Reflect and Grow: November
Happy Friday, everyone! If you’re in the United States, you might still be easing your way out of yesterday’s food coma. Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, I think it’s finally fair to admit that this year really did fly by (even though I’ve been saying that since March!). With Q1 of 2026 right around the corner, today feels like the perfect moment to pause, reflect on these past four quarters, and share a few of the experiences I’m most grateful for along my entrepreneurial journey.
Reflecting on 2025 Highlights
One of the most meaningful highlights of this year has been starting this blog. Writing has always been a creative refuge for me, something I’ve treasured since childhood. As I got older, life pulled me away from it more than I ever intended. This blog became my route back, not just to writing, but to that younger version of me who dreamed boldly, experimented freely, and believed she could build something from scratch. In the same way launching my business rekindled my entrepreneurial spark, this blog gave me space to tell the story of what entrepreneurship looks like month by month, the busy seasons, the quieter stretches, and the unexpected lessons hidden in both.
Another major highlight has been the shift in the direction of my business. Pivoting my structure from a notebook vendor to a notebook design service was not something I predicted at the start of the year, and it has stretched me in all the best ways. Branding Annie Sharae Creations around service rather than product opened doors I hadn’t imagined, especially in the world of procurement. This year, I began learning the landscape of contracts across different government entities. While I haven’t submitted a procurement proposal yet, I am actively preparing to do so, and my goal is to secure my first one by the end of 2026.
And of course, one of my proudest highlights has been the opportunity to create custom notebooks for clients who trusted me to bring their vision to life. I am deeply grateful to the two entrepreneurs who allowed me not only to design something that represents their brands but also to share a part of their stories. Those collaborations pushed me to refine my process, expand my skill set, and truly step into the identity of a business owner.
Opportunities for Growth
With the final month of the year approaching, I’ve already begun planning my 2026 business goals and milestones (and yes, I’ll be taking you along that journey next month). One of the biggest areas I’m focusing on is marketing. Earlier blog posts hinted at this, and while I’ve made progress, the shift to a service-based model has shown me how much more there is to learn. There is a significant opportunity for growth here, not just in promoting what Annie Sharae Creations offers, but in communicating the value, transformation, and creativity behind that offer.
Wrap-Up
This year surprised me in ways I never saw coming. I tackled challenges I didn’t plan for, made strategic decisions I couldn’t have predicted, and discovered passions I didn’t know were waiting for me. And through every twist and turn, I’ve grown — personally, creatively, and professionally.
Thank you for being here, for reading, and for being part of this evolving adventure. Here’s to reflection, refinement, and all the new beginnings waiting on the other side of December.
Cheers to more business ventures, lessons, and celebrations!
