This picture makes me feel like The Birthday Fairy.
I’m usually late to the year-end recap game—I’m oddly superstitious about talking about the year before it’s fully over. But now that the year is closed out, here’s a look back at 2014: the highs, the lows, your favorite posts, and a peek at what I’m planning for 2015.
Most Popular Posts of 2014
(Based on Instagram, Pinterest and Google Analytics—an unscientific but heartfelt mash-up of favorites.)
DIY Fruit Slice Umbrellas / DIY Emoji Balloons
DIY Strawberry Costume / Pre-gaming With Pastries
DIY Clock Balloons / Popsicle Cakes
DIY Donut Hat / DIY Taco Piñata
DIY Conversation Heart Balloons / Striped Donuts
Did any of those catch your eye? I personally loved the emoji balloons and the taco piñata—so fun and satisfying to make.
Read on for a more in-depth look at my year and some goals for 2015.
And a Few More Things
After sharing my health journey in early 2014, I was relieved that this year was less turbulent medically. Still, routine visits and MRIs remain part of my normal, and I’m grateful that 2014’s medical needs didn’t dominate the year. Instead, the year brought a mix of big wins and real stresses I want to be honest about here. I aim to keep this space upbeat, but I also want to acknowledge the work and strain behind the scenes—especially with topics like blogger burnout getting attention this year.
Shoot Day vs. Real Day. Reality, right?
2014 threw a lot my way. I planned a wedding while running a business that grew faster than I could manage. The wedding was incredible—exactly what I’d dreamed of—and I’m so grateful for that day. But the planning, decisions, arguments and expense around it made large parts of 2014 stressful. I’ll share a full wedding recap soon, but suffice it to say the lead-up drained me.
I caught myself a good one.
Running a blog and a small business isn’t passive income or an instant success story. I work hard for every post and every dollar—perfectionism and long hours were my reality in 2014. There were periods of burnout, but there were also meaningful returns on that investment. I passed my third blogging anniversary in November and seeing the brand grow made the effort worthwhile.
The wind is my enemy.
A few major positives stand out from 2014. I signed a lease for my first studio in downtown LA—a thrilling, slightly terrifying step that enabled bigger, more polished shoots and gave me a proper place to work. I also hired my first employees, which has been an intense but rewarding process in learning to delegate and build a team. Finding helpful, talented people made growing the brand possible and is something I’ll continue developing in 2015.
This year I also partnered with brands I admire: Balloon Time, Target, The Today Show, Kate Spade Saturday and ban.do, among others. Beyond blog posts, I designed a window display, curated an Etsy pop-up at West Elm, hosted events, experimented with video, took over Lowe’s Instagram and organized a colorful scavenger hunt at The Saguaro. Each opportunity helped expand Studio DIY beyond a simple blog into a creative brand with multiple outlets.
One of the most rewarding parts of 2014 was seeing your projects. The #troopstudiodiy hashtag filled me with joy—seeing your versions of tutorials was a highlight. #studiodiyincostume, where hundreds of you used my costume tutorials for Halloween, was especially thrilling. Instagram became an important community space where we could share ideas, swaps and inspiration daily. Thank you to everyone who joined in.
Note to self: don’t scrape your nail along a wall when trying to look cute.
What to Expect in 2015
I have big plans for 2015. While everything isn’t finalized, these are the guiding goals I’m working toward for both the blog and my personal life.
1. Diversify content: Studio DIY’s signature is a colorful, playful aesthetic. In 2015 I want to broaden that into fashion, beauty, food, travel and more—keeping the same spirit while exploring new formats. A reader survey will help shape this direction.
2. Refine the brand: I’ll make small site improvements and craft a clearer mission statement to tighten the brand’s identity and present a more consistent experience.
3. Grow beyond the blog: Blogs will remain important, but I’m exploring other branches—workshops, products and experiences that extend Studio DIY’s reach.
4. Let go of negativity: I spent time this year upset about stolen photos and missed opportunities. In 2015 I’m intentionally focusing on the positive and moving past distractions.
5. Host workshops: I want to use the studio more for in-person workshops and events—especially for friends and followers in Southern California.
6. Increase efficiency and grow the team: I plan to hire thoughtfully so I can focus on strengths while others handle what I don’t enjoy. The blog must stay in my voice, but a stronger team will help amplify it and improve consistency.
7. Take better care of myself: Small changes in 2014—dressing up more, wearing makeup—made a big difference. In 2015 I’ll invest more in my overall health: skin, dental care, and fitness.
8. Give back: I want to reconnect with philanthropy and find meaningful ways to give back both personally and professionally.
9. Listen and implement feedback: You gave great input in past surveys; I’m committed to actually implementing more of your suggestions this year—including finishing a post about my background that’s been waiting in drafts for months.
10. Family, friends and hobbies: With the wedding behind us, I want to prioritize time with loved ones and plan destination meet-ups. I’m also dreaming of re-learning an instrument or taking dance classes so music and movement remain part of family life.
Lucky for me, Hollywood sees stranger things.
Six days into 2015, things feel both uncertain and full of possibility. Jeff and I hope to explore homeownership and starting a family—two major life steps that are exciting and a little out of our control. Professionally, there are larger projects I want to tackle to help Studio DIY grow in the ways I envision. Control-loving people like me can find uncertainty stressful, but I’m ready for what this year may bring and excited to face it head-on.
If you made it this far, I owe you a donut. What are your goals, hopes or dreams for 2015?