Dolly Made Me Do it

I found myself dealing with a lot of difficulties years ago - work stuff - awfull people - you get the picture. Eventually I lost my job, had nowhere to go and was on the down and out.

As I sat in my car ready to leave the job parking lot for the last time - I knew I had to find a new way. Then, as I switched on my radio - the very first notes of Dolly Parton singing 9to5, hit me like a hammer. Up went the volume, down came the window and out flew my sadness. As I drove off home, Dolly burnt a determination into my soul - 'You have dreams they never take away!'

By the time I arrived in my driveway I made up my mind - I will never work for another boss in my life. I am going to start my own florist shop and be the best at it that I can manage. I always belived that once you decide and dedicate yourself - it only became real if you told another person. I told my sister that i am going to pursue my own business and that I am going to aim to be the best florist I could be.

Early years were not as easy as I thought it would be. I was dealing with a brain injury, had to see loads of people that scratched deep under my mental barriers and get used to some seriouly trippy medication. To say I was flying up with the kites, is a bit of an understament.

But I managed. Dolly came on a lot to keep the 9to5 dream alive. Clients started to phone, people started to notice me. I was invited to teach at the U3A as a guest floristry workshop teacher and soon I had a group of people that tried their hands a floristry during our fun workshops. This saved me from myself and got my mind on the healing path.

I remember the very first announcement of Covid on the television. I remember watching it unfold into the massive changes it brought. My world fell apart again. Gone were my workshops - I sat at home like the rest and waited for my phone to ring.

And boy, did it ring! Me and Dolly became very very popular in a very short time. I was allowed to travel - I was allowed to do deliveries. People started sending care packages with their flowers. I delivered flowers with medicines, flowers with food, flowers with books, flowers with personal items left on the driveways of the sender for me to take to recipient.

I found myself building a large florist business in a short time. I never looked back. Dolly kept it up reminding me that a 9 to 5 job was now truly off the table. I was blessed beyound my means and so grateful.

Today I can look back and I still get goose bumps everytime Dolly Parton comes on my radio.

Thank you girl and Rest in Peace. Zak