What can I say about 2025? I kept saying to myself, what did I do all year? Well, I was President of the Atlanta Chapter of RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) which turned out to be a part time job in itself. A lot of networking, setting up live workshops and Zoom calls with speakers. Keeping the Board of Directors on track with our objectives for the year and navigating all of the paperwork a non-profit requires. Phew!

Besides worrying about the economy like everyone else was, I took a lot of webinar classes, went to a Staging convention in Las Vegas, researched trends, learned all about AI and put it into practice, and went to showhouses for inspiration. All of the things required of me, but I also just tried to slow down and enjoy life, walking my dog, trying out new recipes and listening to music on my record player.

I also leaned into making things again with my hands. I got away from posting my DIY’s because they usually took so much time that I couldn’t post the final result when I wanted to and it would throw my whole blog calendar off. But I discovered that I lost a little bit of joy with not doing them.

During the year I also got back into crocheting and sewing more which I really missed. Making things with my hands soothes me and is good for the soul. The other day, my mother came over and I was crocheting a hat as we talked. By the end of the evening, it was finished and I could put it on my head. Such gratification.

Staging, not so much this year and I don’t know what the future holds. I still love going into a home and working with realtors to make the house look it’s best to sell quickly, but I also love to make art, pillows and other accessories that will make the house one of a kind. I also love interior design jobs and renovations. Being a multi-passionate person can be so exhausting sometimes.

So 2026 is going to look quite different from the years before. Here’s Part 1 of 2025. I call it the “Year of Wondering”.

The year started off with a bang and a big snowstorm.

Black History Month with my Mom who organizes events every February for her Independent Living community.

Ain’t too proud to dumpster dive.

Finished this little chair. Isn’t it adorable?

Antiquing and Thrifting – two of my favorite things to do in the world.

Ain’t too proud to pick up something from the side of the ride either.

The final product.

Playing around with a new business card design.

Trying new coffee shops.

I belong to a women’s group called Grameen who elevate women entrepreneurs through giving micro-loans to help sustain their businesses. Give me a shout out if you want more information. Here’s a vendor market sponsored by them. I tried making some new items this year; oven mitts, potholders and aprons.

My Real Estate Staging Association Mug Rugs.

See how I embroidered RESA at the top left? I was so proud of myself.

Me with the so talented Amber Guyton, with @blessedlittlebungalow,  at our RESA Monthly Chapter meeting. Love her!

Another picture of our group at the meeting.

One of my favorite places in Atlanta, Ponce City Market.

Anthropologie is always the best place to shop for gifts.

I always like to support The Village Retail on the second floor.

The Love of My Life – Daisy Domague Waller-Wells (Domi).

It was a very strange year of reassessing my life and my business. A lot of resting and restoring and emotional ups and downs. I was wondering what I was really passionate about and trying to figure out a way to do that and prosper. Things are still in flux, but I’m making my way through the tunnel and can sort of see the light at the end of it.

All I can say now is bring on 2026!