Since the moment I met you my whole career has changed. It was immediately inspiring to finally meet someone in the industry who had done it. You started the successful business, scaled it, traveled the world while it managed itself and then sold it. It was a “wow, I can do that, too” moment. Talking to you is like talking to a bad ass older sister that you want to be just like when you grow up. You’re super smart, talented and a good time, but you also know how to help me get my shit in order. Your main passion is financial freedom which I respect so much. You like to remind me of how passionate I am in a way that kindly reminds me about the profit portion. This industry needs more of you for that exact reason. The beauty industry business is different than normal business- there’s so much passion. And you have that passion that you put into helping all the other passionate artists make money. You make decisions based on facts and rationally and not on emotion while at the same time being the most kind, empathetic and understanding person. I never knew both were possible to do at once until I met you and that’s why I look up to you so much. You’ve helped me create systems I didn’t even know were possible. Like my inventory system- I know down to the dollar how much money product we’re using per pay period. It is amazing. Because of you, I know I can scale my business to infinity- from a combination of the systems you’ve given me, and also the confidence you’ve given me. You’ve showed me that I’m important and I will do big things and that’s something I didn’t even know I was lacking until I met you. You truly have helped me to believe in myself. Because of you, I also know, I don’t have to scale my business to infinity if I don’t want to. I can make it as profitable as possible, sell it for as much money as possible and be a stay at home mom if I wanted. You confirming that that’s always an option made me a sane salon owner. Selling isn’t giving up, it’s closing a chapter. That’s exactly what you did and now you have this new, even cooler chapter. One of my favorite memories about you was when I was negotiating a deal on my new location. I don’t remember exactly where you were involved - but I think you told me to offer half of the rent and if they said yes to ask for 6 months free rent. This seemed like such a ballsy ask, even my realtor was trying to talk me out of it. They said yes to everything and I saved so much money. I would of never asked for that without your idea and I would still wouldn’t have if I didn’t have so much trust in you. You’ve helped me to not be a people pleaser and that I deserve the best life possible. Donna, you really are special.