I have many Bible verses and quotes that I love, but one that I hold dear to my heart is “with preparation comes God’s favor”. The Bible talks a lot about having faith, being patient and obedient to His word. And those are all apart of being prepared for what God has in store for us.
Last year, around spring, I was feeling overwhelmed with tons of work. Although it was a blessing that I was even that busy, I knew that I couldn’t continue doing it alone.
One day my husband told me that he had met someone who was looking for an interior design job, and encouraged me to meet with her. I’ll be honest, I was very reluctant.
We were still in the middle of a pandemic, and the last thing I wanted to do was bring someone on, with the uncertainty lingering in my mind of another possible shut down. But I decided to give it a chance and reach out to her, there was no harm in that, right?
I felt that God had more for me, and I knew that if I wanted Him to lead me into that next season, I was going to have to be prepared for everything that was to come. So I decided to take that leap of faith.
It has now been 15 months since I brought on my assistant, Karla, and I am so glad that I had the courage to make that decision. We exchanged our stories on how God brought us together, and little did we know He had been planting those seeds 3 years before we had even met!
It’s completely normal to have fearful thoughts sometimes, we’re human, it happens. But as a believer, I have to decide that I’m not going to let that fear control me, and that I’m going to listen to what God says over my life instead.
Fast forward to the fall of last year, my husband and I were eating at a restaurant in the Vineyards in Porter Ranch. As we were talking, he mentioned how amazing it would be to have my own storefront in that same center. I have always dreamed of having my own showroom again.
In 1998 I opened up a baby and children’s franchise furniture store in Palo Alto, California called Bellini. Unfortunately it didn’t work out but it planted a seed and desire in me that has never left. I knew that one day, if it was God’s will, I was going to have a retail store that was my very own. So I prayed and waited. I prayed and asked the Holy Spirit to lead me and give me wisdom on if and how I should pursue this.
My family and friends prayed with me…I can’t stress enough how important Godly community is. We prayed, we had faith, and I did my best to make sure that I was a good steward of the jobs and clients that were in front of us, while we waited and prepared for this next season to come to fruition.
On December 15th, 2021 Karla and I prayed on the bench that was in front of the building. We prayed for favor over suite 130, and that His will would be done most importantly. On July 20th, 2022 WE GOT THE KEYS!
It was crazy to hire Karla in the middle of a pandemic, while covid was still on the rise and uncertain that I would have consistent jobs, but I decided to have faith.
It was crazy to think that after the trials I’ve had to face in the past, I could get a storefront at the Vineyards in Porter Ranch, but I decided to have faith.
It was crazy faith, crazy obedience, and the favor of God that brought me here. Praise Jesus, my 20 year dream is now a reality and I couldn’t be more excited to live it out! I can’t wait to see you all there!
xo, Shalena
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What a blessing and encouragement to see what God has done and is still doing. Dreams do come true! Thank you for sharing your story. Looking forward to what’s ahead!
Amen!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾 Thank you! 😘
So very happy for you, Shalena! Can’t wait to visit your new store!! God is truly good all the time!! Love you!
All the time… God is good!! Thank you!! Love you too❤️
God has really been ministering to me lately about the ACTION of faith. Your testimony further demonstrates this message….even in the uncertainty, keep moving and doing. Being in position allows God’s favor to manifest!! So happy for you!!
God is so good! I’m so happy for you. Can’t wait to visit your store.
Thank you. You’ve seen the journey first hand. God is amazing!! I can’t wait to you to visit!
Praise God! Your journey is amazing. As I go through my own journey, I just praise God for your testimony and your faith. I pray continued success and faith!
Thank you so much. I know if you put God first, everything else will follow. God bless you on your journey of faith!
You are a great example of having crazy faith, being a good steward and having enormous patience. Thanks for sharing your journey and congratulations!
You were the first to teach me what crazy faith was all about! Thanks for choosing me!! Love you forever!!