The theme of this post is lovely surprises.

Look what I found on a recent dog walk:


I love that someone took the time to put this near the bridge on the trail.


Look at this little gem I thrifted. Yup, that's silk. A small coffee at Starbucks costs more!

And my guest today was also a lovely surprise....
 

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Angela Mitchell Hill: This is Not Your Typical Nail Salon
 

Some of you may know that I spent most of the fall going back and forth to Nashville to visit my dying brother. I know many of you can relate to have a sibling die. It feels so unnatural and jarring.

On these trips, I would meet my other brother at the airport and we would lean on one another for support.The way the flights worked out, I would end up waiting for him to arrive from Boston, which was about a three hour wait. I'm pretty good at keeping myself occupied, but being in an agitated state I didn't feel like knitting, scrolling or sampling Bourbon (actually I would never feel like doing that). I really needed a comforting distraction.

And then.....like water in a desert.....I spied a salon. If there was a time to treat myself to any and all pampering services, this was it! My first encounter with one of the salon staff was unusually friendly and warm. I was to learn that this airport salon was the brainchild of super entrepreneur and mentor Angela Mitchell Hill. Her staff spoke lovingly about her and the fact that she curates her products from developing countries and women-run small business--a social workers dream. My pedicurist asked why I was in Nashville. I told her about my brother and she seemed genuinely concerned. And on subsequent visits to the salon, she remembered me and asked about him. I don't know if this was just southern friendliness, but it sure felt good. Then she offered a hug when I was done!

My interview with Angela was incredibly warm and touching. She built her businesses from the ground up. Her philosophy is all about love and generosity. I think you will feel moved by our conversation. We had a frank discussion about how it was to be a Black woman in business and her other joys and challenges. She's a gem. Find out more: https://angelamitchellhill.com/