So what has this year got in store for me?

I saw a tik-tok the other day, and it was a group of friends just about to celebrate new years eve 2020, and then they jumped, and it was new years eve 2022 … that's kind of how I feel? Anyone else? 

On the first day of 2020, I was pumped, ready and excited to grow my business. I spent the next few months busy planning for the year. I organised shows and fun festivals like Kaslo Jazz festival and Whistler Beer Festival, started making lots of stock and got the business ready for the coming year. I was ready and excited... 

… And now it's January 2022, and I am back searching into which events I would like to apply for this year and looking through all my old research on different shows and festivals, and I didn't get a chance to do any of them. It's a weird feeling.

It's crazy how much has changed since then, but going back to some of these websites, some still say on their homepages, 'Sorry we have to cancel the 2020 show, we will be back soon, and that's it. So much has happened since then, but also everything has stayed the same. It's 2022, and I am still wondering whether any of these events I am applying for will even go ahead.

For me, the worst part of 2020 was facing the fact that all the plans I had made were being trashed, and it had nothing to do with me, and no matter how hard I worked or tried, I couldn't change it. I have always believed that if you work at something, you will get it, and you can get anything if you try hard enough. I have taken that attitude into my business, so I struggled when things were suddenly out of my control. 

When all my big shows and festivals (basically my whole income) got cancelled, I had to pivot and find a new direction and work on an entirely new business plan. It was hard, but once I had accepted that, I could then focus on what can I do? 

I have worked so hard and learned so much over the past two years. I am so happy with the new website, the new ego back panel art, the new spirit collection, and the direction I am taking the business. I have gained a lot of confidence, and my product has grown so much over the past year, but I now know not to take anything for granted and be ready to pivot! You never know what is going to happen.

Anyway, it is 2022, and I am again applying for shows that might not even go ahead, but no matter what happens this year, I am very excited and positive about the direction I am taking the business in and if anything, the last two years has taught me that I can pivot.

Have fun, and remember you might have to work harder at life at times, but it's worth it.