as 2011 comes to a close and a new year begins, i have so much to reflect upon with positiveness and thanks. this was an incredible year for me – full of momentous occasions, milestones and celebrating. sure it had it’s bumps, but what year doesn’t? this time last year i was struggling to find stability and joy in the day-to-day. tyler was still searching for stable work, finances were painfully tight, personal struggles were looming, all with no real end in sight. we spent a quiet new years eve and, with one last bout of hope, clinked glasses at midnight and proclaimed that, some way or another, this would be “our year.”
within a few short months he got a job at salsa labs in DC, received 2 promotions within 6 months and is going into the new year as their operations manager. life has found stability and a huge weight was lifted off of our shoulders.
with a few lucky and thought-out business decisions, jerseymaids took a turn for the better and by july i was able to leave my job as gallery director at mcguire fine arts. it was a bittersweet decision, but upon reflection it couldn’t have been at a better time. the months that followed were full of overwhelmingly successful shows, travel, amazing customers, fresh products, experiences, and a new-found balance in my personal life.. i had the most successful holiday season my business (and i) could have ever dreamed of. jerseymaids gets to walk into 2012 with big plans and it’s head held high!
a few other exciting honorable mentions in my year include the features in the NPR photo blog and the legendary paul giambarba’s blog. i hooked up with a great wedding website who did a feature of my work! we trekked out to chicago for the renegade craft fair (which was a blast), did artscape for the first time, and finally got the vacation we had been waiting for.
and lastly, but most importantly, tyler asked me to marry him on that trip! so along with all the normal fun that the new year will hold, we’ll be planning a wedding as well :)
i thank you all for an absolutely incredible year. the new friends and the old, the customers who helped me achieve my dreams, my family and, of course, tyler. the love of my life, the supporter of all i aim to try, my partner on good days and bad and my very best friend. bring it on, 2012!
