One Word Goal: The Celebration Shoppe

Hi everyone! My name is Kim Byers of The Celebration Shoppe and I’m so thrilled to be here to share my 2015 “WORD” of the year!

Let’s start with a bit about who I am. In addition to being a writer, craft and food stylist, creative director of a party and craft supplies line (coming soon!) and photographer, I’m also a blessed mom of two young boys (the most important achievement on this list in my opinion).

Okay, on to the WORD! And for you to really understand why I chose this WORD for 2015, I need to give you a bit of background. See…this one, BRAVE, is a repeat! {grin}

In late 2009 I left a very promising corporate career as a VP of Marketing for a financial firm to start my business. I’d love to say that I sacrificed it all for the sole purpose of raising my boys, and yes, they were a big factor in the ultimate decision, but it was also ambition. I wanted more than that big glass building could offer me.

Was I a nervous wreck? Oh yes! Did I second guess myself before and after walking out that door for the last time? Oh yes! Did I feel BRAVE that first day with no job? Oh yes! And I felt excited, encouraged, crazy and so much more too.

Now, years later, this WORD is my go to again. See, BRAVE, for me, is all about taking the risk. Will bravery make you successful? Well not alone. But I can tell you that without it, you won’t be as successful as you could be.

I firmly believe that if you never take a risk, you never reach your full potential.

Let me give you a “for instance.” Better Homes & Gardens magazine, I really wanted to get in those pages. I mean who doesn’t right?!

I’d only been blogging about a year and was still insecure about my work (let’s face it, do we ever really get over it completely?). I had dug around and found the editor’s name and e-mail address, so I drafted a brief pitch with select images, bit my lip, pushed the butterflies fluttering around in my stomach away and hit send. I’ve always had the philosophy that “All They Can Say Is No,” but that doesn’t mean I like hearing it. {wink}

Not only did my moment of bravery pay off, I hit the jackpot. Not only did they share my work, but I got the center spread, 8-pages worth in the Halloween issue. It was amazing. And it all started because I decided to be brave one day… to be willing to hear the word “no.”

Now in 2015, I’m taking big risks, making big choices…like I did back in the beginning. It’s going to be challenging, but I will be BRAVE!

Now it’s your turn!

Selecting a “WORD” to help empower us through the new year is a very personal. I hope you’ll be BRAVE and choose something that challenges you to move your business forward, your life forward, your family forward.

It was lovely to “meet” you all! And I wish you all the best in 2015!

Join me on my blog, The Celebration Shoppe, and around social media, Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for crafty and creative ideas like:

XOXO Valentine Free Printables (appearing in All You magazine this month!)