Paige Vidrine

My Friend,

It’s been too long since the last time that I wrote to you! I hope you’re doing well.

It’s wild how time escapes us the way that it does, especially when you’re consumed with the task at hand.

This journey in Texas has been quite the challenge, a worthy one at that.

When I arrived, the building was in disrepair. When it rained, the rain would pour in the kitchen. When you’d drive through the parking lot, it felt like you were off-roading because of the amount of pot holes. The place needed a deep cleaning and upgrades in ways I’m tired of talking about.

I got to work negotiating big contracts into trades and monumental discounts. After designing the new menus and shirts, I revamped the aesthetic of the operation.

Once the new bar manager I hired came back from training at the Lake Charles Steamboat Bills, I tasked him with the job of entertainment management.

I wanted music every weekend night.

So let’s talk timeline—

I arrived at the end of May. The kids moved in June 3. I began renovations shortly after.

July was a slow month, but that was expected. I was told sales go down so low that we can’t afford to pay much of anything.

I hired the bar manager and he started at the beginning of August. Kids went back to school mid August. By that time, most major improvements were made and I was ready to bring more business in.

The first zydeco night we hosted was so busy that people were parking down the street. I ran out of tables and had a manager run to the store and buy foldable ones. It was an insanely busy night, but we did it and the crowds loved it.

We were back in business and I was excited!

The next day, someone from my neighborhood saw me outside my home. She circled back, pulled up with her window down and said, “What are you doing over there? I’ve never seen that place so busy!”

I just smiled and said, “It’s been insane!”

My sales in August, which is supposed to be our slowest month, were extremely high.

September has taking me by storm. We have trivia Tuesdays, Latin night on Wednesday, karaoke Thursday, live music on Friday and Saturday nights and a soft jazz brunch on Sunday.

It’s the place to be.

I have to give credit to my staff. They have really been so lovely to me. I had to change a few things, but they welcomed it.

I made a promise. “Give me three months and we will have lines out the door!”, I said. It took 2 months. They are excited now!

I’ve had to hire and train which is always a challenge when you’re growing but it’s ok. Things are turning up and my fingers are on the dial.

Let’s Geaux baby!

I feel like I’m designing, managing, working deals, making improvements, reinvesting at an unbelievable rate.

I d have to admit I’m tired. The amount of mental energy it takes to accomplish so much in a short period of time is more than I can express.

Mid month I felt burnt out and rightfully so. I’ve done the unexpected in 3 months. I feel like I conceived, grew and birthed a baby in a matter of days. I blinked and the operation became bigger than I imagined. I had to call my family from lake charles to bring some of their employees out to help me.

It’s been an all hands on deck project. My staff is happy. I’m happy.

But I needed a break.

“You’re poppin your shit!”, a long time customer told me yesterday. I don’t even know what that means to be honest. I’m about to implode though.

So I’ve been taking days off, resting and returning to my peaceful practices.

The work internally that I’ve done all these years has been a guiding light throughout this journey. I’m thankful for the tools because they center me when I feel my mental health declining.

Everyone always talks about the accomplishments of the achiever. We see the glory. You really don’t understand what goes on under the surface.

We don’t just clock in and clock out. I’m laying in bed at night writing notes for the next day. I’m thinking of how I’ll discuss issues with the staff. I’m texting contractors and scheduling the text to send the next morning just to make sure I don’t forget. My computer stays in my lap as I design months worth of ads for social media.

I hold myself to an unreasonable standard and you won’t convince me to stop that.

No one could ever. The results are the only tangible evidence the energy I’m putting in. I won’t falter when it comes to what’s expected of my leadership. That’s my commitment.

However, I have learned when to turn it off. I slow down to talk to the kids about their day. I zone into the meals I’m making and relax in the process of cooking. I get excited to find a new show to watch, one I probably won’t ever truly grasp because it’ll just be background noise while I edit.

I take walks around the neighborhood and make friends with my neighbors in between work calls.

I take rides to Kemah and Galveston throughout my downtime just to see the water and to party like a rockstar. 🫣😂

The work reminds me of the importance of building a life and being present even when you’re making massive waves. I return to that even when it’s hard to get out of the frequency of hyper production.

Yes, I’m a leader. Yes, I will work. But I’m also a woman with a mission bigger than what I do for a living.

That has not died. It’s become integrated in the day to day. I meditate and pray with my staff. I love my customers so much. “The energy is different!”, they say. I pour that aura into my work and the field expands with every exchange.

Who we are doesn’t die even if we are on a path we didn’t expect. It expands into the work of life.

Your Life’s work doesnt have to be some great accomplishment. It is an expression of your essential energy in all facets of your day.

All in all, the goal is to grow, mature and find ways to enjoy the moments that build our forever.

Thank you for reading. I am inspired by the energy you pour into my art.

May our connection grow stronger with every engagement. ❤️

With the Deepest Love,

Paige Elliott