I seriously can’t believe that as I sit here and write this that 2017 is coming to an end. Each year seems to fly by faster and faster. It really is crazy!
FYI- I am writing this post more for myself than anything, because I never want to forget all that this year brought to my business. I think it is good to document these kinds of things each year!
This is also for anyone who owns their own business, because…I get you! I know the hard work and long hours you put in. Sometimes it’s all worth it, and other times it seems like a waste. Be encouraged to stick it out, stay true to yourself and keep chasing your dreams!
So, here you have it. My 2017 year in review!
In January of 2017 I started selling my Lazy Susan’s. You better believe I never imagined just how many I would make this year. I honestly lost count between the stores and online orders, but I am SO thankful that people love them as much as I do!
This was the picture that started it all…
I also launched my website/blog in January of 2017! I created the whole thing myself, and BOY was it a labor of love! One that I would probably hire out from now on. Haha! It was so worth it though, because it has been a dream of mine for a while to have a blog to go alongside my business. 
It’s been a learning curve to say the least, but when I look at the growth I have experienced already…it makes me super excited to see how far I can go in 2018 with this little blog of mine!
I also started offering Interior Styling services in February of this year. That has been such a fun adventure, and one that I definitely plan on continuing with in 2018. 
We can’t forget painting furniture, being a retailer for Blackberry House paint, making other home décor items and hiring my first person to help me! And then an additional helper around the holidays. Thank you, Cara and Kristan! Couldn’t have survived this year without you both!
Flash forward after some crazy and busy months doing all the things above, and I joined Jennifer Allwood’s inner circle in August. Then, kicked myself for not making this move sooner. Wow! The way it has changed my business is incredible. She is amazing and if you own a business, you should definitely follow her and consider joining her group!
You can read about it and join here!
Because of this group, I grew my FB page by 4,000 people in 4 months. (Hit 10,000 in December!) My IG by over 1,000 and my page views on my website have doubled. Not only that, I had the confidence to launch my first paid course…which was my Happy holiday Home course. Bringing in just over 70 members!
That was an amazing experience for me, and I am now in the process of launching my next paid course for January!
I have also met so many other amazing business owners because of this group, and even attended Christy Wright’s business boutique in Nashville and got to meet Jennifer Allwood and several of the other inner circle girls! A highlight of my professional year, HANDS DOWN!
I now know that investing in my business with training and coaching is FUNDAMENTAL for growth. No more trying to figure it all out on my own now! I’ve got my people, and I’m so thankful for that!
Another fun highlight was that I had my first big Viral pin on Pinterest. No idea how or why this one went nuts. If I knew, I would make it happen another 100 times 🙂 But, this little laundry room makeover of mine has now been pinned over 114,000 times!!!
Again, I really write this mostly for my own record and memory. Not to brag or toot my own horn. But, to also give anyone encouragement that might be doing this small business thing too. I have been in business for 5 years and JUST THIS YEAR feel like I have really hit my groove.
I have found my place and who I am as a business owner, and I am making plans and making progress daily. It has been a wild ride to get here, and I wouldn’t change the path one bit.
Now, here we are. Rolling right into 2018. I’m making plans and excited for those plans. I love the fact that in 2017 I had a bunch of things happen that I didn’t plan for or expect. It makes me wonder what surprises 2018 will bring?!
This is just the business end of things. My family and I have had a wonderful 2017 as well. I am so blessed with 2 healthy boys and an amazing and supportive husband. He does all my crazy projects with a smile (most of the time) on his face! There were some health ups and downs and the normal craziness of family life…but overall…I seriously can’t complain. I couldn’t do it without them and I am counting my blessings for sure!
Cheers to a 2018 to remember as well. Happy New Years Everyone!
~ Stacey
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