Fake it Until You Make It

12 years ago, I joined the chamber of commerce and was invited to introduce myself at the monthly general meeting. So, of course, I took the mic and said that I wanted to be the change that I wished to see in the world. I wanted to be known on Main Street for my smile. Crickets. As I left that meeting, I thought, "Wow, Andrya. Way to go." I just told 60-80 people I had never met that I wanted to be known for my smile? Yes, yes, I did.

Well, it takes 90 days to create a habit, and your chances are better if you're held accountable by someone. Like, 60-80 of your new chamber of commerce friends? Yep. So the only choice I had was to do it. I decided to smile at every single person I came into contact with. Fake it 'til you make it, right? Some days I don't feel like smiling. But I had to be all in on this thing.

I created a habit of smiling at people, whether I was running, lifting weights at the gym, or walking down Main Street to chamber meetings. I was pretty much smiling all the time.

As time went on, my competitive side emerged. Why be good when you can be great? So my next step was to answer "I'm great" to everyone that asked how I was. I'm not just good, I'm great!

One day, I was walking with my husband, and we stopped in front of a neighbor's home to admire the new roof they had just installed. We both said, "Good for them! We're so happy that they were able to improve their home!" At that moment, we realized that we were no longer faking it; we had made it. We were genuinely happy for our neighbors that we had never actually met in person. I've just recently learned a word for this: neuroplasticity.

When we make a conscious effort to change the way we think about things, it can actually change the way our brain works. With consistency, our brain learns to focus more on the new habit and less on the old. "Smile more" starts as a goal and becomes a subconscious response to coming in contact with people. "I'm great" becomes the default response to "How are you?" And the more you do it or say it, the more you feel it. I feel pretty darn great most of the time.

This has gotten me through some serious stuff: a recession, a catastrophic fire, a pandemic, chronic pain. It's not always easy, and I need some reminders from time to time, but it works if you work it. I’m confident that this technique can help me with anything I come across in my future, too.

Have a great day!

>3 Andrya

Your Appointment, Your Way

Hello Friends,

We know that life can be exhausting, and sometimes, the last thing you want to do is make conversation during your salon visit. That’s why we want to remind you: your appointment is your time, and you can spend it however you’d like!

Whether you’d prefer to close your eyes and relax, catch up on emails, listen to music, or read a book, we completely understand. You don’t have to worry about hurting our feelings – we’re here to make your experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Just let us know what you need when you arrive or add a note for us when you book online and we’ll ensure your appointment is exactly what you want it to be. No pressure, no expectations – just great service and a peaceful moment for yourself.

See you soon,

<3 Andrya

Where do I begin?

The last month has been a little rough. As a member of the Board of Directors of the Bothell-Kenmore Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Bothell Business Forum and a small business owner I'm becoming very concerned that funding for all kinds of programs will decrease or disappear completely in the near future. Funds for grants and programs that support women, disabled folks and minority groups in business seem to be particulary vulnerable as well as small business incubater programs. Small businesses are the backbone of our country and maybe we can collectively offset any loss of program funding we may see.

Here's my plan:

I'm going to redirect some of my personal and business spending from Corporate America to Small Businesses in my neighborhood.

Instead of buying chocolate kisses for our front desk at Safeway I plan to visit Bon Chocolates at The Pop Shops and Sugar Rush on Main Street to find some goodies.

Instead of buying treats at Fred Meyer for that family event that's coming up I'll visit Hillcrest Bakery or Countryside Donuts.

For a unique, one of a kind gift I'll visit MTPO Designs at The Pop Shops for a beautiful charcuterie board instead of shopping at World Market or Macy's.

It will take a little bit more effort on my part but if each of us does this just once a month we can make a big difference. And I love a challenge!

So I'm challenging you to redirect some of your funds in the next month or 2 to a local small business. You might find some true gems!

<3 Andrya