The Day I Found an Old Journal
The other day, I was going through some old journals when I came across an entry that completely stopped me in my tracks. I love finding these snapshots of who I was; they remind me of what was on my heart at that moment.
The date on the page was March 12, 2014.
At the top of the page, I had written one word: POWER. Underneath it, I had written, “I am POWERFUL.”
As I continued reading, I remembered exactly where I was in life. At that time, I was struggling to find the right massage therapist for The Floating Lotus. I had gone through several therapists, and to be honest, I was discouraged.
What I really wanted wasn’t just someone who could give a great massage. I wanted someone who truly wanted to build a career, cared deeply about clients, and would become an important part of our team and our spa family.
Reading those words 12 years later gave me chills.
Just three months after I wrote that journal entry, on June 9, 2014, a brand-new massage therapist walked through our front door. She had just graduated from massage school, and The Floating Lotus became the first place she ever worked.
Her name was Nishay.
What neither of us knew that day was that she would stay for the next twelve years.
Over those years, she cared for thousands of clients, celebrated milestones with us, weathered challenges alongside us, and become an important part of The Floating Lotus.
Nishay didn’t just build clientele; she built relationships. Many of you have been on her massage table, and you’ve experienced the kindness and care she brings to every appointment.
Now, after 12 wonderful years, Nishay is beginning a brand-new adventure as she moves out of state. While we’re going to miss her tremendously, I couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter in her life.
As I reflected on that old journal entry, it also made me realize something else.
One of the greatest compliments I can receive as a business owner isn’t an award or recognition. It’s the fact that so many of our team members choose to stay with The Floating Lotus for years. In today’s world, where people often change jobs every couple of years, 12 years is truly special.
I don’t take that for granted.
I work hard to create a place where people feel supported, appreciated, and have the opportunity to grow—personally as well as professionally. No workplace is perfect, but my hope is always that The Floating Lotus feels like more than just a job. I hope it feels like home.
And for Nishay, I think it did.
Of course, it’s bittersweet to say goodbye. There have been plenty of tears over the last few weeks, but they’ve been happy tears, too. When you care about someone, you want them to chase new dreams, even if it means they’re no longer just down the hallway.
Nishay, thank you for 12 incredible years. Thank you for caring for your clients, for supporting your teammates, and for helping make The Floating Lotus what it is today. You have left your fingerprints on this place in the very best way, and that will never change.
As one chapter comes to a close, another begins. We’re excited to welcome Nahayla to our massage team. We’ll continue serving this wonderful community with the same heart and care that is at the center of everything we do.
