January 2023 Newsletter
Happy New Year!
It’s technically still January when I’m sending this, so it counts.
Below are some year-end reflections and celebrations I want to acknowledge.
I’m super thankful for clients and partners who:
• are kind, fun and encouraging when we collaborate to solve problems
• express appreciation for my team and I
• send us what we need with time for us to do what we need to do
• stay positive as we muddle through Shopify together (don’t call me for these websites)
• get goosebumps during Squarespace website training handoffs (DEFINITELY call me for these websites)
• are willing to invest in upgrading the WHOLE WordPress website before launch, not just the bare minimum (Call me now!)
• are patient when scheduled check-ins need to shift or change
• send reminders when the weeks get crazy busy
• take time OFF for the holidays and are happy that we’re taking time off too
• go to bat for my team and end unhealthy client relationships
Some stuff that happened in 2022:
• My business survived a catastrophic hard drive failure
• I learned that business insurance is worth its weight in gold (TY New Oak Insurance Co.!)
• I was thankful for militant time tracking records – thanks FreshBooks
• We served 43 clients
• I clocked an average of 28.5 hours per week
• I observed Rest Days monthly
• My team and I completed 5 rebrands, 15 graphic design projects, built 7 new websites, updated or upgraded 6 other websites, executed 4 clients’ marketing services and consulted on 5 projects (thank you Tashi, Autumn, Jonathan, Erin, Linné, Jamaal, Maria).
• My fun hobbies and personal projects got pushed aside quite a bit
• My husband and I spent more on our wedding than we intended, but it was worth every penny
• I invested a hefty amount of $ in coaching (Hailey with OYFN! BeingBoss!) and courses (Kaye Putnam, Steph Crowder), also worth every penny
• I took a year-end business planning retreat with a brilliant strategist and it was ahhhmazing…lookin’ at you Erin Braford!
• I realized I want more intentional reflection and processing time in my business
• I created a new offer for clients who want to tighten up or establish a marketing discipline in their business
Note: Some links above are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, there may be a percentage of the sale that gets returned to me.
Some recent milestones:
• I hired a new part-time Junior Designer
• I’m loving working with my Account Coordinator – also new to the team
• I earned more business income in 2022 than I did in 2023, and remained profitable
• Our team took lots of wonderful time off at the end of the year
• In the 4th quarter, I turned down work for a while
• I was welcomed as a new board member for InUnison
• I was invited to give a series of branding and website workshops for the Capital Region SBDC• I hired a new part-time Junior Designer
• I’m loving working with my Account Coordinator – also new to the team
• I earned more business income in 2022 than I did in 2023, and remained profitable
• Our team took lots of wonderful time off at the end of the year
• In the 4th quarter, I turned down work for a while
• I was welcomed as a new board member for InUnison
• I was invited to give a series of branding and website workshops for the Capital Region SBDC
Looking ahead – events I’m attending
Richmond Curious – This event series is based out of my coworking space in Gather Arts. Our February 10 event will focus on Date Night. I’m out of town for the next event, but will be back hosting in March.
Lucks Lane Farmers Market – Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. 11551 Lucks Lane. Begins mid-March.
Kim Brundage Photography, Headshot Party March 2023 – I partner with the world-traveling Kim Brundage to serve as a wardrobe stylist and brand advisor during her headshot parties. Kim has a marketing background and has an impeccable eye for detail. I love working with her and tend to meet amazing entrepreneurs taking their businesses to the next level. If you need a headshot, grab a slot at the link above!
Richmond Night Market – I’ll be vending in this market series starting in April.
Carytown Farmers Market – Sundays, 9am to 1pm, starting in May
Keep an eye out on my Instagram to see exactly where I’ll be vending and what art or craft objects you can expect on my table.
Word of the year?
As I enter a season of expansion in business – having hired two new employees in the last quarter – my focus is on the feeling of Abundance.
I know there is enough business and opportunity to sustain my team, so I am leaning into the energy of Abundance as I take on this new phase and role in business.
Ask Me Anything
As I build my business, I don’t have the space in my calendar to do coffee chats and unpaid consulting. However, for the folks who are willing to invest in my time, I am happy to share a bit more behind the curtain in a 60-minute recorded session. (I’ve invested a ton of time and money over the years – it’ll be worth it!)
Thanks for reading. If you’d like to connect over a quick discovery call, please grab a spot on my calendar.
