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Okay, this has nothing to do with lemons, and no, I’m not making lemonade, but you know how the saying goes, and I think it’s fitting for my first column with Hibiscus Matters.
Of course, the hot topic of the moment is how we are all so happy to close the door on the trauma of 2020. In reality, 2021 is not a magical unicorn sent to save us, and much of the trauma will likely carry over. However, I made a conscious choice not to put too much pressure on 2021 and to look back on 2020 with a focus on the good things to come from it.
As you may have guessed, the “lemons” I am referring to is, in fact, Covid-19.
Last year was one of learning for myself as a business owner, parent and just a human in general, and I can’t be mad about that. Learning not to take things for granted is of enormous importance – including the assumption that because we live in a world of technology and modern medicine, we are safe from a global pandemic.
Magnolia Kitchen opened the doors of its new home in Silverdale Street just six weeks before being forced to close them for lockdown.
While in a tailspin wondering how I would make the new space work financially, since all plans had gone to hell in a handbasket, I started to think more defensively and creatively in full survival mode. Then came the epiphany that involved creating space for a florist – I have a deep love of flowers, nature and trees. A long time member of staff, Abby, became our florist.
Making that new space work is just one of many highs that came from my year. By sharing this here, I hope that anyone reading it will be encouraged to see the past year in a more positive light, and head into 2021 knowing that what was, has not come to an end but that we can find success and happiness despite continued uncertainty.
Hibiscus Matters welcomes Bernadette (Bets) Gee of Red Beach as our new columnist.
She started her renowned Magnolia Kitchen with nothing more than a passion for baking and creating edible art. With no training in baking or business, it has been a journey filled with hurdles, learning curves and eventual successes. She has also written two books. She says her business is about making a better life for her family – husband Harley, daughter Charlotte (18), and two boys ,James (7) and Edward (5). Her column will include baking, but also cover a wide range of Bets’ creative interests, thoughts and inspiration.
