"If my heart isn’t fully in something, it’s as good as dead. Passion isn’t just a luxury; it’s a lifeline."

2024 has been a year that pushed me to my limits in every way imaginable. As an entrepreneur, it was a year of facing harsh truths, dismantling old patterns, and walking the tightrope of doubt and resilience. The challenges were many, and there were moments I seriously questioned if I was doing anything right. At one point, I even contemplated ending Applesauce and Crackers, my lifestyle brand. The weight of imposter syndrome pressed heavy on my chest, convincing me that maybe I wasn’t capable of solving problems creatively anymore.

Losing a grandparent added another layer of difficulty, reintroducing me to grief yet again. Balancing that pain while trying to build a life, a brand, and a future felt overwhelming at times. I had to confront mental and spiritual blocks that were quietly holding me back—patterns that needed breaking if I ever wanted to move forward. It’s been messy, painful work, but necessary.

Still, amidst the chaos, there were signs of progress. Early in the year, I got a job as a ramp agent for American Airlines. It’s not the glamorous position some might expect, but it’s one that has given me a surprising gift: freedom. The ability to travel anywhere has opened doors to connections and experiences I never would have imagined. Whether it’s flying to NYC for lunch and a brainstorming session or catching up with creatives in different cities, this job has been a lifeline to growth—both personal and professional.

Through it all, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that if my heart isn’t fully in something, it’s as good as dead. Passion isn’t just a luxury; it’s a lifeline. Every task I take on, every project I pursue, needs to have that fire behind it, or it’s not worth my time. And while this year has tested my limits, it’s also shown me that I’m capable of rebuilding when things fall apart.

So here’s to 2024: a year of breaking, rebuilding, grieving, and growing. It wasn’t pretty, but it was real. And for that, I’m grateful.