Today is my last day working full time for anyone other than myself. It feels insane to say that, but in an entirely invigorating way. For years and years I’ve dreamt about being an event planner. I’ve taken a somewhat roundabout way to get to this point, but I wouldn’t change it. I’ve gotten solid experience in project management in a corporate setting, gained a bunch of valuable skills, and worked for and alongside some smart and dedicated folks who I’ve learned a lot from.

The thing is, though, I really missed using my right brain. Getting my hands dirty. Being inspired. I was reading blogs, following designers, and keeping up with the industry, as I always had been. I was watching people I admire pump out some pretty awesome stuff and thinking about how I wish I could’ve done that, how someone should have given me a chance. And then something crazy happened. I walked out of my office at 8pm on a Tuesday, the only car left in an otherwise empty parking lot. I stopped dead in my tracks and took a few moments to think about what life might be like if I put as much effort and time towards pursuing my own dream as I was currently doing to support someone else’s. I came to two pivotal realizations in that moment: 1, that if I didn’t give it a shot, I’d be wondering “what if” for the rest of my life, and 2, that I could do it. That I could work hard enough, that I could be good enough. And that was all it took.

I’ve worked really, really, (really!) hard between now and then to develop a high-quality product and put The Little Things in a position to succeed. I’ve made many sacrifices, some more difficult to swallow than others. I’ve connected with some super talented people who are navigating this crazy industry too, and felt the thrill of having my work recognized online and in print. But most importantly, I’ve worked with seriously awesome couples who have trusted me with the biggest day of their lives. What. an. honor.

I have some big plans in store for this little company of mine. I’m lucky enough to be doing some work for Joy Thigpen (THE Joy Thigpen), and plan to offer some in-house design-based services (aside from creative direction) in the years to come. But at this moment, I’m most excited about further cultivating the TLT experience for my clients, about having some spare time to connect with other vendors, about navigating the 2015 season without worrying about other, non-TLT related work obligations. I hope to make more time for simple things that have seemed nearly impossible lately, like spending time with friends, traveling, cooking, getting some exercise, and hanging with my dog. Maybe even getting some sleep once in a while.

To those of you have supported The Little Things in small ways and big, I could never fully express how much it means to me, so I will simply say, from the bottom of my heart: thank you. Without your support, this moment wouldn’t feel nearly as sweet, it maybe wouldn’t even be happening. Here’s to you, to me, to TLT, and to the future. Cheers!