Hadley + Molly Matter

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty" -Maya Angelou

Photo Credit: Marcy Ortiz of Coterie Boudoir & Beauty

What I am about to say is going to shock a lot of you.

What I am about to say is going to affect someone of you.

What I am about to say has nothing to do with any of you.

I've personally decided to take the next steps in MY career, and in MY life as 2017 comes to a close and 2018 draws near. This next step, this next chapter begins with me leaving BATB. The salon I helped create, build, and brand for the last year & a half.

Why you ask?

For Hadley.

For myself.

However here is the extended answer;

This year has been about discovering for me.

Discovering what I need in a marriage.

Discovering what the dating life is like.

Discovering how to jungle being a single parent and an entrepreneur.

Discovering whats real from fake.

Discovering who I truly am anymore.

Discovering what I need to be happy.

I did all of this said 'discovering' this year, very publicly and very messy.

I am human. I am not perfect. I've never claimed to be. Nor should others expect me to be. I have a heart. I have feelings (a lot of them) and I deserve to be able to deal and mourn with the emotional losses I've taken this year. Heartbreaks on top of heartbreaks.

There are a lot of things I've done or said this year that affected myself and my loved ones around me. I am aware of them. However I am humble enough to accept my actions, take full responsibility and realize I wasn't the best possible version off my self this year. (Who would be?)

In hindsight BATB was coming together, as my marriage was falling apart this year. The salon was a distraction that my marriage couldn't endure.

This was the year that all the pieces fell apart.

This next year, will be the year that I put them all back together.

"Nothing is more important than empathy for another human beings suffering. Nothing. Not a career, not wealth, not intelligence, certainly not status. We have to feel for one another if were going to survive with dignity."

-Audrey Hepburn

Photo Credit: Julie Jackson Photography

This next year, I intended to slow down.

Take more time for myself.

Spend more time with Hadley.

Refocus. Regroup. Recharge.

29 is my time to shine.

A mentor of mine in this industry always says "If you feel comfortable then its time to make a change." Comfort zones are something we all strive for. We work our asses off to live "comfortably" and not pay check to pay check. We can't wait to get "comfortable" with our relationship status, and then we are pissed when the honeymoon stage wears off.

There are not many rewards that come from comfort zones.

Opening BATB was not comfortable.

State board inspections, city council meetings, contractors, and architects weren't comfortable for me. Cutting that ribbon and switching the sign to open wasn't comfortable for me. Assuming the 'boss' role and the day to day duties that came with co owning a salon that at times had 8 women working there, wasn't comfortable.

Because it was outside of my comfort zone it lead me to one of the biggest rewards thus far, in my 29 years. Opening a salon, my first salon (yes there will be more). But I couldn't imagine opening this one with anyone else. I am so thankful for my co owners and wish them nothing but success moving forward. If you are looking for drama or gossip there is none. Were all geniuenly supportive of each others paths.

Photo Credit: Julie Jackson Photography

"Understand that you own nothing. Everything that surrounds you is temporary, only the love in your heart will last forever."

-Buddha

In life we often get caught up in the word forever. I blame Disney. I blame fairy tales.

But from a very young age we expect things to never leave us once we have grasped them. Unfortunately that isn't how our time on earth is meant to be spent.

We need to spend more time in the moment. More time loving, less time hating. We need to spend more time with those that love us, than with those were trying to impress.

In 2018, I intend to do exactly that. I want to spend most of my days as a mother, and less as a slave to the work industry. I want to build a life that works around me and my daughter and I's needs and become less concerned with what others think of me.

I want to stop playing it safe. I want to push myself. I want to jump at opportunities that feel too big. Take chances that may or may not pay off.

Fear happens on the edge of greatness. Sometimes you need to let fear take over, feel it in that moment and then replace it with gratitude. Nothing in life is going to last forever and what got you HERE won't get you THERE.

I've always had big dreams. Big city dreams, to be exact.

My dreams, at times even scare me.

I want to open more salons one day. I want to create an empire.

I want blowout bars in Nashville. I want to focus on bridal, extensions and photoshoots. I want to teach young minds in the industry all I have to offer and help them achieve their dreams faster. I want to do more life coaching. I want to blog more I want to do so much more, and this is just my next step.

But before I can do any of those things, I need to take time for myself. Take time for my family. Get life in order and figure out a few things first. I believe that everything happens for a reason. I believe that anything in life can be handled with a "mind over matter" attitude. I believe that sometimes we need to take a step back in order to take steps forward.

In order for me to do that, any of that I will be leaving BATB after the holidays.

I'm sure you all are wondering "now what?"

Photo Credit: Marcy Ortiz of Coterie Boudoir & Beauty

Now I will be starting from scratch.

Now I will have less responsibility,

Now I will be able to have more free time.

Now I will be able to focus on the things that bring me joy.

Now I will be booth renting again, at salon lofts.

I will be in the Short North.

I will be making it worth my current clients while to visit and offering parking vouchers. However I understand and respect anyone who chooses to stay in CW. BATB will take great care of you. I will not be offended or upset!

Be sure to check out the entire website and all I have to offer now.

This website is a hub for all things Molly. You can book appointments, read the blog, select coaching sessions, or shop Monat + Maskcara.

I'm looking forward to the new year and everything it has instore. Its going to be epic, I can feel it. I am partner with a dear friend a local photographer more. Marcy and I have been working together for over a year now. We are very like minded and have the same mission with our brands. Empower women. Our brands compliment each other perfectly and we will be collaborating more and more! So stay tuned for big things.

As I woke up this morning, I feel at peace. I'm nothing but thankful.

I am so thankful for the lessons this year has given me and so thankful for everything BATB did for me. I'm am so thankful for the relationships I've had and even more thankful for the ones help me through my hardships. I'm thankful for my parents, my daughter and for Levi. I'm thankful that co parenting is something that comes easy to us. I'm thankful for my clients and I'm thankful for the gift I have been given to impact people on a personal level I'm thankful for the beauty industry and all it has to offer.

Cheers to 2017, Bring on 2018.

& Remember, thoughts become things.

So choose your thoughts wisely.

-Molly Meek Ingram