This isn’t a story about me.

Or an influencer with a million followers.

Or some business guru with a blue tick and a yacht in Ibiza.

This is a story about Jerome.

A 22-year-old student in Bath.

Some of you may have even met him at our stand at the Bath Christmas Market.

And honestly? He’s one of the most inspiring people I’ve worked with in a while.

Let me explain why.

The Christmas Market Gauntlet

Last year, I worked three weeks straight at that market.

7 am to 8 pm. Every day. In the cold.

It was beautiful, rewarding, but it left me so exhausted.

I don’t think I smiled again until February.

So this year, I decided to ask for help.

Which, if you’ve ever built something from scratch, feels like handing your baby to a stranger and whispering, “Please don’t drop it.”

I was nervous.

This brand is personal. It’s my heart. It’s years of late nights, kitchen experiments, and stories from real people trying to feel better.

But then came Jerome.

The First Impression Counts for Everything

I found him through my sister. He babysits her kids — who are high-energy, kind-hearted little monsters at times (in the best way).

My sister’s a doctor. She’s no nonsense. High standards.

If she trusts him, I know I could, too. Street cred secured.

So, back in August, I messaged Jerome:

“Hey mate, would you be up for a tough, long, rewarding job at Christmas… helping change people’s lives?”

He replied instantly:

“I’m in.”

Day One: He Showed Up

I arrived just on time on the first day.

Jerome was already there, standing outside the chalet.

Early. Prepared. Smiling.

I walked him through the range — from Hypnos to Moksha to our latest Sleepy Capsules.

He asked sharp questions. You could see the cogs turning.

But then, customers started arriving — and I had no choice but to throw him into the deep end.

Turns out, he didn’t just swim. He built the damn boat.

He already knew everything. Not just the names. The details.

He’d studied the brand, researched the ingredients, and memorised the benefits.

He could explain the science better than I could.

I planned to stay with him the whole day.

Within the hour, I knew I didn’t need to.

That night, he sent me a message:

“All locked up. Here’s where I left everything. Here’s the sales. Here are my questions for tomorrow.”

When I came back the next day, the stall was tidier than I left it.

What Made Jerome So Good?

He wasn’t just “on time.”

He was ahead.

He wasn’t just “helpful.”

He over-delivered.

He didn’t wait for direction.

He took initiative.

By day three, Jerome had job offers from three other Christmas market stalls.

Because when someone’s that good? Word spreads fast.

Neighbouring chalets hired other students.

Some didn’t show up.

Some ghosted shifts.

Some spent more time on their phones than helping customers.

Some were just… fine.

They did the minimum.

But Jerome? He did the opposite.

He gave more than he took.

So What Can We Learn From Jerome?

If you’re looking to have a better year in 2026 — in work, life, health, love — start here.

Ask the questions Jerome was asking:

How can I go above and beyond with the opportunity I’ve been given?

How can I help?

How can I exceed expectations?

How can I be so good… I can’t be ignored?

Jerome didn’t wait to be motivated.

He didn’t say, “Well, I’m just a student.”

He treated this opportunity like it mattered.

Because it did.

The Real Secret to Making 2026 Your Year?

It’s not about setting goals. It’s about setting standards.

And then living them.

Not once. Not when it’s easy. But consistently.

Jerome’s not special because of his age, background, or qualifications.

He’s special because of how he showed up.

That’s the kind of energy that changes a year. That opens doors. That gets you hired, trusted, remembered, and referred.

So this year, if you can answer:

How can you be so good that you can’t be ignored?

Everything else? Will take care of itself.

Hope you have had a very merry Christmas
Here’s to an epic 2026 together xx
Love and Kia kaha,
Chris Xx