2023 taught me a couple of things - it taught me to sit down, be still for a minute, and it showed me how my plans can have plans of their own. I wanted to bring more events to the storefront, and even expand to different locations outside of the Bay Area. I knew what I built with the unwavering support of Christina, E.O.F.’s store manager,  was beautiful. Naturally, creating more spaces like E.O.F. Studio for others to enjoy was the journey I was prepared to go on. I traveled and researched other locations where I knew E.O.F. could thrive. This is part of being a business owner, you’re always trying to move the needle just a little bit more. I wanted to create unmatched, beautiful spaces with community everywhere! 

 

What's also part of being a business owner and life in general, is that sometimes things work and sometimes they don't. But, you’ll never know if you don’t try. E.O.F. Studio did not work in Downtown Oakland and as much as that hurt my heart, I knew we gave it all we could. In the moment, you think your world is crumbling, but it really reveals another side of you. It shows you how you handle what you deem as failure at the same time, teaches you what's possible. I am that much more prepared for what’s to come! 

 

What’s crazy is, as hard as it was closing our physical space, I was simultaneously working on some amazing projects and with some amazing couples. I got to provide florals for the Norcal Grammy Nominee Awards Reception, have my work featured at the Bouquets to Art Exhibit inside the de Young Museum, continue my work with the Warriors Organization by providing florals for a variety of events, and provide florals for the Chris Paul shoe drop… this is just to name a few ;) I got to work with so many talented folks in transforming empty canvases into magical spaces where couples saw everything they dreamed of finally coming to life. From bouquets and boutonnieres to ceremony arches and centerpieces, I am thankful for every single couple who trusted me to create for them on such an important day. You keep me pushing, you are so very much appreciated!     

 

2023 ended in a huge way… for me. My boys and I took a road trip down to Southern California to visit my dad. My dad and I haven’t had the best or closest relationship since I was a little girl. There was a lot of trauma there that rocked my  world for such a long time. It left a huge hole in my heart and it governed how I approached relationships with everyone and how I decided what kind of parent I would be. But, over the past few years, he remained consistent in reaching out. Also, both of us did the individual work that allowed us to finally spend quality time with one another. I was even able to add my name to the list of folks who receive random texts, news articles, and selfies from their dads, lol. As simple and silly as it sounds, this is huge for me. 

 

While there, my boys enjoyed the weather by jumping off ledges into the pool as my dad and I talked about our favorite TV shows…shocker… we like the same shows! We discussed his new hobbies, life after retirement, concerts we’ve attended, and even reminisced on the grease-stained paper bag full of food from old-school Kwik Way. The randomness of our conversations felt a little weird, yet very normal and wholesome.  

 

Here are a few things from this trip that I am taking with me into 2024 and beyond- 

 

 

I’m thankful for the time spent and am looking forward to our future visits. 

 

Each year, I get excited for new things to come. Regardless of the hard times I may have experienced the year before, I still get excited. The arrival of 2024 was no different. I know there will be challenges, there will be some curve balls thrown in there that will make me want to throw up both my hands. But, I also know there will be joy, continued healing & lots of laughter, and that’s what I choose to hold on to!

 

So, cheers to us! Surviving 2023 and welcoming beautiful, new things in 2024!