What a year it’s been! As I sit down to reflect on the past twelve months, one big thought keeps coming to mind—you can design the kind of business you actually want to run. That’s been my biggest takeaway this year, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. From celebrating wins to facing challenges head-on, this year has stretched me, refined me, and pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect.
So, I want to take you behind the scenes of my year—the good, the hard, and the lessons I’m carrying into next year. And more importantly, I hope this post encourages you to look at your own journey and see how you can build a business that works for you. Let’s dive in.
What Worked for Me This Year
Let’s start with the good stuff—the wins that made this year one to celebrate. Because as much as we grow through the hard moments, it’s also important to stop and recognize what’s working.
1. Facebook Ads and Instagram
Facebook ads and Instagram were a game changer for me this year. But let me be real—they didn’t work because I threw money at them and hoped for the best. They worked because I had clear offers, I knew who I was speaking to, and I wasn’t afraid to test, tweak, and try again.
Ads helped me pull in 200 leads this year, and in January alone, I received over 20 inquiries. Facebook has been a staple in helping me remain visible and place my business in front of active buyers. It’s not just about running ads—it’s about strategy, messaging, and showing up consistently.
So, if you’ve been thinking about running ads but feeling intimidated, my advice is to start small, get clear on your messaging, and give it time. Ads are powerful, but they’re not magic—they need strategy and patience.
2. Residual Income Streams
Residual income completely shifted the way I do business this year. Platforms like Wix—where I’m a Wix Legend—along with Etsy and Creative Market allowed me to sell digital products without constantly showing up.
I get monthly revenue as a Wix Legend that’s well over five figure for the year — and when you combine that with residual income from my other platforms, I’m in a position where I could literally live without taking another client if I wanted to. That’s a sweet spot to be in.
But let me be clear—this didn’t happen overnight. It took intentionality, learning the platforms, testing what worked, and being willing to invest time and energy into building products people actually wanted to buy.
Selling digital products has allowed me to create freedom in my business. Whether it’s waking up to sales notifications or having steady income even when I’m not actively working, it’s a game-changer. It means I can spend more time focusing on higher-level strategy, creative projects, and supporting my clients without constantly chasing the next sale.
And the best part? It’s scalable. Once the products are built and the systems are in place, they continue to work for you. If you’ve been sitting on the idea of adding digital products, let me tell you—this is your sign to go for it. Whether it’s templates, guides, courses, or tools—there’s a whole world of opportunity waiting for you.
3. Branding Projects and Building Loyalty
Branding projects made up a large chunk of my revenue this year, bringing me close to multiple six figures on their own. I was able to focus on my high-ticket offers and had the honor of serving over 50 women on branding and website projects.
What stood out the most wasn’t just the numbers, though—it was the connections. The clients I worked with weren’t just looking for designs; they were looking for transformations. They wanted their brands to feel like an extension of who they are—polished, professional, and aligned with their mission.
That’s what builds loyalty. If you’re working on your brand, focus less on how it looks and more on how it feels. Make people feel something when they see your brand, and they’ll keep coming back.
What Stretched Me This Year
Now, let’s talk about the tough stuff—the areas that challenged me and forced me to grow. Because let’s be honest, building a business isn’t all wins and celebrations. Sometimes it’s hard, and this year taught me a lot about what needs work.
1. Capacity and Burnout
This one hit me hard. Between projects, clients, and personal life, I found myself stretched way too thin at times. I kept thinking, "I can handle this,” until I realized I couldn’t—at least not without sacrificing my health and peace.
The fix? Hiring help. I’m finally bringing a lot of in support so I can focus on what I do best. If you’re feeling maxed out, let this be your permission slip to delegate. You don’t have to do it all.
2. Follow-Up Systems
I have systems in place for most areas of my business, but one thing I realized this year is that I didn’t have a strong follow-up system. Honestly, with everything else on my plate, I wasn’t too pressed about following up if a client didn’t seem overly interested. My focus was on serving the clients who were ready and willing.
But now that I’ve hired help, building out a proper follow-up process is high on my priority list. No more leaving potential opportunities on the table. It’s time to refine this area and make sure no lead gets left behind.
What I’m Taking Into Next Year
Looking ahead, I’m leaning into strategies that will keep the momentum going. I’m doubling down on Facebook ads and Instagram marketing to drive traffic and build visibility. I’m also expanding my digital product lines and focusing even more on scalable offers that create passive income.
At the same time, I’m narrowing my focus to fewer but larger branding projects—ones that allow me to go deeper with clients and create real transformations.
On the backend, systems and workflows are a priority. I’m committed to streamlining processes, improving automations, and creating better follow-ups to make the client experience seamless.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—my year in review. The wins, the lessons, and the things I’m working on as I head into the new year. My biggest takeaway? You can design the kind of business you want to build. One that supports your life instead of running it.
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