From the Desk of Mommy

Guest Post from Gabby's Daddy, Comedian Mike Goodwin This is my beautiful daughter attending her first prom. I’ve had a number of family members and friends ask: How do you feel about your little girl going to the prom?How does it feel knowing your little girl is growing up? I will answer that question, but first I have a question for you.How my times do you think I attended my high school proms?None. I didn’t go to the prom. I know you find it hard to believe a suave, debonair dad like myself would not be the Prom King, much...

Yep. I wasn't even going to do our usual video recap of highlights and accomplishments, but I got convicted this morning. Despite the disappointments, metrics and KPIs indicating this was our most challenging year in business, there is still SO much to be grateful for! I scrolled through our Instagram feed and was reminded we accomplished what really mattered. Gabby had so much fun better blending her school, business, and personal life. She sacrificed dance years ago when the business required more of her time, but this year we encouraged her to pick that passion back up. She auditioned for...

I'm just realizing how long it's been since I wrote you to share my heart and thoughts. Wow... I apologize, but you can tell from the email title I have been a little occupied.  During a check-up with my doctor after finding my best friend of 37 years and Gabby's godmother dead from COVID, I was diagnosed with anemia and eventually discovered I had fibroids that enlarged my uterus to the size of a six-month pregnant woman. I tried many alternatives before I conceded to undergoing a total abdominal hysterectomy. The surgery and recovery were tough and longer than I...

"Tears well looking back at the first video we recorded to tell the world we invented a barrette that would stay in girls’ hair. You cried uncontrollably that evening — so afraid to speak in front of a video camera and three friends in the room. We had practiced and practiced your lines, but I had to say them. I see the tears still in your eyes after many tissue wipes and you holding on to that necklace your Godmommy Meka gave you for dear life. You were so timid and unsure, but I knew you were a brilliant leader. We...

I entered 2021 with such high hopes, expectation and excitement. Surely no year could be worse than 2020. 2020 brought on a global pandemic -- case closed. I was convinced a new year would bring better days. On the last day of the first week of 2021, I went to wake up my best friend of 37 years, maid of honor, classmate, and godmother of Gabby and Michael to find her dead in her home from COVID. It was the most traumatic and devastating day of my life. Meka and I spent our entire lives together -- from grade school and college,...