Every business owner knows that no two years look the same. Some years feel full of momentum and growth, while others test your patience, resilience, and ability to adapt. As I sat down to reflect on my own year in review, I realized that 2023 was, without a doubt, the hardest year of my business journey yet.

And I’m not alone—so many entrepreneurs I’ve spoken with felt the same way about 2023. While it wasn’t my worst year financially, it was full of challenges that forced me to step back, re-evaluate, and ultimately prepare myself for a stronger comeback in 2024.

Why 2023 Felt So Heavy

Looking back, the year didn’t start out as I had hoped. Between being extremely sick during my pregnancy and navigating an unexpected client turnover in my agency, my confidence took a serious hit.

In a typical year, the beginning of the year is my busy season—January through April usually brings consistent growth. But in 2023, I lost a client almost every single month during that stretch. Some could no longer afford to outsource, while others decided to bring their podcast management in-house. While the reasons varied, it was tough to process because my clients usually stick around long-term.

By the end of the year, I was still trying to replace that lost income. Add on the fact that I was pregnant most of the year and officially on maternity leave in November and December, and you can see why my year in review feels so raw and real.

Highlights That Made the Year Brighter

Even though 2023 was tough, not everything was negative. In fact, there were some personal and professional wins that carried me through:

  • Welcoming My Daughter: In November, we welcomed our sweet baby girl, Emery. She’s the perfect addition to our family and has brought so much joy. With my son turning three earlier in the year, it’s been such a gift to watch both of my kids grow and thrive.

  • Rediscovering My Love for Reading: I grew up with a book always in my hand, but after becoming a mom in 2020, I had fallen out of the habit. Last year, I finally found my way back to reading, and it has been such a fulfilling personal win.

  • Growing Digital Product Revenue: Even though client work slowed, I saw growth in my digital product income. This felt encouraging because those offers are more automated and less dependent on my direct time and energy.

  • Improving Profitability: Despite earning 25% less overall, my net profit was only $7,000 lower than the year before. By cutting unnecessary expenses and focusing on what really mattered, I was able to keep my business lean and sustainable.

  • Focusing on List Growth: I leaned into bundles and collaborations more than ever, and that’s something I want to continue prioritizing in 2024.

These silver linings remind me that even in a “down year,” there are bright spots worth celebrating in any year in review.

Lessons Learned from a Hard Year

When I look at 2023, I see more than just the challenges. I see the lessons. Here are the biggest takeaways from my year in review:

  1. Not every year will be your best year. And that’s okay. Business has seasons just like life, and some years are meant for growth while others are meant for reevaluation.

  2. Hard seasons don’t last forever. Even when it feels like things aren’t turning around, those dips are temporary.

  3. Change isn’t the enemy. I’ve always struggled with change, but 2023 reminded me that sometimes change clears space for something better.

  4. Time is more valuable than ever. With two kids at home, my focus for 2024 is to prioritize only money-generating activities that also bring me joy.

Looking Ahead to 2024

If 2023 taught me anything, it’s that resilience matters more than results. My year in review isn’t about dwelling on what went wrong, but about using those lessons to fuel what’s next.

Heading into 2024, I’m more intentional about how I spend my time and more determined to build a business that supports my family while still creating margin for the life I want.

And if you had a rough year too, I want you to know—you’re not alone. A tough season doesn’t define your success. It’s just a stepping stone toward what’s coming next.

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Discover lessons from my year in review as a mom entrepreneur—highs, lows, and how I’m moving forward in 2024.