Mandy's Hurdle, a Ribbon Cutting, and the Light at the End of the Tunnel.

I know what you're thinking - my hurdle is related to an Olympic-level past track and field career, right? Well, although there were moments in which I've had to "jump" over, through, and under, they didn't happen on anywhere close to a field. Want to know more about it? Let's talk!

It all started when the GGCC, or the Germantown Gaithersburg Chamber of Commerce, had scheduled My Parisian Corner’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for February 3rd, 2026.

I was given the date at the beginning of January right after I opened the storefront and was counting down the days to snip those giant scissors blades through a shiny red ribbon to commemorate the opening of my dream.

I immediately began generating a guest list, planning the menu, shopping online for the perfect outfit, and all the other fun and exciting details one thinks about for a momentous occassion. That's when my life shifted - big time (as in earthquake level). I went from greenlight after greenlight to pumping the brakes, and hard.

As a devotee to my personal health, I had gone to visit my doctor and conduct my annual mammogram. Everything in years past had resulted in normal results. However, 2026 had a mind of its own and decided to pull the rug out from underneath my feet, letting my results come back as "abnormal". I had to go for follow-up tests, including a biopsy. Upon one of my doctor visits, I heard the words that every woman dreads - "You have breast cancer".

My  world started to crumble. The future that I had been planning suddenly became blurred. The fact that I had to begin a battle with breast cancer AND put my business plans on hold for a while absolutely killed me inside. The worst part was that there was nothing I could do about it but settle into yet another new role, not as burgeoning business own but as a patient, too. The dual factors of realizing my dream and feeling it slip through my fingers was something I refused to let happen.

My surgery was scheduled for mid-April, and I was beginning to feel bedraggled from all the doctor’s appointments, tests, consultations, and worry.

Today, however, I am writing to you on a good day from the shop, slowly recovering from surgery and waiting to hear the results of further treatment. I have received more people coming into the store since spring has sprung and families are out and about. One element that keeps my spirits high is the feedback that I receive from customers. Everyone loves the shop and enjoys the atmosphere, milling about and admiring the jewelry and gifts, smelling the candles, and lightly brushing against the different textiles of the scarves that gracefully cascade down. I love the idea that these small moments of happiness make their way into people's homes. This is all I want; a simple business that serves the community and makes people’s lives easier and a little more pleasant. I think I have already reached my heart's biggest goal.

Let's go back a little to February 3rd arrived. People started pouring into the building, everyone from the GGCC to special guests to my friends from the PNA (Professional Network Alliance) to old friends and family. My heart was full.

*February 3rd, 2026 - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for My Parisian Corner. Don't we look awesome?!

Let me tell you - I absorbed every moment, feeling loved and supported by all those who took time off in the middle of the week to show how much they care and want me to succeed. It was truly one of the best days of my life.

As a female entrepreneur, this career milestone has helped me realize how much I have achieved and has also helped me with my personal life with making new friends and learning about their jobs and challenges. It is so important to feel surrounded with positivity and to be enveloped by the true meaning of "having your village". We've got each other's backs, and we know that anything that comes is just a bump in the road, not a full detour or permanent stop.

On the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony day, I received a gorgeous proclamation from the Mayor and City Council of Gaithersburg that  February 3rd was oficially named My Parisian Corner Day in the city of Gaithersburg. How amazing is that?

I couldn’t help the tears that were streaming down my face, tears of happiness, relief, coldnervousness, excitement, and all the other feels. Those hot blessings felt good on that very  February day outside the Enclave building in front of the shop where I cut the ribbon, and the Parisian Corner Gift Shop grand opening was underway. My dear husband, Badi, and my sweet friend, Virginia, were both by my side. Paula and Jake were also there to award me with a certificate from the County Executive of Montgomery and the state of Maryland, both of which hang  beautifully in my shop. Dan Cumberland activated the confetti canon a little too soon which made everyone laugh, so those smiles you see are nice and genuine.

It was a beautiful day, one that would be impossible to forget. Even though my plans for the shop may have been postponed temporarily, I know deep down in my heart that I’ll get past this struggle and come out stronger on the other side.

I will be in recovery when you read this, so please remember me in your thoughts. Stay tuned for my next blog - Mandy, the Comeback Kid.