My husband isn’t a fan of me sharing the hard parts of our story. And I get it. It’s vulnerable. It’s messy. But here’s the thing: he’s also the one who reminded me, years ago, that I write about facing adversity to inspire others. So with his blessing, I’m showing up today — with a story that’s still unfolding, and a heart that’s still trusting God has a plan in the middle of it all.

Yesterday was a quick day behind the chair — just two clients each — which gave us a rare pocket of time to focus on other areas of life and business. I took it as a quiet blessing… a chance to work through the details of a couple real estate deals, knock out my online Code of Ethics training, prep linens for our Airbnb guests arriving Friday, and catch up with our editing gal to plan this week’s real estate reels.

Then I got a text from my sweet mother-in-law: “Did you all get hail?” I hadn’t thought so. I’d only seen reports from New Cambria, a small town nearby. We knew more weather was coming — we’d even been up on the salon roof Tuesday night, trying to stay ahead of it — but I didn’t expect what came next.

Yesterday morning, we were on the phone with real estate clients, going over some important details. I planned to head out a little early to get the salon opened up and be there to greet Johnny’s first hair client, since he was still wrapping up the real estate call and would be just a few minutes behind. But when I went to leave, my Jeep wouldn’t start — turns out, it needs a new battery. Thankfully, we’ve had his parents’ vehicle on loan while his pickup is scheduled for the shop — and even though Johnny’s truck technically still runs, it’s not exactly recommended to be driving it. But in that moment, I didn’t have time to overthink it. I grabbed the keys and jumped in his pickup, determined to keep things rolling.

Only problem? I didn’t have the salon key — Johnny had moved it to the keyring of his parents’ vehicle. So there I was, standing outside with his first client (who was incredibly gracious) while we waited. I peered in through the window, already half-suspecting we might have some leaks after all the rain.

What we walked into was something else entirely.

This was the worst water damage we’ve seen since we’ve been in this space. I’ve been so proud of Johnny for figuring out how to seal and patch our flat roof all these years — but this time, it clearly needs some real attention. We’re planning for a fix that will be much more long term.

So we called in a professional — a family friend and roofer — who showed up quickly, gave us a rundown of options (though none felt easy), and helped us take the first steps toward a real solution.

And yet, blessings poured in through the cracks.

Our clients — who’ve become friends — were kind, understanding, and readily let us reschedule them without hesitation. Two of our sons were able to jump in and help, since their work shifts started later. I kept them motivated with Starbucks coffees and a sandwich — because let’s be real, a little fuel goes a long way when you’re climbing ladders and moving buckets. We spent the day cleaning up, inside and out, racing the weather. A light rain started just as we were applying a quick-set product. I was returning from Lowe’s with supplies, praying the whole way back that it would let up. It did.

By evening — exhausted but determined — we decided to push through. It was only a few hours before dark when we made the call to apply a heavier coat of product across the entire roof. At that point, it was just Johnny and I — solo, focused, and moving quickly but cautiously. Fueled by coffee and grit, we gave it everything we had, hoping this would get us through the storms still in the forecast. It wasn’t easy, but we kept reminding ourselves: we can do hard things.

We’re incredibly thankful that we’re close to being able to hire professionals to repair it fully — especially now that our daughter is about to graduate cosmetology school and has decided to stay right here in Salina. Her decision has sparked a whole new energy in us — a renewed enthusiasm to pour into Thiessen-Elise Salon, to protect the space we’ve built with so much love, and to help her carry on our legacy while taking care of future clients.

We found out the roof might date back to the 1980s. But structurally? The building is solid. Reinforced concrete beams. We were told years ago that our space was the first building constructed on this intersection — which is why it sits so close to the street. After that, city codes changed and required new buildings to be set back further.

We’ve always had a heart for this place. And after all the recent renovations — carefully designed by yours truly — it feels more like home than ever.

There’s still more weather in the forecast. Still big decisions ahead. And yet, we’re standing steady — with gratitude, with grit, and with faith.

Even when it rains, I still believe He has a plan.

And luckily… I still have time to circle back to the things that had to take a backseat yesterday. My reel might be a day late — but my spirit isn’t. It’s just a little stronger today, a little more sure, and a whole lot more grateful.

Stay rosy,

Amber 🤍🤟

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