The Silent Strength of Showing Up

Last week, we talked about the grind behind achieving goals—the effort, focus, and willingness to learn from failure. This week, let’s dig deeper into how those small wins shape not just progress but also your mindset, rhythm, and legacy.

When I started ’97 Appeal, I already had design experience under my belt. That gave me a head start and helped me stand out. Designing wasn’t just a skill for me; it was a way to tell stories, to share pieces of my life and experiences with others. On top of that, I was in school learning how to properly market myself. I was taking classes, studying the psychology of branding, and figuring out what makes a message stick. That education was invaluable—it helped me find my voice as a brand.

But here’s the truth: even with a head start in design and marketing, I didn’t have all the answers. It took time to figure out what I wanted to say and how I wanted to say it. I had to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. Finding the balance between creativity and strategy wasn’t easy, but every stumble taught me something new. My voice didn’t come together overnight—it was built piece by piece, just like my brand.

And then there was social media—a whole other challenge. Platforms change constantly, and keeping up with trends can feel overwhelming. At first, I struggled to find my rhythm. I’d post something that didn’t get much engagement and feel like I was shouting into the void. But instead of giving up, I started studying top creators. I watched how they connected with their audiences, how they told their stories authentically, and how they stayed consistent no matter what.

Little by little, I applied those lessons. Social media is still a challenge for me, but now I approach it with a growth mindset. It’s not about trying to go viral or chasing trends—it’s about building something real and lasting. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Brick by brick, post by post, I’m figuring it out and getting better every step of the way.

That growth mindset carried over into this week as I worked on a new piece called “Doubt Kills Dreams.” This design is close to my heart because it’s rooted in something I’ve experienced firsthand: the battle with self-doubt. We all have moments where the biggest obstacle isn’t the outside world—it’s our own thoughts. Doubt can stop you before you even start if you let it. This piece is a reminder to push through, to believe in your potential, and to never let fear hold you back. I can’t wait to share it with you when it drops because I know it’s going to resonate with so many of you.

Creating this piece made me reflect on how much growth comes from the small wins. Every piece I design, every blog I write, and every moment I share is part of something bigger. It’s about building a legacy—not just for my brand but for myself. It’s about showing that even when things are tough, consistency and intention can take you far.

This holiday season, I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude. None of this would be possible without the people who believe in this journey—people like you. Whether you’ve bought a piece from ’97 Appeal, shared a post, or even just read one of these blogs, your support means everything. You’re not just supporting a brand; you’re supporting a vision, a story, and a dream that’s still being built.

As we close out the year, I want to thank you for being part of this journey. Your encouragement keeps me motivated, and your belief in the brand reminds me why I started. I hope this season brings you joy, peace, and moments with the people you love most.

Merry Christmas from me and everyone at ’97 Appeal! Let’s keep pushing forward together, one small win at a time. I’ll see you next week—ready to rise above it all and step into the new year with purpose.