DELEGATION FOR THIS FALL

I'm back in New York after being in my hometown for three weeks. It was not the typical visit for us this summer.

My expectation: Kids run around all day with their cousins. Me with a notebook to write down ideas as the birds chirped. 

Reality? I couldn't think about our nonprofit much. My heart and mind were for my child in middle school. The internet and the influences at school are scary. My husband and I are strongly leaning toward homeschooling her for this upcoming year.

I'm needed in my family, and taking that intentional break from full time Elegantees work allowed me to see where I am most. Looking at it all now, I believe this is why I was feeling so led to take an extended break from the day to day busy work of the business. I needed the focus to be that mom. 

We are back in the loft. It's been almost a year, and we're renewing our lease. I didn't get to fundraising. I am filled with a lot of peace though. Our BOGO last week brought in a lot for our fall goals. 

The fall semester will have just 6 interns. I decided 10 could be the max because I wasn't leading as well as I could have with the 16 last Spring. I landed on a smaller number this time because I was more thorough with all our candidates. I incorporated a trial run to make sure everyone will bring a great attitude, and that their style is aligned with our brand. It was good for them also to find out if it would be a good fit for them too. 

We're still figuring out how homeschooling would work. I was concerned I'd not be able to lead interns, thus not renewing our office space, and everything going backwards. The old way is too much hustle. I felt that would lead to temporary business closure and layoffs in Nepal. But, God still has his hand on Elegantees because there is another way….

The word I was given for 2026 is delegate. I tried very hard to be obedient with that action with our interns in the spring. But spring was a lot of training and quality control, and things couldn't bloom into a true delegation.

Delegating will happen though now. I'll lead by handing out tasks that come with instruction manuals to lift the heaviness of extensive training and retraining. I can't go to the office daily like before, so those manuals will be a must. I also have someone who is going to help big time by being a supervisor. This means interns can still come to the loft even on the days I don't. 

Deeply grateful for all the hands that are in the business. None of this would be possible without them. Especially now, as I am not capable, and I'm okay with that.