2024 waltzed in with a whirlwind of changes that tossed me right out of my cozy bubble!
I bid adieu to a job that was like a bad relationship—great on paper but oh-so-toxic! Then, I took a leap of faith and said yes to my now fiancé, trading in my solo adventures for coupledom. I was perfectly happy living life on my own terms, but oh boy, did he shake things up! And the cherry on top? I decided to dive into the wild world of entrepreneurship! At first, I felt like a lost puppy with all these life-shaking changes. I second-guessed everything, nervously peeking into the uncertain future like it was a horror movie!
Like any good God-fearing person, I shot my worries skyward in a heartfelt prayer. And let me tell you, the Big Guy upstairs wasted zero time! Just weeks after sending up my requests, I snagged a remote gig with a fantastic company (even if it pays a smidge less), sorted my living situation crashing at my son’s place in sunny Florida (with my fiancé deciding to join the sunshine squad in the near future), and I even had a registered business in my back pocket! Talk about a glow-up for the future!
With every twist and turn, I found myself discovering new strengths I never knew I had. As the year unfolded, I realized that change, though daunting, was the very thing I needed to grow. Each challenge was an opportunity to learn and adapt, and slowly, the fear of the unknown began to transform into excitement. My love for adventure spilled over into my entrepreneurial journey, infusing it with a sense of curiosity and creativity.
I dove into the fun task of business registration, eyeing all those companies promising to sprinkle magic on your startup dreams if you pay up. So many options! I always say do your homework and find what suits your vibe. Thankfully, my brilliant daughter-in-law Tina, who’s knee-deep in business studies, and my son Victor jumped on board to help with LGLH Bags. They even roped in their pals Bryant and Suh, website wizards extraordinaire! Together, we’ve been piecing together this dream one step at a time.
We kicked off the business in November, not looking back! With our motto “Stay Positive, Keep Moving Forward,” we hit the ground running and made some solid sales that month. In December, we showcased our goodies at our very first vendor event in Lakeland, and as we close out the year, we’re buzzing with excitement for what 2025 has in store!
I‘ve reflected on the whirlwind that was 2024. Sometimes, stepping out of our comfort zones leads to the most rewarding experiences. Embracing change, I found, was not just about surviving the storm but dancing in the rain and enjoying every drop along the way. Here’s to a future filled with more unexpected twists, new beginnings, and endless possibilities!
So, my dear reader, buckle up; there are tons of thrilling adventures ahead, and I hope you’ll join us on this wild ride!
By Liz Pimentel Cruz