Just when you think you're gonna be okay....

I'm stretching like a rubber band today, and feeling like a huge SNAP is in my future! I have my 3rd salon opened and we are in the midst of our Grand Opening, which is a bit stressful financially. Payroll runs at or over 100%, which means the other two salons need to do well enough to pay for the 3rd. While the loan for #3 is to help with that, I am somewhat trying not to use all of that since the more I use, the higher that loan payment will be once it rolls over into a traditional loan, rather than a construction loan. Regardless, the first quarter of a year is extremely stressful with taxes being front-loaded, and huge promotions which mean lower income and higher payroll. I felt we would eek through the first quarter then things will turn for the better like usual.  Then.....Friday I get an email from my corporate office stating I have first right of refusal for a location that is near my first and most productive salon. Someone else wants to put a salon in this particular location and since my salon will be impacted by it, I have 21 days to decide whether I will allow someone else to develop that location (taking a 10-20% hit in sales at my salon), or I have to develop the location myself and I have to actively work to develop the location by executing a lease and building out, etc. Not a problem, if I had a measely $130,000 laying around, which I don't!
      I feel it's much like asking someone if they would like you cut off their right hand or their left. Who can take a 10-20% decrease in sales? So basically, I really must develop the location; however, where the hell is the money going to come from?!
     This also gets stressful at home since the husband doesn't want to put one red cent (literally, not a penny) toward the business - regardless of the ROI. I did mention the email to him this morning because it's something that has to be decided in 21 days. Let's just say, his demeanor toward me instantly changed. He gave me his typically comment, "Well, we'll have to sit down and talk about it.", which means, "You will have a lot of questions to answer and you will have to tell me where the hell you're are going to get the money, cuz it isn't gonna be from our personal funds!"  I get his position - I truly do, it's just very difficult to discuss this with your spouse, who is suppose to be supportive and help you work through decisions and help problem solve, whichever direction the decision goes. At least it would be a mutual decision that we both feel good about. Why I believe that will ever happen, I have no idea, because it's never been how things have worked in our relationship.
   I was really feeling like I was in a good place, even with the stress of a new salon and the anxiety that it brings for a while. I knew it would come through. It's a strong location, a fabulous GM that I've had with me for 8 years and passion and drive for our business. I knew we could do it and we would see great numbers in just a few months. I wasn't ready for this new curveball to be thrown into my lap, especially when the options are what they are.  I will have to spend the next couple of weeks really getting into our business finances, which I am in touch with. It's just been so crazy busy lately with the new opening, that I feel a bit out of touch with things. I'll look for areas to reduce expenses and push the salons to maximize sales to balance the increase expenses with the new salon. Then...I'll have to find out the details on the new location, what rent, etc. will be and who owns it. I'll try to determine how long I can drag the process out and whether I can free up enough funds through the business to possibly finance a new salon. Aagh!
      If you happen to know where that money tree is, that would be great to know. LOL. Funny, how many times I've wondered where that tree is and things always seem to work out. I pray for a clear sign as to which direction I need to go with this situation. I just don't need the stress of this decision right now. I'll have to trust that the right decision will come to me and any necessary funds will make their way before me, so I know what to do. I pray that my current salons continue to stay strong financially and we don't have any negative impact from this decision.
     I have probably hashed and rehashed this whole thing during this post. I apologize for that. Sometimes thinking out loud or through words, helps me see through a situation. Maybe a good night's rest will help clear my thoughts about the situation.