A new chapter, a new beginning.

When both my parents passed away in 2022 I wasn’t prepared for a loss of this magnitude and I don’t think anyone ever is. The reality of good-bye forever is simply not something you can wrap your head around, but, as the dust settles a bit and the days pass by, you find yourself back in your daily routines. The world keeps spinning, even though you feel cemented in the very last spot where you had to say goodbye. 

Life hits differently when you experience a big loss. I am forever changed from the inside out. Life looks different, it feels different, and I know I react differently to it. The one thing that held the pieces together for me, in my heart, has been God. I can’t explain it, but I found myself gravitating to him, needing him more. I found myself at church more, just sitting in the silence, sobbing. It’s what brought me comfort, to let it out in his presence, I felt safe. I began reading the Bible, and wanting to get closer to him, because I knew my parents were with him, and if I could just feel closer to him, I could feel closer to them.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:28-30

This business wasn’t even a thought in my mind until earlier this year (2023). I remember I was in my dining room talking with my husband. I had mentioned that I wish my parents would have left journals behind, or written me letters or notes when they were alive. I was wanting something tangible, their stories, their memories, something that I could hold on to and look back on, something I could share with my kids. I told him I wanted to journal more myself, I wanted to create journals of my own to share our story with our kids one day, and it was at that moment, as I stood there talking, I heard a gentle whisper in my head say Mimi + Manuel. I cried. I know it sounds crazy, but I knew it was God, whispering to me, guiding me towards this new chapter, this new beginning. I didn’t set out for this. This wasn’t in my plan. In my mind, my parents would live forever, if not for me, for their grandkids, I realize now how silly that sounds. I never imagined trying to build a brand or a business in their name…especially under these circumstances, that was never the plan…but here we are and I’ve never been more determined or certain about something the way I am about this. This is not just a new business for me, this is a legacy, a love letter, and a way for my kids and I to honor and remember their Abuela and Abuelo. I want their story to inspire you.

Xo, Jess