09/09/2022
Last night I felt the need to put my heart out. I’m not looking for compassion or understanding. I even debate posting this, but I just need it out there. If you don’t agree with me posting this, it’s ok, you can say it.
Let me start by saying I have worked in the Service Industry my entire life. I tried to get away from it, but I can’t. I love this industry way too much.
My entire life I have worked extensive hours in bars, hotels, restaurants, private events, festivals, and wherever else I was needed. I have done mostly bartender and server jobs. But I also was a manager for a little while. I did work many 80+ hours a week in my life.
I did it all until this little girl got into my life and made me view the world differently. I literally worked extensive hours until the day she was born.
At that point, I saw how unhealthy my life was. So, I gave a step backward. I left my management position that I loved very much and became an on-call employee. I was a banquet bartender and server when needed. I still am to this day. And that was the best decision of my life. I was making more money hourly, with close to no responsibility, and when I wanted. (I’m married and my husband could afford me to be a stay home mom, I was working for my wellbeing. Mental Health I’ll talk about that in a minute)
Then the pandemic happens and I’m not going to talk about that because everyone is tired of this novel.
Although I had another baby during this period, an amazing little boy.
I was struggling for a while after that so, at the beginning of 2022, I made a promise to take care of myself. I started my self-care journey. I took care of my body by working out, eating better, and all that come with it. I think I look great now, and I’m static about my results.
Also during my self-care journey, I realized that I was missing my professional career. I notice that I feel better when I go to work, I feel happy. So I came to the conclusion that I wanted to go back to work full time, and pursuing my career goals helps me in my mental health journey.
Since the pandemic, the Service Industry has suffered. It is hard to find professionals, so I wanted to go back and try to help somehow. I started applying for jobs in order to go back to management, not because I needed money. But I wanted to work to feel helpful, I want to work to take care of myself. I applied for many jobs, and I had done many interviews.
No, I didn’t get the job I wanted, or accepted any offer I got. Why? First, because I can’t offer open availability, I have 2 little kids that need me. My family will always come first. Second, even if I agreed to have open availability the pay wasn’t worth it. Do you know how expensive are nights and weekends childcare?
Anyways, I was not going to give up taking care of my mental health. So, I decided to open my own little event planning business. I opened it first and now I’m putting everything I want together. I know it isn’t the best way of doing things, but I know once I start, I won’t give up. I’m not making any money yet; I’m spending while I’m setting up everything. But you know what that was the best decision I had in a while. Why? Because if I had waited, today I would not have stepped in that direction.
Just a few weeks after opening my business, that means 2 weeks ago, I got the worse call of my life so far. My beautiful 33 years old cousin had committed su***de. She was like a sister to me. To add to my struggles, I almost lost my husband a week after that. Different situation but still scary. Now I’m trying to move through it, and it is not easy for me. But this new business of mine, my new adventure is helping me move. I’m moving slowly right now, but I’m still moving.
With all those emotions going on in my life, my business ideas are evolving. So, I decided to include the importance of caring for your mental health in my mission. I want to create a safe and healthy environment for everyone around me. They will be my clients, partners, coworkers, or anyone crossing my life.
I’m not sure how I’m going to accomplish all my new goals yet. But I’m allowing myself time to process, time to heal.
I’m just starting my own business. I didn’t think I was going to have personal hardships so early on.
I’m open and ready to plan a dreamy party. But I’m also here if any of my colleagues need anything at all. I don’t want to be a competition to anyone, I want to be a partner to all. Maybe that is the wrong way of starting a business, but that is how I want to do it.
At Zyloan Events I’ll take some of your stress away. It can be by helping you plan your big dream event or by creating your own personal event and everything in between. If I can’t help you at that moment, I’ll refer the perfect professional for you.
At this moment I’m creating my website and reaching out to professionals in the area to create an amazing network and experience for everyone.
Natalia DeBraska
Zyloan Events LLC
Where everyday is a special event!