Never. Next. Now. Newsletter: Edition 1
Never. Next. Now. Newsletter
BY RAQUEL EATMON
4.30.25
THE PROCESS OF IMPROVEMENT
Dearest Friend,
I’ve thought about sending you a note many times, but the world felt terribly noisy. Now, the volume has amplified, but it’s entirely different. Something feels gutted. Fear, anger, and confusion are center stage.
So, I’m back with a balm for all of us.
Before I share more on the inspiration prompting this return, let me tell you how my life has changed since my last correspondence.
My entrepreneurial muscle guided me to an unusual place. During the pandemic, while the hospitality industry was tanking, I partnered in a restaurant venture (Osteria Italian Cleveland). I know, brilliant timing, right?
Unfamiliar with the industry, other than working at Ponderosa when I was 16, I had a steep and surreal learning curve. I found I was most effective at developing staff, curating exceptional guest experiences, building sales & marketing campaigns, and waiting tables. None of it was easy.
I failed a lot. I cursed. I cried. And I burned out.
It was the hardest thing I’ve done. Ever. This tumultuous business turned me, at first, bitter. Then things got better.
I got better.
My team transformed my leadership. My team, who, on paper, was less credentialed than me, but in the chaotic arena we call fine-dining, they were significantly more skilled. After a few break-downs and one big break-through in the bathroom stall of the restaurant, I dropped the “boss” facade and allowed them to become my teachers.
More on this point in an upcoming edition.
Today, when I look into the mirror, I’m both grateful and ecstatic. I hardly recognize myself from the woman I was five years ago.
Currently, we have a rock solid team in both the front and back of the house. Our Google reviews continue to reflect the guest experience I curated long ago. It takes everyone- the chefs, servers, bartenders and dish team to make that experience shine.
I am inspired by these beautiful souls. I am humbled by the lessons I’ve learned and the impact made within the team, our guests and the community. I didn’t think I was going to survive it- but here I am.
It’s why I’m back, to share insight on how we can survive the toughest of times and grow.
Each week, when you open this email, you’ll find a straightforward method I created while navigating some of the toughest moments in my life. And in business.
I call it Never Next. Now: how to stop doing what isn’t working (Never), how to find clarity (Next) and how to take action today (Now). It’s a fresh take on this journey through exploration, innovation, and growth.
This method will help you build strength and grow through each experience. I use it every day. I always will.
My life, like many of yours, has a lot of uncertainty but this is not the time to leave it all on the table.
I hope to become your constant companion through whatever challenges you are battling. I pledge to share original, thoughtful content that reminds us all to keep growing.
So, grab a cup of tea, and open the next email from me and let’s press refresh.
Yours Truly,
Raquel
PS: Thank you, Mark L.