Blog Post #3: The Year of Productivity
Somehow, we’re at the end of 2024. The first half of this year barely feels real-it flew by so fast! So many things happened, and what better way to wrap it all up than with a recap?
I’ve been assigning a word or theme to each year, and for 2024, my word was PRODUCTIVITY. I stood on business this year, setting a goal to get ahead in many areas-and I did just that. I began planning for my LLC, drafted the entire first season of my podcast months before even choosing a name, and more. Even on days when I told myself I’d relax in bed, I still ended up working on something business-related. I truly made the most of this year, and I’m planning to kick it into even higher gear in 2025. Now, let’s get into the recap:
January-March:
I honestly don’t remember much from these first three months, but what I can say is that the beginning of this year set the tone of the rest of 2024 for me.
In February, I got extremely sick, which marked the beginning of my departure from my job at the time. (I’ve mentioned this job a few times, so now feels like the right time to get into the details.)
One day after a conversation with one of my bosses, she called me a “liability” to the salon. To be exact: “You’re a liability, but a good one.” This was after she had me listen to a Thriving Stylist podcast episode (shoutout to Britt Seva). I already felt like my time at the salon was coming to an end, but that conversation sealed the deal and I was 100% checked out. At this time, I knew I wanted to be a business owner, but I also knew I couldn’t leave my job without a plan. That’s when I started applying to business schools. Eventually, everything became set in stone, but I had intended to remain at the salon until August.
As I mentioned before, I got incredibly sick. My tonsils swelled so much I could barely breathe, and I became so dehydrated that I fainted in my kitchen. I was out of work for two weeks. When I told my bosses about my health struggles-and that I’d need time off for surgery-they suggested I take a “leave of absence.” Of course I hadn’t planned to do this, but I knew exactly where this was going because I received a text message asking if they could proceed with hiring a new assistant, and telling me that I could come pick up my license.
Though I know they didn’t see my as the best stylist, I was an amazing assistant. I don’t hold any grudges towards my bosses, but I do wish I had felt more heard there (and I wish I didn’t spend $600 on shears I don’t currently use). That chapter is closed, though, and for good reason.
Soon after leaving the salon, I was offered a spot on the board of The Ladies’ Room. Of course I jumped at the opportunity, and things have been going great ever since!
April:
Aries season! I celebrated my 24th birthday, and took a trip down to Memphis, Tennessee.
May-June:
Nothing too exciting here. I focused on hobbies like painting, getting back into the gym and attending monthly TLR meetings.
July:
A family bus trip to the Sights & Sounds Theater in PA and enjoying the rest of the summer.
August:
A road trip to Deep Creek Lake, MD for my friend’s birthday; Celebrating TLR’s 1-year anniversary; Moving into my dorm for the start of grad school.
September-November:
Grad school consumed most of my time during these months. But the highlight? Launching my personal brand and website!
December:
This month, I underwent bariatric surgery (more on this another time).
Wrapping Up
I have no complaints about 2024. I truly believe that everything that happened this year was meant to happen, and I’m so excited to see what 2025 has in store. With focus and determination, I know I’ll make even more progress next year. It’s only up from here!
