How I've Mastered the Balancing Act: Navigating an Injured Knee, A Toddler, and Running a Beauty Business

I mean.... I haven't mastered it, but I'm still here!

Finding balance feels like juggling flaming torches on a unicycle on a tightrope, especially with multiple obligations demanding constant attention. Providing treatments is a small part of my time compared to the Herculean task of maintaining a social media presence (which I fail miserably at), revamping and reinstating my website, training for 3 NVQs, studying lash extensions—and parenting my energetic two-year-old, "Velcro." Plus, dealing with an injured knee! It's been a blast (if you don't catch the sarcasm, you clearly haven't had enough treatments with me yet).

Unravelling The Mystery Of My Knee

When I first told my clients about my knee injury, I thought it would be minor and resolve quickly, as it happened simply from getting up off the floor after playing with Caleb. From the injury on Boxing Day, seeing a GP, getting an X-ray, seeing a consultant to then getting an MRI, all happened faster than a seagull can swipe your chips! Initially hopeful for recovery, I've now mastered pain tolerance and developed an impressive limp. My orthopaedic consultant diagnosed a cartilage tear, and the MRI results confirmed the need for surgery, despite my preference for physio due to responsibilities to my 2-year-old and inability to take time off work.

Turns out, my left knee has two cartilage tears: one on the outer edge and another through the centre. But what surprised me the most is there's a fracture too, complete with bruising that yells, "I took kick from a horse!" and my cartilage is rough, like sandpaper. Everything's falling apart faster than a game of Jenga on a bumpy ride.

I wouldn't feel so sorry for myself if there were an epic story of misadventure to justify the pain. But here I am, three months later, still hobbling around like a penguin on a pogo stick (and yes, I'm fully aware it's a miracle I'm even managing that). Hopefully, by the end of the month, they'll schedule my surgery so I can start healing and maybe even walk like a normal human again!

Final Thoughts: The Show Must Go On!

Needless to say, pain has become my friend, we're good pals now, So I know some of you have been wondering whether I am still working, or if I was taking a break to recover, but whilst I can, I am continuing to work with minor adjustments to services for as long as I can, before my surgery is scheduled. All Nail and Beauty treatments are continuing as normal, with Pedicures still available, however they will need to be booked directly through me as I will need to limit pedicure treatments each day to protect my knee from any further damage.

So you've heard it from the horses mouth, bookings CAN continue as normal, with the exclusion of pedicures which will need to be booked with me directly.

Tackling the challenges of an injured knee, a spirited toddler, and a beauty business feels like an uphill climb, but I'm reminding myself, it’s all about progress, not perfection; the salon has had a revamp, with an even more relaxing cosy theme and new lash treatments are coming in late spring. Whether its running a business or balancing life's demands, I'm cherishing every small victory along the way.

I applaud you if you made it to the end of this essay!

Hope to see you all at your next appointments!

Jess xx