It's over. I still can't believe it. It seems like just yesterday when Stellarose, a baby at the time, was just taking her first steps when I opened the shop in 2007.  She's now a beautiful 13 year old who's almost as tall as me!  I think about all of the iterations that Shopgirls underwent as I built this brand, stumbling and growing along the way while remaining laser-focussed on making women of all shapes feel good about themselves and their bodies.  I look at my now 10 year daughter Zara and hear her reiterate some of the messages I shared with the Shopgirls community about body positivity and it reminds me that although this part of my journey is over, the lessons are not and that makes it hurt a little bit less.  
I have so much to be grateful for and so many people I am grateful to. My husband Rob and family, thanks for coming along for the ride and cheering me on.  Thanks to the thousands of clients (some of which are now lifelong friends) and the designers and suppliers that taught me so much, my staff - my queens - you've been instrumental in making Shopgirls a reality.  To my fellow entrepreneurs and Parkdale neighbours, thanks for the kinship, I found my tribe!  To the hundreds of moms, who's pre-baby and post-baby bodies I had the honour of dressing and their babies I had the pleasure of snuggling while they tried on some Yoga Jeans, I thank you.
My tears have dried up, my heart is slowly mending and as the world begins to heal I find myself thoughtful, even hopeful, for what my next adventure will look like.  
Until then, I leave you with this gentle reminder: You are beautiful. (Pass it on!) 
Adieu, adieu, to yieu and yieu and yieu

Michelle xo