1 Let's Go

All work and no play means more money in your bank account. That was the mantra that I lived by.I had no time to play, I had enough of that when I was a kid.Sure, I took time out to rest but just enough to recharge and I would dive right back into it, I had to stay on top of the game.Competition was stiff in the fashion and beauty industry and required you to be a step ahead all the time. We had just launched a clothing line and it was well well received in the market.

"Your 2 o'clock is here Miss Walsh" my Executive assistant Andrew said as he stood at the door, with a questioning look.

"Let her in Andy," I sighed.

I was beyond exhausted. I had back to back meetings since morning and it was way past lunch.We were launching a new perfume and everything had to be perfect. Well almost.. It wasn't easy running one the biggest fashion and beauty empires in the world over. Competition was stiff andwe had to stay at the top.

When I was eighteen, I built this company from scratch and steadily climbed my way to the top.I made my first billion when I had just turned 21.I was proud of what I had achieved so far but knew this was only the beginning.That's what I loved about my work. The thrill. The adrenaline. Developing new products and getting the market to respond positively.Traveling the world, putting together fashion shows, meeting new people, working on new concepts, the list was endless.But recently I was suffering from burn out and maybe it was time for a break or a change of scenery or something.

My last appointment just left and my best friend and business partner Ritajust bust in looking like she was going to burst with excitement.

" Spill" I said not looking up from my work.

"Maya! You will not believe this but we are going to Capetown, South Africa this weekend!!!" She saidexcitedly, holding up our tickets.

I dropped my pen and sat back, stared at her.

"You don't seem to excited about this trip?" She looks at me skeptically.

I take a big breath before I answer her "Rita..I have a lot of important meetings lined up. I can't just up and leave at a moments notice, " I bluntly pointed out.

"But this is about the property that thatyou wanted us to snag in line with our expansion efforts..Remember..? I told Andrew to put it in you diary? Plus-before you can say no-it will give us a chance to visit a few of the orphanages there and see how we can help." She pouted.

I was orphaned at a very young age and I had a very soft spot for orphans. Rita'sparents took me in and took care of me as their own daughter. I had set up and gave donations to various charities to help them in anyway that I can. However, I still had to set up a branch in South Africa and now was a good time as any I guess.

I looked at Rita with a serious face and then immediately broke into a smile as I threw up my hands in the air and shouted, "Capetown here we come!"

She squealed in excitement and came round my desk to give me a hug.