“If it sounds too good to be true…
It probably is.”
It took me a while to figure out how I was going to write this post, but after much debating on how I’m gonna put it all out there, I decided that simplicity would be best.
G.R.O.O.V.E is a no-go.
Some things went down on Friday and the owners and I decided to stop the project.
Yes, construction had already began:
and I had the menu ready to go, as well as everything for the interior.
Kilee even designed a beautiful logo for us (she also made an amazing logo for the bakery, which I still plan on using):
(Her work is beyond amazing and if any of you bloggies are looking for a fancy new blog header or design work, hit her up: kilee at kileejohnson dot com)
What basically happened with the cafe was that the owners ran into some problems getting certified to build. Apparently food establishments need to go through 3 departments, and one of these departments has a reputation for waiting at least 2 months before putting anything on the agenda, let alone making a decision. This means that the cafe wouldn’t have opened according to schedule and since I’m most likely moving next spring/summer, they didn’t want to risk it. We also had some other unsolved negotiations (which I’m not going to go into on the bloggy) but it an almond-shell, we agreed to halt the project.
I was crushed.
Like totally, utterly bummed out.
Friday was a rough day for me, and I was happy that we spent the evening with friends. It gave me a reality check as to how temporary I am. We’re never in the same spot for more than 3-5 years and this aspect of military life makes it really difficult. I’m proud to say I’ve done a pretty good job of making the best of a tough living situation, but things like this are like a sucker punch in the stomach. The funny thing is, two months ago, before all of this, I was totally and perfectly content. When this happened, it was kind of like telling a kid they can have a puppy, letting them pick out and name the puppy, and then tell them they can’t have it anymore. Just sad, right?
I was also dreading writing this post because ya’ll were so supportive and wonderful (as you always are), but now that it isn’t happening, I feel like a giant goober.
“Ish happens, and you just gotta roll with it.”
I’m 100% confident that this happened for a reason, and something bigger, better and more exciting is on its way. They let me keep my job at the gym, so I’m just going to keep doing my thang by teaching Zumba, being lead aerobics instructor (I do the schedule and invoice/billing for the base gym), training my amazing clients and writing the bloggy. I have a few other projects that I’m working on and am on a mission to find a commercial kitchen I can use so I can FINALLY get this online bakery going. Until that happens, expect random macaroon giveaways because I really do enjoy making them 🙂
Thank you so much for being so supportive of my now non-existent cafe 🙂 I really love and appreciate all of you. Back tonight with a fun, normal post 🙂
xoxo,
Gina
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I’m so sorry! I know you will figure out a way to get it all together though, you will do just fine! When life throws you lemons you make lemonade right? So, go on and get started making that lemonade! There is always a solution! 🙂
I’m sorry it didn’t work out, I’m sure something greater will come along for you soon enough! Good Luck!
Keep your chin up! I know how disappointing this must be. You know we will gladly order some macaroons from ya 🙂
So sorry things didn’t work out as planned, but I know good things are in store for you in the future! Can’t wait for the online bakery to open!!! 🙂
i have been working on a project for 6 years and we had been making HUGE progress and I went to a meeting last night and the rug got pulled out from under us. I have been trying for 6 LONG years to update the town park that is in our neighborhood. it’s a tetanus shot waiting to happen, the metal slide is from 1958 and it’s horrible. We are still in a good place, just a bit more work needs to be done but it’s so frustrating.
when I was at the meeting last night and the people were saying what they needed to say I actually thought about jumping over the table and punching the guy in the face. As a volunteer I felt very very disrespected by their quick words and lack of judgment.
But I have a new plan and i hope it will all work out.
I’m sorry! I’m sure you are disappointed but you seem to be handling it all quite gracefully. And you never know what lies ahead!
OH no! I’m sorry Gina 🙁
The good thing is you can learn from all of this and eventually get the ball rolling again (hopefully) when you move. I’m hoping you can at least get the online bakery going still, cuz I want some of those macaroons! Don’t let it get you down, you are amazing and you can just think of it as putting your project on hold 🙂
We’re all behind you still 100%!
Oh Gina, I am so sorry to hear this happened. That said, I hope that I don’t even have to tell you (because you should know!) how amazing you are and I am fully confident that your spirit and heart will lead to something even more amazing. I’m a big believer in everything happening for a reason – even when it can seem ridiculously unfair and hard sometimes.
Please feel free to call or text if you need to vent. I’m thinking of you, girly! Hoping that the sun is shining where you are today.
<3
Awww, it’s okay Gina, your bloggies will forever love you <3 if that helps <3 hehe
I'm sure something bigger & better is in the works for you…we're all behind you when it happens!!
Awww, that stinks. I’m sorry you’re having a rough time with it! Totally understandable! It’s like they say “everything happens for a reason” and “when one door closes, another opens” – I’m confident that there are big things in store for you. Keep your chin up!
Something bigger will definitely happen for you 🙂 Everything happens for a reason!!!
I’m sorry your cafe plans didn’t work out Gina! I also believe everything happens for a reason, so there must be someone or something out there that has exciting plans for you! 🙂
I have been reading your blog for a while now because it is very informational and you make me smile. Even though I am a few years older (ahem) than you, I think you are doing a fantastic job making your dreams come true and eventually, I have faith that you will be doing whatever it is that makes you happy! Keep up the great work and keep fetching after those dreams!
Gina, I’m so sorry to hear about the cafe. I know something else is around the corner for you.
Is there any way we can just request your raw goodies and pay for your ingredients and your your time to make them, and you just ship them to us….just a simple, non-businessy, transaction between friends? 🙂
I know we all keep coming back to your blog and enjoy your posts so much! You are an amazing healthy inspiration to me! And just the fact that you went for your dreams, and worked hard enough for the cafe door to open speaks volumns about the type of person you are!
Much bloggy love to you!
So, so sorry to hear that! You are such a creative and jazzy girl, I bet something very special is on the horizon! You make such a positive impact on the blog world, I think the whole world needs to know Gina!
Do you think we could send you *donations* to try some of those lovely macaroons? 😉
omg, **hugs** i am crushed for you! and i’m sure it took a few days to process and grieve 🙁 you are right, though, it only means something else is in the works for you! fingers crossed it finds you soon!!
love you hun!
I’m so sorry it didn’t work out =( I’d like to think it didn’t because there’s something bigger and better out there for you xx
Oh Gina I am so sorry that the cafe is not going to work out right now. You seem to have such a positive attitude and you are right, BIGGER AND BETTER things will come around. By the way that logo is really awesome, hopefully you can keep it for a future opportunity! Keep your head up and your blog is FANTASTIC!
So sorry to hear this!! Try to keep your spirits up – you are such a wonderful & talented girl and there is bound to be something extraordinary ahead of you!!
Things always happen for a reason, I know its a huge bummer 🙁 If you are still planning on opening your online bakery that is awesome. BABY STEPS!
Good things happen to those who wait 🙂
xoxo
Ugh – I hate when that kind of stuff goes down. I always tell myself that in a couple months, this will just be a minor blip and I’ll have bigger and better things going on!
I also believe everything happens for a reason. I’m sorry this happened to you, it sucks for sure but you’ve got a good attitude about it and I’m sure something bigger and better will come along for you!
Aw Gina that is so disappointing. But keep your chin up, maybe this will free up your time to get the bakery up and going!
Maybe it happened so that when you end up somewhere with the plan and the possibility it will be all and only yours. It sucks right now, but you’ve got a lot of work and thought put into the dream. I highly believe that the foundation is not laid in vain. We’re all rooting for you!
Everything DOES happen for a reason and I am sure you’ll look back on this and understand why some time soon. Hang in there Gina, you are so positive and such an inspiration.
Awww, shoot!
Good things happen to good people this is merely a bump in the road to bigger things to come! Hang in there!
I am so sorry that this happened to you. Although I do not know you, you come across in your blog as a kind, honest, energetic, and deserving person. Someone who deserves to have their dreams come true. Maybe you can take the cafe with you and open it wherever you end up living next? Maybe even own it this time, you said you did your degree in finance, so I am sure you could come up with some brilliant way to finance it.
I, like the rest of your bloggie fans, am sorry that things didn’t work out. I think you’re right in believing that things happened for a reason and something better will come along.
Love the positive attitude! Keep chugging on even when life seems to be running the opposite way.
I’m so sorry Gina. I’m also a big believer in everything happens for a reason. Keep your head up.
So sorry to hear your news. Just remember, everything happens for a reason and you learn from every experience. Keep on keepin’ on!!
I know how it feels to be temporary. I feel like some of the things I would like to do are on hold because we are only in CT while my husband gets his PhD, then we have another temporary situation before any settling can begin. It’s rough and there are good and bad days. I just have to remember to keep smiling. 🙂
bummer! but really, is validizzy worthy of the fitnessista’s groove!?!??! probably not… onward and upward!! xOxO
I could feel the utter disappointment in your words and I am truly sorry this particular project didn’t work for you. I got a quote in twitter today from a great coach I follow that said “Without failure you will never understand what is necessary to achieve your goals.” I am NOT saying this was a failure but maybe I got that quote today so I could pass it on to you.
You know what you want. You know what you love to do. Do you know how rare that is and what a gift it is? Now you have learned something that I know for sure will help you in the future. That’s a gift too, which of course means there is NO SHAME in going for it! So this one didn’t happen? Big right now – yes, ut you’ll see it will be small in the big picture. KEEP GOING FOR IT!
ah honey, i’m so sorry about the store. but i’m sure something even better will come your way. things always work out for the best in the end!
Oh no. I’m so sorry. Even though it’s not meant to be right now, it still has to be really sad for you.
I was just coming to thank you for the choco-cado pudding recipe. I finally made it for my 15yo vegan (and extremely picky) daughter today and she LOVED it! Anytime I can get some healthy fat into her I’m thrilled, so thank you so much for that recipe. I tried a bite myself and it is totally TDF.
Someday you will find the perfect outlet for your talents. I have no doubt about that. Keep your chin up!
hey beth,
that is so awesome! i’m very glad she liked it 🙂
I am SO bummed for you! I think you are right in saying maybe this is happening for a reason. I know you have big things in store for you!
A friend sent me this earlier today as I am also going through some unexpected changes in my life. ” You may not always end up where you thought you were going but you will always end up where you were meant to be”
It encouraged me and I hope it encourages you. The older I get, the more I see the wisdom in this.
I’m so sorry 🙁
On one had, I can’t imagine the constant moving, but on the other hand it sounds like you have a pretty amazing family and life! Wellll, if you can’t stay in one place, the action is going to have to come to you. Your cooking show on Food network could be an intriguing mix of “Army wife/raw/vegan chef’s dishes run the gamut, from homestyle Mexican family favorites to raw cauliflower rice domas!” The show could come to you, follow you from place to place and perhaps show a little of what our amazing military does everyday and how they live (and eat!)!
You better get out there and “brand” yourself – seriously, talk to an intellectual property lawyer – especially about your upcoming ventures!just a thought!
Bummer! So sorry to hear it but you are such a go-getter, I’m certain something else bigger and better will come along!!! 😀
Oh, Gina, I’m so sorry. This is the kind of situation where even though you should take the lemons and make lemonade, you really want to just throw them back and scream “MAKE YOUR OWN FREAKING LEMONADE!”
But you’re such a positive person, and I definitely believe that when you exude positive energy you get it back- just maybe not in the way you thought. I’m sure that in time you’ll get it back with interest. 🙂
I’m sorry things didn’t work out, but you really do have a great attitude that inspires me and I’m sure things will work out for you in the long run!
That’s too bad. It’ll be for the best, just wait. If you can, keep that name and menu and graphics. The next one will be permanently yours, I bet. Partnership type things are tough, anyway. Do it alone, later on, elsewhere, with bank funding, if you can. A bigger city would be a lot better market for you anyway, don’cha think?
I’m so sorry about the cafe but hope that even better things work out soon. I love reading your blog. Your energy and joie de vivre always give me a smile, and I get lots of ideas from your food and photos. I have high and realistic hopes that your drive, creativity, and energy will let you create great location-independent business opportunities that bring all of your interests together. Go, Fitnessista!
I know we’ve talked about this before, but just know I’m here for you!!! Love you!
What a bummer! Just think though…the next city you and the pilot are stationed in might need a raw food cafe more than Valdosta does and everything will fall into place!
So sorry to hear that!!! I look foward to supporting your online bakery!
I’m so sorry! I know how much this meant to you…I’m glad you are letting yourself mourn it without letting it get you down…
Maybe you could start Groove Cafe in a lunch/catering truck and just pick it up and take it with you when you move (assuming you end up in the cont US).
I am so sorry to hear that your cafe fell through, what a disappointment for you! I am confident that something better is in the works for you, everything happens for a reason. There is something else that you are meant to do that just hasn’t presented itself yet.
oh no 🙁 what a bummer. but I, like many of the other bloggies, believe that everything happens for a reason and that something bigger and better will come along soon! Also, just think of how much experience you gained from actually beginning the process! Good things are in store for you, I’m sure, so keep your chin up and keep doing your thang!