2021 was definitely the most challenging year I’ve experienced in my adult life and 2021 was also the most rewarding year I’ve experienced in my adult life.
A Year in Review | 2021, Lessons Learned
This was the year when we were all now solidified in a. pandemic which forced us to change directions, pivot and “wheel and come again” as we say in Jamaica. Job security was a thing of the past, where I saw an entire industry/sector closing down where thousands of jobs lost and billions in revenue. The Tourism and Entertainment sector in Jamaica took a complete nose dive which accounts for a large portion of the country’s revenue. This was due to the “no movement days” and “tight curfews” as mandated by the government which was a way to slow the spread of COVID-19 cases on the Island. As a result, depression, suicide and unemployment was on the rise as with no money coming in many companies had to close their doors and send home their workers. I know many people who were affected in a negative way who were on the “up” before the pandemic who bought their first home, got a new car and took out several loans to fund a lifestyle they thought they deserved through working for years at a job they fought hard to find.
Personal + Career
As for me, my mental health was severely challenged as we were forced to take a 50% pay cut as soon as the pandemic hit and were forced back into office daily, even when the entire population were mandated to work from home. This job caused me to experience burnout twice and had several panic attacks which then led to anxiety. I got up and left during a Monday meeting and never looked back since then and a few other people who I was close with left soon after to chart their own path. This taught me to never remain in a job just because I need the money but to trust in God and my own abilities to provide for me. I went on to take on a few other jobs that just didn’t “feel right” because I wasn’t feeling right until I found something I was comfortable and happy in. In all of this, I always had money coming in and never had to “beg for bread” and looking back now I can say God has never left my side and with all the experiences, I learned to trust him more and have a closer relationship.
Side Hustle
In the business side of things. I was able to land a few amazing clients that I am able to help grow their brands. This taught me lessons in patience and faith as I had to deal with people with different personalities and beliefs from myself and I now had to be willing to put my feelings and beliefs aside to accommodate these individuals. It has been an amazing experience and I don’t take any of it for granted. My goal is to build out that business, get more clients and get a Graphics Designer + Virtual Assistant to help while I’m at work. This is a way I plan to make my money work for me.
Blogging
As it relates to the Blog, we are consistently growing and evolving and is in the ongoing process of re-branding. I was able to get Haute People back on the map and increase my Domain Authority and overall ranking on Google which is important with how the site will be displayed in search. Below are a few things I’ve accomplished with the Blog this year.
- 20 Sponsored Posts
- 3 Campaigns
- 2 International Video Interviews
- 2 International Magazine Features in Miami and New York
- 1 Invitation to Paris Fashion Week to interview a few designers
This is surprising as I have somewhat taken a break from the “front-facing” aspect of the Blog to focus on the Business aspect of things and to fix the overall look and feel of the site.
I hope to double this in 2022 and reach a wider audience by creating a strategy, focusing on retaining and building the brand and just going hard to accomplish all these goals.
Let me know in the comments how 2021 was for you and some of the lessons you learned.
#A Year in Review | 2021, Lessons Learned
#A Year in Review | 2021, Lessons Learned
#A Year in Review | 2021, Lessons Learned
#A Year in Review | 2021, Lessons Learned
#A Year in Review | 2021, Lessons Learned
#A Year in Review | 2021, Lessons Learned
