Let’s start with "The Good". The New Year started off right because I have had the pleasure of hiring the first employee of Posh’aah Nail Spa! {Can you hear the crowd screaming and see the confetti flying? Yes! Yes! Yes!}

Allow me to introduce you to Lamda Petersen (pictured). This aspiring fashion designer snagged the Guest Specialist position at Posh’aah before it was even posted! Not only does Ms. Lamda have a glowing resume frosted liberally with customer service, store management, and visual merchandising skills, but she also clicked into my office armed with marketing ideas and recommendations. I absolutely adore her! Although I might be a smidge biased because Ms. Lamda happens to be my baby cousin. Even with a bachelor’s degree in her young adult hands, she’s still my baby. {Welcome to the team, Lammie!}

And now, I must quickly gloss over "The Bad". Unfortunately, I won’t be able to open in time for Valentine’s Day. I know, I know. This is upsetting, but it’s just a little hiccup. Our zoning hearing with the city didn’t make it to the docket in time for the January hearing. Now, we’ll have to wait for the February 17 hearing. Fingers crossed. Hopefully, there won’t be any more delays.

But wait...there’s "The Ugly" too. I was working with a local guy and prepared to purchase two 22-by-28 “Coming Soon” signs and 1,000 business cards. Initially, I planned to just purchase from FedEx Office, but I wanted to support a small business owner instead. The relationship started off well, like most business relationships do, and ended with said local guy stiffing me for me my down payment. I was beyond miffed, but quickly decided to turn it into a critical learning moment. I will be very, very careful when choosing business partners. Hello, VistaPrint and FedEx! Of course, I won’t turn my back on small business owners, like myself, but I will certainly be a lot more cautious.

Being the eternal optimist that I am, I can’t help but end this post on a good note. I’ve dolled up my digits in one of Essie’s throwback hues, Eternal Optimist, followed by two glittery concoctions from Essie’s luxeffects collection: Set in Stones and A Cut Above. I call this ultra-blinged out mani "Pink Diamonds". It has certainly brightened up my day.

Live, Laugh, and LOVE nail polish!

—Makeda, Posh'aah Nail Spa, Chicago