chapter 6

The Storm Before the Dawn

Shelong had tasted a glimpse of success, but life had a way of testing her just when she thought she had found her footing.

The bulk order that had given her hope turned out to be both a blessing and a curse. Days after delivering the clothes, the client—whom she had trusted—delayed payment. First, it was excuses. Then, silence. Then, outright refusal.

"I don't have the money right now," the woman said over the phone one evening, her tone dismissive. "I'll send it when I can."

"But I used all my savings to produce those clothes," Shelong pleaded. "You promised to pay on delivery."

"Life is tough for everyone," the woman snapped before hanging up.

Shelong stood in the middle of her small room, phone in hand, heart pounding. She had nothing left. No money. No savings. No way to restock her business. She felt like she had been thrown back to the start.

When the World Turns Its Back

Word got out in her family that her "big business" had crumbled again.

Her mother shook her head in disappointment. "Shelong, maybe business is not for you. You're just wasting your time."

Her father barely spoke to her anymore, and when he did, it was only to remind her of her failures. "I told you to find a stable job. But no, you wanted to be 'independent.' Now look at you."

Her younger siblings whispered when she passed. The looks of pity and mockery stung more than their words.

At night, she lay awake, staring at the ceiling, thinking of everything she had lost. Maybe I really am a failure, she thought. Maybe I should just stop trying.

But deep down, another voice fought back. No. You are more than this. Get up.

The Fire Within

The next morning, instead of drowning in self-pity, Shelong did something different. She took a long, hard look in the mirror and said aloud, "I refuse to give up."

She picked up her notebook and wrote down everything she had learned from the failed business deal.

• Always get a deposit before production.

• Never trust words—get everything in writing.

• Have backup savings for emergencies.

Then, she listed new ideas.

• Offer customized clothing for individuals, not just bulk orders.

• Partner with local vendors to display her work.

• Use social media aggressively.

She wasn't starting over—she was starting smarter.

Fighting Back

Determined to rise again, Shelong reached out to old customers, explaining her new business model. Some ignored her, but a few were willing to support. She visited local stores, asking if they could display her designs. Many said no, but one small boutique owner agreed.

"I like your courage," the woman said. "Let's try for a month."

It wasn't much, but it was something.

She used the little money she had left to create just a few high-quality pieces. She posted them online every day, talking about her passion, her struggles, her growth. Slowly, people started paying attention.

A New Chapter Begins

Months later, Shelong was still struggling, but something had changed—she was no longer afraid. Every setback was a lesson, every rejection a push forward.

One evening, as she sat outside watching the sunset, her mother came and sat beside her.

"You're still fighting," her mother said softly.

"Yes, Mama," Shelong's replied.

Her mother sighed. "I may not always understand you, but I see your strength. Don't let this world break you."

Tears stung Shelong's eyes. For the first time in a long while, she felt seen.

She wasn't a failure. She was a survivor. And no matter what, she would keep pushing forward.

Because Shelong wasn't just looking for success—she was searching for the deepest peace, the deepest