Reflect and Grow: May
That’s a wrap on Quarter Two, folks!
It’s kinda wild to think we’re already halfway through the year. These past six months have been long, full, and honestly, pretty exciting. Since we’re closing out another month, I want to take a moment to reflect and share a few key highlights from May, both the lessons and the wins.
Points of Reflection
I’m still deep in work on my current client project, which is set to wrap next month. This opportunity has really stretched me, in all the best ways, and it’s prompted me to shift the focus of my business (which I teased in the first post of this month).
This is my first major client project, and it’s pushed me to create new systems like service agreements, quote sheets, and other “official” business documents. It’s giving “grown business energy”, and I love that for me.
That said, client work isn’t without its challenges. There was a moment this month when my client asked about adding a feature I couldn’t deliver. My immediate fear? Losing the client. But after a few emails, I suggested we hop on Zoom to talk things through — and that made all the difference. What felt like a potential deal-breaker wasn’t even a real issue for her. In fact, once we reviewed the progress and revisions, she was excited. Huge sigh of relief.
Moral of the story: sometimes you just have to talk it out.
Points of Growth
One thing I’m really proud of this month is finishing my Entrepreneurial Studies certification course. Was it required? Nope. But it was something I committed to and saw through to the end. I walked away with a deeper understanding of what it means to run and grow a business sustainably.
Another exciting update: I was accepted into the Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship through the Arizona Coalition for Change! This fellowship focuses on learning how to navigate government procurement and contracts. While my business is rooted in custom notebooks and journals, this program is opening my eyes to new ways I can expand and offer my services, especially in custom product design and potentially beyond.
In Conclusion
May was the first month this year that didn’t fly by. I felt every single day, and honestly, I’m grateful for that.
As we move into summer and the second half of the year, I’m setting my sights on securing at least two more client projects. I’m hopeful the fellowship will lead to new connections and opportunities. I’m also dreaming up ways to scale Annie Sharae Creations to include instructional design work, but I’ll save those details for next week’s post. Here’s to learning, stretching, and stepping into something new.
Til next time!