Hey babes!
Just wanted to do a quick life update. SO, I have more on my plate than ever before.
When I first moved to OKC, moved in with Deven, launched SBA… Life was SUPER slow. I was nannying and building my blog. Pretty simple. Loving on my pup and boyfriend in between 🙂
But now, having bought a house, with the reno being in full swing and wrapping up, LSAT classes in full swing, a consulting business keeping me CRAZY busy, PLUS the blog, PLUS a state-wide teacher strike going on DOWN THE STREET from me! Geeze!
In my first year of blogging I:
- LAUNCHED
- Hosted my first event
- Got my first press pass
- Made a profit!
- Was able to quit my fulltime job
- Started receiving product from brands
- More than quadrupled my Instagram following
- Become a brand ambassador for the first (and second!) time
- Attended meetings at the Capitol
- Got my IDI qualification to speak on racial relations
- Got to meet Barbara Boxer
- Hired interns
- Hired a lawyer
- Had my first contracts drawn up
- Signed my first clients, and many others!
- Traveled a ton (Paris, Charleston, Rehobeth, Chicago/ South Bend IN, DC, Baltimore, Dallas, and New York)
I couldn’t be prouder of this list. I feel like I accomplished more in a year than I ever dreamed. In the moment though, it ALWAYS felt super slow and like I was stagnant, not moving along at ALL! So funny looking back at that because it’s how I feel today as well.
I have always been someone who has a mile-long bucket list, a million things I would like to accomplish before it’s all said and done. It can make it hard because I also feel like baby steps are what it takes to actually make big things happen… What’s that saying? “How do you eat an elephant? Bite by bite.” That’s how it felt in the moment.
SO my message to all of you babes today, is that your small steps will all add up. And there is NO SHAME in taking a moment to be proud of your hard work. Celebrate your big moments and little ones too. Embrace the slow, embrace the set-backs. Embrace failure and embarrassment – they meant you’re trying! And you will never get ANYWHERE without taking that first step – without trying.
So what’s next on the SBA menu? Well let me update you!
I can tell you this: it will be a lot! Here’s a sneak peak:
- Launching merchandise
- Potentially rebranding
- Starting to create more video content (think video interviews, deep dives into specific issues, etc.)
- Hosting large-scale events and maybe even creating a “membership” where you can attend all events for free and grow in a community of other young, motivated women.
So there’s a little life update for ya! Even though my life has gotten faster, busier than ever, I try to still make time for myself to take deep breaths, work in my garden, play with my boys, look at the long-term vision for my work, and above all, be grateful!
XX,
Antigone
Mary Lou Stone says
I am so very proud of you, Annie! Wow, what energy! Your Nana is smiling down from
heaven loving all you have accomplished.
Cannot wait to come and visit you in your wonderful new home.
So happy for you.
I am EXCITED for you!
Much Love, Mary Lou
sugarfreemedia.co says
WE cant wait to host you!!! One more week until our renovation is done. I truly believe she is here with me every day and that she brought Deven into my life 🙂 He’s the best thing to ever happen to me.
Sarah says
Congrats on how far you’ve come. You are doing an awesome job and set a great example for others.
sugarfreemedia.co says
Sarah! You just absolutely made my month. Thank you so much!! Checking out your site now!! So much love, Antigone <3
Laia says
I am loving all the positive energy!! Annie seriously SO proud of you! Also veryyyy motivating!! Cannot wait to see what this year brings!! XxXx