with all that sewing, I can go on and on but you get the point. The real point is; You matter now! The same respect you give to your future is the same respect you should give your present, because without taking good care of the NOW, you wont make it to the FUTURE.
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Headwrap : Benguela. Available online store.
Bee Loko.
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The happiest things about mothers day are usually the simplest or seemingly insignificant things. You don't need to go to an expensive restaurant or receive expensive gifts. Usually it's the breakfast made by the kids that highlights your day.
Think about it! Your five year old attempts to make you breakfast, it could be something as simple as scrambled eggs and toast. You know, those sketchy handmade presents from school that look like rubbish, yet its so hard to put them in the bin...
Mother's day is such a special time, not just for mum but also for the family that goes out their way to make mum feel extra special.
Truth is, as a mother we're usually up and about with little time to stop and enjoy a good breakfast. This Mother's day BE STILL and enjoy the breakfast, whether it's made by hubby, your five year old, your tribe of kids or even yourself. Pause and enjoy because even though they say Mother's day is every day, it's only really recognized once a year in May.
Happy Mother’s Day.
Sally and her tribe of seven. Sally and her beautiful four daughters are all matching headbands.
Our mother & daughter set is now available for purchase in our online store. Perfect gift for Mother’s Day.
]]>Truth be told, I never used to be a thrifter, in fact I hated second hands clothes. Growing up in a Pentecostal home, I was taught that everything is attached to a spirit, for example I remember coming home from school one day, and I was wearing one of my mate's jumpers, and my mother lost the plot (typical African parents) she went on to explain that “there is more to what we see and touch”. From that day on I was very careful about wearing peoples clothes and mixing myself with unknown spirits.
Early 2014 I was introduced to thrifting by my husband, at first I was very against it. There was a time when he came home with this beautiful long coat that he purchased from the salvos, I quickly told him that I didn’t want 'souls' in my house. He told me how much I would save if I started shopping at OP Shops. I still wasn’t convinced. A few months later I told him how I wanted to shift my style to AFRO ECCENTRIC with a VINTAGE touch. He took me to so many different OP Shops to see if I would find what I was looking for, and that was when I fell in LOVE.
My love for thrifting grew rapidly, turning trash into treasure became pleasure. I started discovering places I never knew existed. I couldn’t believe how cheap everything was and how great the quality was. As my perspective changed I realised that thrifting is the art of hunting for unique pieces that can’t be found in big places but only in tiny little places like OP Shops. While all this was happening, I kept it hush hush, I was a bit embarrassed to tell my family and friends that I was now shopping at the second hand stores. That is when I decided to create my 5 GOLDEN RULES FOR THRIFTING.
The rules were created for spiritual protection and a peace of mind. Having a personal relationship with Jesus, I know the importance of prayer. Prayer is a powerful tool and should be included in every part of our lives. I came to the conclusion that, there is nothing wrong with thrifting and wearing second hands clothes, after all you are saving money and helping the environment, But remember to pray for it first.
MY 5 GOLDEN RULES.
1. THANK JESUS FOR IT.
2. BREAK EVERY CHAIN THAT IS ATTACHED TO IT.
3. WASH IT IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS
4. WASH IT WITH WATER ( IRON IF YOU HAVE TO)
5. STYLE IT, OWN IT, ITS ALL YOURS.
Go explore your local OP shop the next time you've got a few hours spare on hand!
I’m a strong believer that Everything happens for a reason. Even when it doesn’t seem like it in the beginning, sooner or later the big picture will start to reveal itself.
I had a huge fall out with a very close friend. I did all that I could to mend it but it just didn't happen. At the time I didn’t understand, because I was focusing on fixing things. When I finally shifted my focus, everything became clear to me. I became grateful for the fall out.
Sometimes when things go wrong, we focus so much on fixing it, instead of understanding the reason behind it.
For me, my reason was as little as time. Yes time. You might think, what does time have to do with this? Well let me explain... When you have a close friend, you invest so much of your time in them; random visits, shopping, sleepovers, driving them to places (as I was the only one with a car plus licence at the time).
Now I had all this free time on my hands, and I finally started investing in myself. It was as though I was being prepared for what was to come. Don’t get me wrong, not that I didn’t appreciate what we had, but we needed to be separated for me to become who I am today. I was suddenly able to focus on my ideas and turn them into a reality.
I also spent a lot of time reading which became a major turning point. One of the books I read that woke me up and changed my perspective was "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. The chapter on "restoring broken fellowship", in my case friendship, was a revelation. Even though I wasn’t able to restore it, I was challenged to pick up the phone and set a date. If you do not swallow your pride, you will choke yourself. So I said my sorries, wished them well, forgave them and went on living my life with my head held high.
We all have dreams but not everyone will be part of it. Don’t always hold on for the sake of what used to be. Let go and let God guide you into your next chapter. My next chapter was launching my business, following my passion and pursuing my goals. Everything does happen for a reason, even when it doesn’t seem like it.
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