Starting off with some 'Small Business Love'
As I turned 38 on the 3rd of September, 2021, I made the decision to finally start this blog. It was something that I wanted to do for a couple of years, but didn’t have the courage to… would anyone even want to read what I had to share? I had to bury that thought and others like that and just go with my gut… so here it is… my first post. I’m not sure the direction that they all will go… but I do know the direction of my first.
This birthday was a special one… and it was special because of the people in my life. Especially some new friends that I made whilst conducting interviews for the Tattoos and Conversations project. Check it out on IG when you have the time @tattoos_and_conversations. So this post is really dedicated to them.
My morning started off with a breakfast fit for a queen. I decided to treat myself to some pepper cheese bagels I had been drooling over for sometime and an herb cream cheese both from @thegingerbreadhousett. I first heard about this business in 2020 when it came across my feed and was immediately hooked by the photos. What made me take the plunge almost one year ago, was the reviews. Everyone had glowing reviews! I had to try. When I ‘met’ Genevieve virtually, she exuded warmth, zeal and a true love for what she does. I knew it would not be the last time that I patronised her business. Fast forward to 2021, I started my project Tattoos and Conversations, and asked her to be a part of it. Best decision! This woman is so passionate for her craft and has such a zest for life, and a laugh that is so infectious. But let me get back to my birthday 2021. I ordered the bagels and the cream cheese and to my surprise, there was something extra added ! It was a meal box from @grazebeforemealstt . This box was so wholesome in terms of the items included ; the variety and the quality of the items. This was the icing on the cake… so to speak. Thank you Genevieve!
Pepper Cheese Bagel and Herb Cream Cheese from @thegingerbreadhousett and the meal box from @grazebeforemealstt
© Mimi Chu Leung 2021
The next surprise that came later in the day, was courtesy Christopher of the @thepetalpro . I met Chris last year, when again, one of his posts made it to my feed. His floral creations were a breath of fresh air in my opinion, a modern twist on what I deemed as classic designs. I was intrigued when I read a bit of his back story and his venture into the floral arrangement industry. Something about him and his story made me want to support him… so I did. My first order was a bouquet of 12 blush pink roses. My second order happened, but with a very slight hiccup. Sometimes when we reach out to online businesses, we get caught up in the virtual aspect, and forget that there are people behind these businesses… people with the same fears and vulnerabilities as us and especially in this time. I sent him a DM and he quickly responded. His humility and authenticity made him relatable and immediately put me at ease and somehow… from his response, I wanted him as a friend… and when we exchanged DMs, I felt as though we already were. We got to meet in person, again through my passion project ‘ Tattoos and Conversations’ in April 2021, and we clicked. We were definitely on the same wavelength.
A little before my birthday, I contacted him to purchase an arrangement for my mom for her birthday, and I was told that I had something special to look forward to when it was my birthday. I just had to tell him the colours and that was it. I was super excited… anyone who knows me, knows my love for fresh flowers and knowing what Chris was capable of… made me all the more excited. What was delivered to me on my birthday on the 3rd of September, 2021, I would never have dreamed of. The depth, the fragrance, the beauty of this arrangement that was gifted to me… I have never received one so beautiful. Thank you Chris!
Below are some photos of the arrangement, but I still don’t think I was able to capture the beauty of it.
Floral Arrangement by @thePetalPro
© Mimi Chu Leung 2021
Next came my birthday cake… and again… sounding like a broken record, I met Anil, the creative mind behind Whipped Cakery, through my project ‘Tattoos and Conversations’. Anil has so much depth to him, and he carries a lot, but you would not be able to tell when you first meet him.
His talent is beyond words, and he is a self taught cake artist! He is definitely gifted! All I did was give him the colours and chose the type of cake… what he did, was a work of art …I will let the photos of his creation communicate what I can’t with words. Thank you Anil!
Cake by @whipped.cakery
© Mimi Chu Leung
So this birthday, is definitely one to remember. The love I received and the gratitude that I have… again, no words.
At 38, I’m grateful for my parents and family (including four-legged ones), for my friends and the Creator for His blessings. I look forward to more experiences where I can fuse my love of photography and my friends passions and talents, and of course, your vision.
Photographer: Mimi Chu Leung
© Mimi Chu Leung