Looking Back… And Also Ahead
Hello, Dear Reader!
As I mentioned in my previous blog post, the end of the year has rolled around along with the annual email from Squarespace reminding me of the upcoming renewal of the CandiceSays.com website and domain. Just as I had hoped, I was not filled with the disappointment I’d experienced in years passed and instead, I’m proud to have made good use of CandiceSays.com this year.
My intentions for the website were to give my fledgling small cosmetology business an online presence and to keep you updated on my personal growth and adventures. While CandiceSays.com didn’t see much blogging action this year I’m happy to report that it’s been a great home for updates on my cosmetology business. By the way, I recently decided to rebrand - RIP to Candy Crush Hair and welcome to Candy’s Self-Care Club! I’m working on a new logo and I’ll be making some updates around here soon, so stay tuned!
A highlight reel
2023 sure was a wild ride - and it’s not even over yet! There certainly were many ups and downs to navigate but in the spirit of ending the year on a positive note, here are some of the highest highs (in no particular order):
Bagel and I finally purchased a home.
I officially joined the cosmetology industry by way of two amazing hair homes. I joined Creature Of Habit Hair Studio working behind the chair part-time, and I’m chasing my dream of becoming a cutting and curly cutting specialist through the advanced technical haircutting apprenticeship program at BEX Salon where I assist full-time.
My parents were able to come out and visit us for the first time ever this summer.
I’ve made a few new wonderful treasured friendships this year.
I’ve met many amazing clients who I’ve been able to share authentic and meaningful connections with.
My “why” in terms of this career has become much clearer and, for the first time in a very long time, I genuinely enjoy the work I get to do.
what’s Next?
Aside from necessary practical goals like working towards a better life/work balance, drinking more water, exercising more, and taking better care of my physical and mental health in 2024, I hope to be able to spend more quality time with Bagel and Delilah Moon doing more of what brings us joy, and what brings us closer together.
I’d love to travel more this coming year, starting with a long overdue trip to South Africa in March to spend time with our family.
I’m excited to continue building my skills behind the chair and to keep evolving into a better stylist for my lovely clients.
I’d love to learn more creative skills and crafts like knitting, watercolor painting, or drawing - if you’re a pro at any of these and would be open to teaching me, please reach out! It would also be lovely to just spend more time reading for pleasure.
With any luck, a better life/work balance might allow more time for blogging here. In which case, I’d love to know what you’d be keen to read about - feel free to send questions/thoughts/feelings/suggestions to hellocandicesays@gmail.com, I’d love to hear from you!
That’s all for now - I’ll leave you to enjoy the last few days of 2023. Rest, relax, set your intentions for the new year, and manifest everything of the best for yourself and your loved ones; that’s what I’ll be doing!
Thank you for being a reader of this blog and a friend to this site. Stay safe and take care.
C
xo
