Hello Sophisticated Spenders!
So I think this is the year I’ve written the least amount of posts however, I started a record number of side hustles.
If you would have told me in the beginning of the year that I’d have a sewing business, I’d think you were crazy.
But here I am, making my largest side hustle income teaching people how to sew!
It is a work in progress for sure but I will keep on pushing!
Here’s a look back at my 2016.
January: Attended my first vision board party. We created vision boards and I will not start another year without attending one of these. Went home to Chicago to visit my peeps.
February: Found a mentor through the SCORE program via the SBA. Not a great match but I did receive some helpful tips. Completed a business plan workshop.
March: Ended relationship with SCORE mentor. Paid $349 to be certified to teach Group Exercise for life through the Athletics and Fitness Association of America.
April: Went home to Chicago to visit my peeps.
May: Solo trip to Paris and Iceland. Best trip ever. Also went to St Croix. Was rushed to the ER after popping my hip outta place during Zumba. All X-rays came back negative whew!
June: Started the #LunchStreak (http://sophisticatedspender.com/2016/06/06/back-lunch-streak/)! New season of flag football.
July: Went home to Chicago to visit my peeps. Taught Zumba for kids at a summer camp. Food Subscription Box experiment (Tried almost all of the food subscription boxes). I still never posted my final thoughts on that one.
August: Happy 38th Birthday to me! TrainedByCrystal was born. Went to Barbados and Chicago. First cruise to Turks and Caicos, Half Moon Cay and the Bahamas. Helped a friend create her own blog-start to finish.
September: Went to my 5th FINCON (Financial Bloggers Conference) in San Diego. Decided on pencil skirts for my sewing class. Was on the Chasing Dreams Podcast (http://chasingdreamshq.com/ep-61-crystal-hammond-being-a-side-hustle-queen-requires-resilience/) (http://podcast.farnoosh.tv/2015/05/crystal-hammond/#).
October: Went home to Chicago to visit my peeps. Visited the African American History Museum. Partnered with Jason from The Bulter Journal to create The Side Hustle Income Challenge.
November: Flew to NYC on a Private Jet! Vacationed to Guadeloupe. Created SipAndSewOldTown! First scheduled sip and sew had 0 signups. Second one had 1 signup. Created my first eBook: 5 Reasons You Haven’t Started Your Side Hustle (And How To Fix That)
December: Finally getting the hang of marketing. Third Sip and Sew had 0 again. Fourth Sip and Sew was full with 7 signups! Helped a friend create a website for her business-start to finish.
Most popular post of the year:
Travel The World Without Getting Into Credit Card Debt
What I learned:
Never stop learning! I spent a TON of money on education and training. Best money spent ever!
Embrace change! I was really quick to change the things that weren’t working and try everything I possibly could to make changes. Don’t stay married to a bad idea.
You need a network. You need a mentor, coach or network of people who have done whatever it is you’re trying to do. Learn from other people’s mistakes. Don’t think you don’t know anyone..you know me! Reach out to me for help!
Emergency fund is non-negotiable. ALWAYS have money saved for emergencies. NEVER dip below $1,000.
Quote that I loved:
Thank you all again for supporting my small business!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
