Page 35 of New Growth
I let out another sigh.
This was an ongoing battle, and I had no energy to fight it today.
“Besides that, how are things with the Expo coming along?” I asked, eager to change the subject.
“Annoyingly slow,” Esther admitted. “I haven’t heard back from them, but I definitely started prepping.”
The countdown to Atlanta’s Annual Hair Expo had begun.
Though the event was still five months away, it felt like the days were quickly slipping through my fingers. The Expo wasn’t just another hair show—it was the event for stylists. It attracted top talent from across the globe, and only the most qualified and innovative professionals were selected.
The application process had been grueling, to say the least. Not only did I have to put together a detailed portfolio showcasing my best work, but I also had to provide a written statement of my vision and brand. I had poured my heart into it, explaining how I wanted to use my skills to empower Black women within the beauty industry and ensure natural hair was included in the conversations about Haircare and Styling.
Even though we hadn’t been accepted yet, preparing for the expo was already a reality. Just in case we were accepted, I didn’t want to be rushed. There were contracts to sign, vendors to meet, and, most importantly, models to find. I had to make sure I had the perfect combination of women who could represent the diversity and beauty of natural hair and models who could carry my vision.
“You don’t think we’re moving too fast with this, right?” I asked hesitantly. “Should we wait to hear back?”
“Not at all! You are doing the work now to claim your success later. It’s called manifesting.”
I let out a small laugh. “Right.”
Esther grinned. “Don’t think about it too hard. Let’s just focus on today.”
“Okay.”
With that, I turned my attention back to the salon and the clients waiting for me.
“Ellie!” Johanna yelled out from the desk. I had already told her to stop shouting across the salon.
“Yes, Johanna?”
“You’ve got a call.” She pointed to the front desk phone. “It’s your mom.”
I froze for a moment.
Ma. We talked from time to time, but our relationship was rocky at best. She hated that I moved to California and opened the salon, and I hated that every conversation we had turned into a guilt trip about my ex and my sister.
Let’s see what we argue about today.
A familiar knot formed in my stomach as I made my way over to the desk. My fingers were cold as I picked up the phone and lifted it to my ear.
“Hello?”
“Elliot,” my mother’s voice came through, crisp and distant, as if nothing had changed. “I’ve been trying to reach you.”
I exhaled slowly, taking a moment before responding. “I’ve been busy, Ma. You know that.”
“I know that you’ve been ignoring my calls. I’m starting to get worried about you.” There was a pause on the other end, and I could almost hear her frown. “I understand you’ve been focused on your business, but you need to check on your family once in a while. We all miss you, you know.”
I cocked an eyebrow as if she could see my annoyed reaction.
“We, as in who?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
“Don’t get smart. You know who I’m talking about.”
I sighed. “Ma, I’m too busy for this.”
“Elliot,” she warned, her voice firm. “Let me say what I have to say.”
