Every year when I sit down to write this, I reread the ones from years past — and every time, I’m amazed at how much can shift in twelve short months. Growth, change, gratitude… they’ve all shown up in ways I couldn’t have planned, but I’m thankful for every bit of it.
This year has stretched me in ways I never expected — personally and professionally — and through it all, I’ve been surrounded by the most incredible team.
I’m endlessly grateful for Ashtyn, who stood beside me for nine years — through blood, sweat, and literal tears. Her creativity, loyalty, and leadership helped shape Elizabeth Erin Designs into what it is today. KayAnna, who joined us back when we had our storefront and stayed through every season (even after moving to Missouri for college!), brought her light and determination to everything she touched. From working virtually to attending networking events in a new state — she went above and beyond in ways that still amaze me.
Haylee, newly married and already crushing it, has taken on huge projects like the Alair Homes Show Home and the Tour of Remodeled Homes with such heart and dedication. Watching her balance it all with grace makes me proud beyond words.
Deb, our part-time procurement powerhouse, went full throttle this year — juggling Florida installations, solving sourcing hiccups, and keeping every last detail on track. She’s proof that “part-time” can still mean all-in.
Danielle — our office glue. The calm in our chaos. The one who holds my calendar (and my sanity) together, who listens, supports, and keeps us all moving forward. I don’t know what I’d do without her.
And Abby, our intern, who jumped in headfirst and took on projects, marketing, and even helped represent us at the show home with confidence and heart. She’s an absolute rockstar in the making.
And of course, Ally. This blog is always written with her in mind, and every year she somehow raises the bar higher. She’s been the heartbeat of our marketing — keeping us ahead, organized, and inspired — all while growing a tiny human. Watching her balance so much with grace and focus makes me incredibly proud to call her part of this team.
I’m also deeply thankful for the incredible partners and communities that have lifted us up this year — the Alair Homes DSM team for trusting us with their show home, the Tour of Remodeled Homes for another unforgettable experience, and the amazing women of the Emerald Coast Women’s Council of Realtors, whose support and sisterhood have meant so much to me both personally and professionally.
On a personal note, this year was about surrender. About learning to flow — really flow — even when it felt easier to fight it. My word for the year was flow, and as fall arrived, I finally felt it. I’ve gone through deep personal changes: separation, divorce, rediscovery. I’ve learned that healing is uncomfortable, but necessary. I’m proud of myself for staying — for not buying that one-way ticket to Bali when everything felt heavy — because I knew that peace had to come from within.
I’m grateful for the moments that reminded me why I do what I do: camping (okay, glamping) with my sister in Utah, exploring five national parks, taking in every inch of beauty this world has to offer. I’m grateful for our podcast, for the conversations that continue to unfold, and for Google finally letting us out of “jail” after three long years.
And through all of it — the pivots, the projects, the tears, and the triumphs — I’m thankful. For my team. For my clients. For my family. For the people who see what we’re building and believe in it.
Here’s to another year of creating, growing, and designing a life we love — with intention, grounding, passion, and a sprinkle of magic.
With love and gratitude,
Jodi