This morning was meant to be quiet, a quick trip to the post office. A day in the Olive & Joyce office, laptop open and diffuser on, while my two kids (off for half term) entertained themselves with snacks, puzzles and books. Then, optician appointments later this afternoon. The usual school holiday juggle. Small business owner meets single parent life. Mayhem expected but always manageable.
But fate, and both of my doors, had other plans.
Leaving the house, I closed the front door like any normal person. Key in, turn… except the key didn’t turn. The lock had jammed. Our front door wouldn’t lock, and it wouldn’t open either. It felt like the top lock and the door had decided to retire early and take a long holiday.
Luckily, we live in a terrace with a street behind us and access to the garden. Unluckily for us the back door was locked too.
Our saving grace? Our wonderful lodger, still at home, who kindly opened the lounge window. Cue the most unexpected moment of the morning: me and my kids climbing through said window like a trio of acrobats. I had a brief burst of pride as who knew a 46-year-old body could bend like that? Ninja mum, at your service.
I was hoping the front door might have a change of heart from the inside, but alas and alack, not a glimmer of remorse.
So… back out the window I went. Less ninja, more clumsy contortionist this time. No curtain-twitchers in sight, thankfully. Though this time I felt older, heavier, and considerably less elegant. Please note, this was all happening before 9am and before my first coffee.
Out front, I spotted a builder working next door. He’d witnessed the comedy unfold (and heard some slightly spicy language) so I asked if he could help.
“Of course,” he said. “Though could you wait for your husband to get back from work?”
Cue an eyebrow raise and slightly gritted teeth, because I don’t have a husband nor a partner (thank you for the reminder).
What I do have, however, is two kids off school, an inbox full of emails, two huge bags of boxed orders that need to be taken to the post office, essential oils that need decanting, patience that’s thinning, a front door that won’t budge and, in 30 minutes (unbeknown to me), a back door that would also be joining the broken door club. (Yes, cue a massive eye roll, because when the builder came over and left through the back door, he lifted the handle with such force that it snapped. Honestly, I couldn’t make it up.)
So today, I’m waiting in for either Michael Caine or a Locksmith to either fix the two doors or “blow the bloody doors off”.
And you know what? Amidst all the chaos, it hit me: this is exactly what it is like running a small business.
You have heard the saying, “When one door closes, another opens.” But in the real world, especially the world of micro businesses and mums juggling school holidays, sometimes the doors don’t just close, they both break. At once. They jam. They splinter. They slam shut with zero warning. And still, we carry on.
I carry on for me, for my kids, for Olive & Joyce (my grandmothers), who taught me to face life’s knocks with grit and grace and for you, my lovely customers. The reason I show up, bruised knees and all.
Because you make this dream work. And no matter how many doors fall off (literal or metaphorical), I’ll always find a way back in, for the love of what I do, and for the love of what I make for you.
So thank you. For every order, every kind message, every ounce of encouragement. You are the open window that lets the light in.
With love,
Emily xxx
Founder, Olive & Joyce Natural Skincare
P.S. If your day has thrown you its own version of jammed doors, I see you. I hear you. I send you strength and a reminder to rest. When the overwhelm starts to creep in, a little self-care for mums (and anyone who's been climbing through windows) can go a long way. I’ll be indulging in our Foot Bath Bundle tonight. It’s a deeply soothing duo, perfect for tired feet, tired minds, and long, unpredictable days, because sometimes, the best thing you can do is climb into comfort.