It’s been a whirlwind of a 2017!

As the end of the year approaches I found myself taking a few moments to look back and reflect on the year and mentally prepare myself (hopefully) to plan for the memory making overload that are the holidays.

2017 has been a whirlwind of a year filled with valleys and peaks that at times pushed me to my limits as a professional and a mom. I realize that this is what growth is, so I welcome it, but try to find balance in it all.

As a company we had our first summer intern (hi Dani your the best), made changes to our office, had a hurricane remove them, AND welcomed new clients into our AJD family!

Last week, for the 10th year A Jolie Design attended the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on behalf of our clients, to help bring their boat show visions to life. At the show I decided to do something I haven’t done before, looking back on it now Justine of past might of had mini heart attack, but before that, I had an impromptu boat show event night with a great designer/friend and mentor.

Enter my mentor, long time friend, and owner of two amazing companies here in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She was quiet honestly, the one person that took the time to teach me yachting when I was new to the industry in 2007 and worked as her assistant/apprentice/receptionist/organizer/cleaning lady. As we sat there talking about the yachting industry, what we’ve accomplished and what is to come. It hit me how much AJD has grown and gave me an assurance that I didn’t realize I needed while dealing with all the crazy.

After two days of walking the show and spending time aboard the Roscioli Donzi R58 Sport Cruise ( a beautiful custom sportfish made by Roscioli Donzi Yachts), I decided to do something that for 9 years prior was an absolute no no!!!! Queue heart attack.

I left…

I did not spend 5 days being at the countries “bigger then the super bowl” event. For years I missed trick or treating with my oldest, endured tropical storms, carried heavy bags of giveaways, manned booths and boats for hours on end…but this year for what was my 10th year at FLIBS (which for many is still not long at all). I went for 2 days, saw everything I could, talked to vendors, associates and marine industry friends alike, attended some awesome events AND THEN I left.

Leaving the show behind, and choosing a different type of busy weekend.

I had the realization that as a business owner, my clients always come first, that I panic often for them and always want to make myself available. Now saying all of this I must also say that, we always over prepare, we have lists and teams in place to cover it all and this year with everyone all taken care of I did what was best for my very first priority and made a magical surprise for my girls.

I’m a bit of a social media junkie, I try to show my human side and not just the business alone on our Instagram page. I often use the hashtag #mompreneur, that word “Mompreneur “ has come to mean so much to me. I spend every single day trying to find a balance between my family, my business and my own health and stability. At times there is no balance, but  I find comfort in being apart of the elite group of women that have the courage and guts to try. I am that “mompreneur” AND on this, My 10th FLIBS I made a decision to leave and be a mom and I can’t wait to share what a great weekend it was!

For anyone like me, that needs to be encouraged: Keep working, believing and being a visionary! There are still 2 months to bring your 2017 resolutions to life!

-J

A look back at FLIBS over the years