As the curtains closed on 2023, it’s time to reflect on a year that brought a mix of highs, lows, and plenty of the messy middle for me. Here’s a glimpse into the journey:

1. A Powerful Start: First Keynote Speaking Engagement

The year kicked off with a bang as I had the honor of delivering my first keynote speech at The Reset Conference in Chattanooga TN. The topic? “Branding: The Power Of Keeping It Simple.” Gratitude filled my heart for this opportunity to share insights and connect with an engaged audience. Some of my favorite moments include: having 3 past clients in the audience and booking two more on that trip 🎉 and of course getting to dance the night away at the gala in my sparkly cowgirl boots.

2. California Dreaming: Relocating to San Diego

August marked a significant turning point as I embarked on the most exhilarating adventure of my life—relocating to sunny San Diego. With the adrenaline rush of packing up my life, shipping my car, and bidding farewell to my family, I embraced the unknown. The vibrant energy of California became the backdrop for a new chapter, both personally and professionally.

3. Showit Designer Experience: A Mountain Retreat for Growth

In October I had the opportunity to go to Arizona with a group of Showit design partners and spend time with their staff in the mountains. The experience was more than a work retreat; it was an immersion into personal and professional development. From laughter and games to shared tears, this getaway proved invaluable in expanding my horizons and building meaningful connections.

Key Learning Lessons

Many lessons came out of last year but two really stood out.

Invest Wisely When It Comes To Business Expansion

This was a very expensive lesson to learn- it literally cost me thousands. Having experienced a peak in business in 2022, I eagerly invested in scaling my operations in 2023. However, a critical realization unfolded—I had directed funds towards marketing endeavors like podcasts and Pinterest, neglecting the essential aspect of team expansion for design assistance. The result? Growing expenses without a proportional increase in revenue. A reminder that strategic spending is key to sustainable growth.

Sometimes Dreams Have To Be Reworked

My dream was to host an in-person design workshop. I LOVE educating and in-person connections, so naturally when we announced “Website By The Weekend,” I thought it would be a huge success. The sales page had traffic, the DM’s were rolling in. However, we had to cancel it due to a lack of ticket sales.

The problem wasn’t the offer, it was we did not properly identify our target market. The interested people were not local or couldn’t afford it. 2024 will be about getting more specific. And offering more aligned educational resources at a variety of price points.

Embracing Growth and Clarity in 2024

Overall 2023 was a year full of unexpected moments that tested my ability to push through. But it also set the stage for a more intentional and focused 2024. I am walking into the new year with goals that feel more aligned with my overall well-being and serving my clients in the best way possible. Check out some of my goals below.

Do you resonate with any of them specifically?

This post took me two weeks to write because self-reflection isn’t easy. But a friend reminded me that two things can be true. You can be both tired and grateful. So here’s to the “big numbers” that didn’t move the needle forward and the “small numbers” that brought me the greatest joy.

As I go into year 8 of entrepreneurship I’m so grateful for my creative community and everyone who continues to support my dream. Thanks for following along!