Episode 1 – The launch of Deep Thoughts by Karma

Well our new website has finally launched!  A huge shout out goes to Greg Plante of the Printing Machine and also one of my closest and dearest friends,  for giving his time and effort to create this for me.

I wanted a space outside of social media where I could share some things with you, especially during this time when we are shut down due to the pandemic.  It will help keep me sane,  grounded & connected with Karma and all of My Lovelies who I miss seeing every week!   The Karma News section will be reserved for information on any upcoming events, as well as info on the musicians we will have playing each week, and any updates or additions to our menu.   This space is going to be a little different.  A place for me to post photos, and as the title describes, share with you some deep, (and maybe not always so deep) random thoughts.

I will likely post a few times a week, especially right now when,  let’s face it, there isn’t much else to do.

So, this morning I sit quietly with the sun beating in, listening to the birds in the company of 2 of my cats and on my second cup of tea thinking about what I want to share with you.

I guess a good place to start would be to share my story, a little bit about who I am and why I decided to open Karma.

This industry is completely new to me, having only been in it for the past 18 months.  I spent the prior 25 years in insurance, the last 15 or so as an executive, most recently doing acquisitions and company integrations.  I loved the work, loved my staff and enjoyed being a leader.  However, I never actually realized how much I had to stray from who I was as a person in order to effectively and successfully execute my job.

I was under a lot of pressure, from my boss, the board, and from my staff.  Much like anyone in leadership positions, I had to learn how to make some big decisions on a daily basis, decisions that I knew would affect people, both positively and negatively.  I would obsess about the negative, wracking my brain to figure out solutions to turn it around for them.  I worked around the clock, some weeks putting in over 100 hours, I slept at the office many nights trying to do the job of 3 or 4 people myself.   It became daunting, emotionally and physically exhausting, and I realized I had lost myself in the process.   It started to become less joyful, I was no longer happy and was losing my passion for it.  I suppose my company realized this too, as in February of 2018 I was let go.  What felt like a gut punch at the time, ended up being a Godsend.  They did me a huge favour, and to this day I am so grateful  to them that they did.

I was given the gift of time, to really sit and think about what I wanted to do with my life and career and what my passion truly was.  What I realized was that I needed to do something that would allow me to just be me, and do what brings me joy.  One of the best parts of my job was when I got to plan and host an event or meeting or party.   I loved making sure every detail was just right, that people would be wowed upon entry, that it would be a unique experience even if it was just a corporate event or meeting.   This was when I realized my true passion.  Entertaining, making people happy,  and wanting them to have a great experience.

I love the concept of Karma, in it’s positive meaning.  That when you put good things out in to the world, they will come back to you.  I wanted to create something that didn’t just have that word written on the window or wall, but where it truly lived and defined it.   A space where I could greet every single person with a smile when they came in, where people felt comfortable coming in alone and sitting at the bar for a wine and a chat, but also where groups of friends could gather and laugh and enjoy each other’s company.  Where couples could come for a date night as a break from their kids and have the opportunity to connect, or reconnect if that’s what they needed.  I believe I did just that, as evidenced by the amazing humans who have entered and slammed my creaky wooden screen door.  In 18 months I have been blessed to have shared my living room, my happy place, with so many of you, and I truly could not have asked for more.  My life is certainly very different than it was just a few years ago at this time, and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

So there you have it,  in the shortest description I could possibly manage, my story & my reason for creating Karma.

One last thought before I sign off…

This industry has introduced me to some of the most creative and passionate people I’ve ever met, my fellow bar & restaurant owners.   I feel like a part of a family with so many of you.  This time is challenging for absolutely everyone, but my heart goes out to my friends who are dealing with having to close their businesses, their passions, and figure out a way to recover once this is done.  We are in it together and I have faith we will all come back from this.   I hope stronger, with a greater appreciation for everything and everyone around us.

Looking forward to sharing more thoughts with you in blogs to come.  I’ll leave you with some pics from the early days of Karma. Our opening party, and the first few weeks of operation.  Super fun to look back to these great times!

Cheers My Lovelies

Michelle