I can’t believe another year is coming to an end. It is true what they say, that time feels like it speeds up the older you get, I feel that’s definitely true for me. This year has flown by!

I feel like 2025 has been a really strange year business-wise. I’ve noticed a few key things that I’d like to share with you.

• People are starting to understand the importance of marketing, of having a plan and strategy, of SEO, of the strength of a great personal brand, of scroll-stopping visuals, and how all of these together can have a huge impact on your business.
• While people understand the importance of the above, many still haven’t reached the point of valuing investing money in these services, and have been hesitant to spend.
• Knowing that having a marketing plan is important is great, but it is so much more technical than what you see at first glance, and that’s why experts like me exist, because I invest the time and money in learning, training, on staying up to date with changes, so you don’t have to.
• Many are using AI tech with their marketing, which is a great tool, but absolutely not a replacement for an actual human creating content that connects, or designing on-brand visuals. I’ve seen some business owners think Chat GPT can write their social media content, blogs and newsletters, and then learn the hard way that AI cannot be a replacement for a marketing expert.

 

For me personally, 2025 has been a tough year for business financially, which has challenged me. Here is why.

🦄 I feel like my branding is as strong as it’s ever been – I walk into a room of strangers and introduce myself and people say, they have seen me, my business, or brand online and love it. I get lots of compliments on my branding, on my messaging and the positive vibes it makes people feel. 

🦄 I’ve also been invited to be a guest speaker at many events this year, both online and face to face, without actively seeking them out, they have come to me, which is awesome. I’ve also been a guest on several podcasts this year, which I love to do.

🦄 I feel I’ve been more consistent with my own content, marketing and even hired my own VA to support me. Along with investing the most I’ve ever invested in learning and development this year.

🦄 And, almost every client that enquiries with me this year, has been an ideal client. My branding and messaging is attracting the right people and filtering out the people who wouldn’t be the right fit, so I’m finding myself saying no a lot less.

So, you see, from a professional perspective, there are so many positives and things I’m doing right. However, this year has been the quietest year for attracting new clients, of converting and my finances are the lowest they’ve been since covid, which has felt a bit squeaky bum to be honest.

It’s given me confidence wobbles, made me doubt myself, made my motivation super low and made for a stressful year. However, when I see the results I’m getting my clients, when I read the feedback, I know I’m great at what I do and I fecking love it! So the doubt monster can get in the bin! I’ve spoken to many who have shared similar experiences, so I know I’m not alone. And I’ve ridden this rollercoaster for 6.5 years now, so I know there are downs, but it will go up again, it will get better, I’ve just got to keep riding as best I can.

Every now and then I think about getting ‘a job’ again and a safe salary, but it’s fleeting and the thought literally fills me with dread.

Not because I think having a job is bad, it’s not at all, and it’s a great fit for many, but for me, being my boss is my destiny, it’s what I was always meant to do. Why?

• It gives me complete freedom and flexibility over my time and how I spend it.
• It allows me to prioritise self care and my health over everything else.
• I get to work with amazing small business owners and help them achieve their dreams and be a part of that journey.
• I get to spend my day using my creative skills with designing on Canva, and writing, which I fecking love!
• I spend my time with amazing humans who are impact driven, who want to do good, who genuinely care and support each other.
• I get to dedicate time to volunteering for Oakhaven Hospice and give back.
• I can show up unapologetically and impactuflly how the fuck I want!

So yes, running a business is hard, and 2025 has been particularly tough, but it’s worth every struggle, every second, every moment of doubt, for what it gives me in return.

I’m optimistic for 2026, but now, ready for my festive break – 4 weeks off baby, starting the 5th December.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!|

 

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