If the 2025 Yearly Recap Part 1 was about doing, Part 2 is about becoming. This was the year I slowed down just enough to actually notice what I’m drawn to—and, maybe more importantly, what I’m not.

Thrifting & Antiquing: The Thrill of the Hunt

There’s something deeply satisfying about finding a piece with a past. In 2025, thrifting and antiquing became less about filling space and more about curation. I wasn’t just buying things—I was training my eye, trusting my gut, and letting myself fall in love with imperfect, one-of-a-kind pieces. It reminded me why I fell in love with design in the first place: good things don’t need to be new, they need to be meaningful.

Sewing More (and Actually Enjoying It)

Sewing made a quiet comeback in my life this year, and honestly? It felt grounding. In a world of instant gratification, sewing forces patience. Measuring, cutting, ripping seams (humbling), and trying again. There’s something powerful about creating something with your hands and no algorithm involved. It wasn’t about perfection—it was about process. And that mindset bled into other areas of my life in the best way.

Networking With Intention

This year, networking stopped being about collecting contacts and started being about building real connections. I showed up differently—more curious, more selective, and more aligned. Fewer “yeses,” better conversations. The kind where you leave energized instead of drained. It reinforced the idea that the right people don’t just open doors—they help you see possibilities you hadn’t considered yet.

Rethinking the Direction of My Business

This was the big one. 2025 was the year I asked myself some uncomfortable but necessary questions:

• What do I actually want to be known for?
• What parts of my work light me up—and which ones feel heavy?
• Am I building a business that supports my life, or a life that’s constantly adjusting to my business?

I didn’t land on all the answers (and that’s okay), but I did give myself permission to explore. To pivot slowly. To imagine a version of my business that feels more intentional, more creative, and more me. Less hustle-for-hustle’s-sake. More depth, craftsmanship, and joy.

Here are just some of the things……

I designed brand logo/colors quilted bags for a colleague of mine. Picking out fabrics (in their brand colors) is one of my favorite things to do.

Here is the finished product. She absolutely loved it!

After making things for everybody else, I totally forgot about myself. Here is my bag; the process and the finished product.

I went to the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) conference in July and had such a great time networking with fellow real stagers and designers. It was in Vegas, so I can’t say too much. You know why.

Staging superstars.

While I was there, I got so much design inspiration from the hotels.

Celebrated my birthday.

Scotts Antique Market is one of my favorite places to thrift and vintage shop.

Going to Scotts Antique with the Atlanta Chapter of RESA.

Furnished with Love is an organization that helps homeless women find housing and then they furnish their house with all donations of materials, furniture and labor. Such a worthwhile organization and I love to volunteer my time and labor for such a worthy organization.

Networking with fellow women entrepreneurs is always a priority.

Krisztina Bell who owns No Vacancy Home Staging is a pioneer in the Atlanta Staging scene and she never ceases to amaze me with her knowledge on design and real estate staging. She also plans monthly luncheons for women entrepreneurs.

The 2025 Serenbe Showhouse is a yearly event for me. If you’ve never heard of it, please check out my blog post for an in-depth look.

Luncheon after the Serenbe Showhouse with Tinker and Ty.

Check out my Fall Decor. Fall is my favorite time of the year because of the weather and the colors are all of the ones that I love.

Halloween in my neighborhood is just the best.

The Chastain Arts Festival is one of my favorite art festivals in Atlanta.

The best dog in the world (for me). She’s a little crazy, goofy and so funny. Just like me. Here she is with her Christmas stocking.

I’ve been trying to get better at photography and trees are my favorite things to photograph.

Walks with my dog every morning is the highlight of my day. Don’t even ask why she has grass in her collar.

Mama and baby deer in the woods.

I’m committed to more DIY’s in 2026 and here are a couple of things I picked up on my daily walks. Stay tuned for the finished products.

Custom work is also a favorite of mine. Check out the Harry Potter pillow I made for a customer.

Potholders.

This is my room of shame. It turned into a storage room and I’m working on making it a cozy home office so I can get off of the dining room table. Stay tuned.

Part 2 wasn’t flashy—but it was foundational. It was about reconnecting with what matters, trusting my instincts, and laying the groundwork for whatever comes next. And if 2026 builds on this energy? I’m more than ready.

See ya next time.