Finding Joy in Traditions

This year feels like it lasted forever, but also, how is it already the last day of December?! There is so much to appreciate from 2025, so I’m starting this end-of-year reflection with three things I'm grateful for in my business.

I’m grateful for my new office/studio. It’s amazing how a physical space can change our mood at any given time. This room truly brings me joy, which is a great thing considering I spend a majority of my day there. Huge shoutout to Andy and everyone who helped in the process of finishing the space. See one of the process videos here! 

I’m grateful for my partnership with Thalia Street Digital, a Maryland-based digital marketing company. Erica and I have been working together since the end of 2024, supporting clients through Shopify email marketing and social media campaigns, and we've developed efficient systems for communicating, managing projects, and understanding our clients' needs. It's been great working with another mom/entrepreneur who just gets it, as the experience in running a business while raising young children comes with its unique perspective.

I’m grateful for all of my clients this year, many of whom were referrals. I had the opportunity to develop marketing materials for a number of businesses and organizations, including logos and brand guides, social media templates, email marketing graphics, flyers, brochures, and websites. As I approach my 3rd full year in business in just a few days, it’s helpful to keep track of various data points from year to year. I am taking note of what’s working, what can be improved, and next steps for growth. 

Now, onto some of the highlights from the year! I enjoy keeping up with this tradition each year, especially looking back at photos and reliving some of my favorite memories. The highlight themes tend to repeat year after year (unintentionally), but I see that as an indicator of the moments that stand out!

10 Highlights from 2025

Outdoor adventures

Art exhibits/events

Facilitating creative classes & workshops

Cousin trip + awkward family photoshoot

Volunteer opportunities

Moving/new house

Annual girls’ trip

NYC (x2)

Date Nights

Family Time

New office/studio

Other highlights include running two 5K races (perhaps longer distances next year??), being a guest on two podcasts, doing a professional branding photoshoot, going to concerts, family and friend beach trips, and joining the business community in Harford County. I launched more websites, helped develop the visual branding for numerous businesses, and became the publisher of a hyper-local publication.

The word I’m taking with me into 2026 is alignment. I’m getting clearer on the direction I want to take my business, including who I would like to work with, and one of my goals is to focus on more local clients in the Harford County vicinity. More specifically, those in the education, wellness, and environmental spaces. Not only do I have familiarity in these industries, I feel deeply connected to the causes of these businesses and organizations and believe that they strengthen the community. I look forward to facilitating more art workshops. While I have no desire to return to a classroom setting full-time, I still love guiding individuals through the creative process and providing materials for expression. 

I just finished this year’s vision board the other day. A butterfly theme came through to me somewhat intuitively, and I just went with it. I now have 3 vision boards on my wall, which I coincidentally started creating annually since starting my business. This is another annual tradition I look forward to. Although there are several repeating words and themes in each collage, they all have their unique characteristics as well.

💜 Cheers to an exciting (milestone) year ahead!