2020 was definitely a year.
Back in my corporate days, at the end of every year, I'd put together formal summaries with metrics and graphs, outlining my team's performance according to the previous goals we set out achieve.
The corporation I worked for allowed leadership staff to use two colors. Red or green. Red meant you did not meet your goal. Green meant you did.
There was no in between.
That's one of the things that just didn't jive with me in corporate America. There wasn't room for looking at the bigger picture, embracing a more grand perspective, a consideration for the human side of things. Sometimes life isn't green or red, or black or white.
Of course I understand that metrics are numbers and there's not a whole lot of creativity in that, but what if we could analyze the year in other ways? Connections made? New ideas brought to the table? Potential? Ability to adapt to change?
My favorite part about being my own boss is that I don't have to ask someone if I can try something new, or approach achieving a goal from a different angle. I reward my own creativity by saying "yes that's a valid idea" and trying new things. If it fails, it fails. But if it wins, it's because sometimes taking new route can be really good. It's innovation.
I reward my own creativity by saying "yes that's a valid idea" and trying new things.
This pandemic year, where events and face-to-face services were restricted throughout the year in one way or another has certainly pushed Style Up Group to move and groove with the times. I am beyond thrilled that many of our ideas of how to adapt to this new world were welcomed and embraced by you, our clients and community. I've learned to welcome the challenge (within reason) because it actually challenges not only my problem solving, but my creativity.
I am so thankful to my community of friends and family and clients and I would be honored to share with you how we did. But a red and green pie chart isn't very #StyleUp. Instead, I love a good list (it's the professional organizer in me), so we're giving you our top 10 list of our proudest Style Up moments in 2020 (in no particular order).
I hope you enjoy and Happy New Year!
Top 10 Style Up Moments in 2020
1. Receiving Milwaukee Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Award
Alright I said these were in no particular order, but there's a reason this one is listed as number one. I am so grateful to have been recognized as a Milwaukee Business Journal's 2020 40 Under 40, joining so many talented professionals passionate about their community here in Milwaukee. #MBJ40U40
2. Launching a new mobile bar, Lola, the Trike Bar
I can't wait to create more packages for you in the coming months, but this baby is so fun and gorgeous. I am so excited that we were able to finish this project this year and then collaborate with so many artists, models and creatives for a fun launch celebration that was our styled shoot on the patio (more on that below).
3. Creating two videos: one for Working Moms Day and the other a Behind the Scenes for our Margarita Night on the Patio
Yes, we have a professional videographer on the Style Up Group team and it definitely shows. Behind-the-Scenes are my absolute favorite!
4. Collaborating for styled shoots: Latin Inspired Styled Shoot, Wisconsin State Fair's Original Cream Puff Styled Shoot (for the limited edition cocoa cream puffs, mint brownies and giant cookies) and Styled Holiday Minis.... all with JHicks Photography
JHicks and I teamed up this year to do so many cool projects. I really can't wait to see what we come up with in 2021! I am so thankful to have built this relationship in 2019, and continued to work together on so many exciting things.
Also, the cream puff thing. I literally have a cream puff ornament on my Christmas tree I am such a fan. What a cool team to work with. Please hire me again!
5. Being the subject of an online documentary series, American Will
When I was contacted about this months ago, I was intrigued by the concept. I very much valued being able to tell my story in the form of an online documentary. Every entrepreneur has a story - I recommend checking out the other American Will productions - they're so moving.
6. Awesome press like Milwaukee Lifestyle Magazine November feature and winning the Lux Magazine's Global Wedding Award as best Wedding Styling Company.
I have a confession to make. I actually pitched to Milwaukee Lifestyle Magazine about a few ideas I had for an article and I am over the moon thrilled that they liked my ideas! I have never done an article pitch and this was big for me and my company.
7. Appearing in a panel on designing the customer experience on Young Guns TV
Pat Miller is so wonderful to work with and I was honored to share the stage with the other two CE gurus. Definitely check out the video to see who I'm talking about!
8. Bringing back holiday cocktail kits and launching a new tropical kit!
You guys have been ordering from us a ton and have sent in some wonderful reviews! Along the cocktail lines, we're also so thrilled to recently learn that 2 of our recipes are published in the newest and coolest cocktail book on the market, "Drinking In: A Cocktail Book for Life's Most Drinkable Moments."
Interested in the cocktail kits? Order your kit here.
9. Launching Spanish with Suzy, a virtual Spanish and Cultural Education School for children and families
When events were not permitted in the spring, and in-home services were on pause, we knew we had to keep moving business-wise to make it all work. We're so happy to have launched a new Style Up Group Brand - Spanish with Suzy - and have developed a loyal client/student base! Check out what inspired us, our Spanish credentials, and much more on the Spanish with Suzy website!
10. Pivoting event services to maximize outdoor events, smaller events that are shorter in duration.
Thank you for booking themed pop-ups with us this year! We didn't think when we started this business that we'd be doing pop-up popsicle parties and pumpkin painting, but it's what you are asking for. With the pandemic year and so many restrictions, most of our clients shared with us that they feel most comfortable hosting shorter events that are outdoors. This is why we created these smaller packages that are low-stress, safe, and ready to go. Of course, our traditional services are still available as well.
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We hope you enjoyed our 2020 Year in STYLISH Review. We wish you and yours a Happy New Year! What are you hoping for in the year ahead?
