Imagine getting the chance to build your dream business, working so hard every day that you can barely walk, only to have it all threatened by a criminal act. That's what happened to a very good friend of mine. I saw her at her happiest, working harder than anyone I've ever known. From starting the company to installing shelves and building a website, she created this business with her bare hands. I've never seen a yoga studio as amazing as hers!
Kim got lucky in the spring when she won big at Borgata in Atlantic City, giving her the funds to become her own boss. With her knowledge and experience in the cannabis industry, she decided to pursue CBD Yoga, combining her expertise with her passion. She was excited to bring this unique business to her local area.
A few months after building the company, selecting a location, building a website, purchasing inventory, and starting construction, disaster struck. Due to her previous job as CEO, the IRS took thousands of dollars from her personal bank accounts for unpaid taxes. The owner of that company hadn't released the funds, leaving her responsible for the taxes. To protect her winnings, she kept them in cash in a safe with a security system.
Before the worst night of her life, she had been dating someone she trusted deeply. She gave him access to her phone to build trust. One morning, she woke up to find him gone and the safe empty. He had deactivated the cameras using her phone and picked the safe. The police couldn't find him, and they insinuated it was her fault for storing that amount of cash in her apartment.
Kim is the most amazing woman I know—kind, generous, caring, and smart. Unfortunately, I can't help her financially since I live paycheck to paycheck. She's been evicted from her apartment, and her business is facing eviction too. She put about $60,000 and her blood, sweat, and tears into this business, and she's about to lose it all. Despite trying to get help for housing, grants, and loans, nothing has worked out.
I told her to join this site, but she felt weird asking for donations. So here I am, doing it for her because I can't watch her lose this beautiful store that's ready to open its doors if she had the funds. If you can help in any way, whether it's donating, referring her to someone who can assist with housing help or grants/loans for businesses, please do so! Thank you for taking the time to read her story.
