That's right, friends! Plans change. Things don't always work out the way you'd hoped or thought they would, but that is okay. Completely and totally okay.

I've learned that by trusting the process, and accepting + embracing change, everything always works out how and when it is supposed to.

Two months ago, I decided to turn my dreams into reality and open my own boutique store. My plan was to have a small (but fabulous) brick + mortar shop in Toronto up and running by September.

Well, the reality is...that sh*t is expensive! 

After spending countless hours doing research, creating a 20+ page business plan, and speaking with store owners, advisors, financial experts, and you guys (my family, friends and followers who have become friends), I've decided that it's okay for my plans to change.

I'm swallowing my pride and letting my stubborn self take the advice of those of you (supportive, optimistic, problem-solving geniuses) who have encouraged me to open my boutique store ONLINE before committing to a physical location.  

If I want to be a successful business owner, I need to be smart about this process and trust the timing of it all. I need to listen to, and learn from, others and accept that the signs are pointing me in a certain direction, even if that path is different from the one I had envisioned myself to be on at this point in time.

The truth is, I've been planning my future since I was a little girl. But guess what?! If everything turned out the way I had planned, I'd be a 27-year-old married mom (of at least one of my four children) with a degree from UCLA or NYU, pursuing a career in television (aka becoming the next Ellen). I'm lol-ing but I'm not even kidding, you guys!!! 

Literally nothing has turned out the way I planned, and I couldn't be happier, because I wouldn't be where I am now. And, honestly, I love where I am now and the path that has lead me here.

I'm not saying "don't make plans"! Of course it's important to have dreams for your future and have goals to work towards. What I'm saying is don't get so set on a plan that you lose sight of what's around you. Don't get so set on a plan that you'll be disappointed or feel like a failure if it doesn't pan out the way you had hoped. If you follow your heart, embrace change, and trust in the process, you'll get to where you're supposed to be (whether you had planned for it or not). 

So, instead of feeling defeated and like a failure for not being able to open a brick + mortar store in Toronto by September, I'm going to remind myself that plans change, and it's okay! I'm going to remind myself that everything happens for a reason and it will all work out exactly how + when it's meant to. 

It's all about the journey, you guys, and I'm so glad you're a part of it!