WOW! That's the first word that comes to mind when I look back on what a whirlwind 2022 was. I swear we were just watching the Walleye drop, ringing in 2022. We blink and suddenly it's 2023.
2022 was a year of many things: reflection, growth, struggle, education and determination. In 2022, I celebrated 20 years since graduating since high school. If you asked me back then what my life would look like, in no way would I have pictured what it is now. I'm thankful those dreams I had then came true in a totally different way.
2022 wasn't without struggle. Operating out of such an old facility has definitely been a learning curve. The storm Christmas weekend made the end of the year rather hard and we are still trying to get things back order. We appreciate your patience as we restock and reorganize.
As I reflect back on 2022, I celebrate the growth ISFH has had. This year, we held 47 candle parties and I made candles with 480 people. We held events at Gideon Owen and Bowling Green State University. We partnered with our friends at Earthspice, Port Clinton Candy Co., Lakelynn Littles & Home, Shi Bellas and Sweet Pea Flower Truck. We met people from all over the country.
This past year, we hired our first staff, which has been an adventure to say the least. Maybe it shouldn't be this way, but my workers are family to me. I feel blessed to have found such hardworking, fun girls to run the store when I'm off working my not-so-fun 9-5 day job during the week. I really couldn't do it without them, especially Alliyah. She fills such a gap we needed. We will lose her in the fall when she goes off to college, but my door will always be open for her to come back. She truly feels like she's my kid and I love her as if she really is...
2023 is going to be a big year. I have committed myself to releasing four new items to our product line. My goal is one each quarter so keep yours eyes peeled. I've also set high goals for doing candle parties as well and I hope all of you reading are able to help me fulfill that goal. It will also be a big year personally. This spring, I will graduate with my bachelors. It only took me 16 years longer than the average person, but great things take time. I also turn 40 at the end of the year, so if you see me looking a little ragged, no you didn't.
New years are a time of setting intentions. A few weeks ago, for the first time ever, I sat down and truly thought about what I wanted my year to look like. And then, I committed it to paper. Some goals will be simple (drink more water), while others will be difficult (make myself a priority). My advice to you is this: if you truly wanted to, you would. Don't be your own road block. Be a stepping stone.
Cheers to 2023!
Sending love & light,
Julia