As a business owner, I have always valued integrity, alignment and accountability. So when I found a service provider whose creativity and vision resonated with me, I was excited. Their pitch for rebranding and developing a new website for Home of Nula® was inspiring. I felt seen and understood and I trusted them to deliver.
But what began with excitement ended in disappointment and ultimately, in powerful lessons.
The Early Warning Signs
The first red flag was in the quotation process. What I thought was a total project fee - as it was quoted in the proposal - turned out to be a monthly, VAT-exclusive retainer. This shifted my budget entirely, but because I had already attached to the vision we had built together and had the financial capacity to honour my part of the working relationship, I pressed on in good faith.
The first month involved teething issues but eventually led to some progress. However, delays soon mounted. By the third month, there was no tangible output, despite assurances and commitments that the work would be completed in time for an international trip I had already planned - a trip where I had hoped to showcase new product samples with refreshed branding.
A Difficult Termination
When I travelled and the promised work had not been delivered, I reviewed our contract carefully. It was then that I made the decision to terminate the agreement. The financial and emotional investment I had made was not aligned with the work produced and my patience had been exhausted.
Attempts were made to salvage the relationship, but I could no longer ignore the lack of accountability. I found a new service provider who delivered beautiful work - the very branding that still represents Home of Nula® today.
The Smear Tactics
Unfortunately, what followed was even more disheartening. The previous team reached out to my new service provider with false claims - accusing me of stealing their work and failing to pay while I travelled. These accusations were untrue and defamatory. When I confronted them, I was met with threats, which I chose not to respond to.
This experience was not only professionally disappointing but also personally hurtful. At the time, I was early in my healing journey after divorce - vulnerable, hopeful and eager to rebuild. Those vulnerabilities were taken advantage of until I became stronger, more self-aware and able to set firmer boundaries.
The Lessons Learned
From this experience, I learned:
Integrity matters more than appearances. Creativity without accountability cannot build sustainable partnerships.
Your wellness shapes your business. When I was emotionally vulnerable, I overlooked red flags I might otherwise have addressed sooner.
Boundaries are a form of self-respect. Holding service providers accountable to the legal agreement was not unkind - it was necessary.
Retreat is powerful. Sometimes, the best action is to pause, reconnect with yourself and rebuild from a place of strength.
Why This Matters in Wellness Work
My work through Home of Nula® is deeply personal. It is built on the values of wholeness, healing, and integrity. This experience reminded me that I, too, am human - and I will not always be “well.” But rather than striving for perfection, I honour the truth of my humanity.
Wellness does not mean being untouched by challenges. It means having the courage to step back, reset and return stronger.
An Invitation to You
To my fellow entrepreneurs and wellness seekers: protect your energy, honour your boundaries and don’t be afraid to retreat when necessary. Your peace and integrity are worth far more than any project or partnership.