A Look Back at 2024
Entrepreneurship is a wild ride. When I decided to fully commit to running my own business, I knew it would be hard, but scary doesn't even begin to describe it some days. Now, as I reflect on 2024, I'm overwhelmed with emotion. This has been my most successful year as a business owner, and that's not just a number on a spreadsheet. It's a testament to the people, the community, and the blood/sweat/tears that went into every single day.
When you're running your own business, there’s this constant thought in the back of your mind of “What if?” What if I fail? What if I can’t make ends meet? What if this dream of mine isn't enough? But 2024 showed me that leaning into those fears, staying grounded in my vision, and—most importantly—surrounding myself with the right people made all the difference.
The Power of Community
Cincinnati, you’ve been good to me. Building connections here has been one of the smartest things I’ve done for my business. This city isn’t just where I work—it’s where I’ve grown into the entrepreneur I am today. The collaborations, referrals, and support from my community have pushed me to dream bigger and achieve more.
The Right People in My Corner
One thing I’ve learned this year? Even as a solopreneur, you can’t truly do it alone.
My best friend Naomi has been my virtual assistant and, frankly, my sanity-saver. They’ve kept the backend of my business running smoothly, managing things I didn’t even realize I needed help with. Without them, I’d probably still be buried under a pile of emails or blogs and I truly can’t thank them enough for all they’ve done this year.
Elisa and Lindsey have been my creative inspiration. Working alongside them—and running Market on Main as a team—has been a huge source of fuel for my own projects. Their ideas, passion, and drive have pushed me to stretch my creative boundaries. Ily you guys! <3
And then there’s Jonah, my partner, my rock, and my biggest cheerleader. Jonah is my first call when I land a big contract and the one holding it all together when I’m running around like a crazy person during busy seasons. His love and support keep me grounded, and I couldn’t have balanced this year of life without him.
The Projects That Lit Me Up
2024 wasn’t just about business growth—it was about diving into projects that truly inspired me. A few highlights:
Nanny Camp: Hands down, the event of the year. Flying to Connecticut to capture this incredible camp and connect with nannies from across the country was nothing short of amazing. It was energizing to be surrounded by such passionate individuals, and I left feeling both inspired and grateful to have been part of it.
Working with Cindy at Simply Organized Interiors: Helping facilitate her social media has been such a blast. Cindy has not only been a dream client but has also inspired me in my personal life to get more organized. If you’re looking for home organization in Cincinnati, Cindy is your person—I can’t recommend her enough!!
Capturing All The Love: Weddings will always hold a special place in my heart. Whether I was behind my camera with Naomi June Photo or using my phone to create content, this year’s weddings were so so special. There’s something magical about helping couples preserve one of the most important days of their lives, and I’ve loved every moment.
The Power of "No"
If there’s one thing I’m learning, it’s how to say no. For years, I took on any work that came my way, afraid to miss an opportunity or let someone down. To an extent, I still do—I love the variety and challenges that come with my work. But this year, I’ve also said no to opportunities that didn’t align with my values, my goals, or where I see my business heading.
And you know what? It felt liberating.
Saying no is a privilege, one that I don’t take lightly. My nanny job provides consistent income, which gives me the freedom to make these choices. But even with that safety net, it’s not always easy to turn work down. What I’ve learned is that waiting for opportunities that feel right? The ones that excite me and move my business forward? It’s SO worth it.
The Biggest Lesson: Growth is a Team Sport
As entrepreneurs, we tend to carry so much on our shoulders. But this year has shown me that surrounding yourself with the right people—those who lift you up, challenge you, and take things off your plate—isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. My success this year isn’t just mine. It’s ours.
Looking Ahead to 2025
This year has been monumental, but I know that every year looks different. The highs, the challenges, the goals—all of it evolves. And I’m here for it. I’m committed to growing bigger and better, whatever that might look like. Whether it’s expanding my services, diving deeper into the creative projects that light me up, or simply continuing to build on this foundation, I’m ready.
Entrepreneurship will always be a mix of terrifying and thrilling. But when I look back on 2024, all I see is pride and gratitude. Here’s to whatever comes next—and to the people who will be by my side every step of the way.