January Lessons Learned

The first month of 2025 flew by. I can’t believe Valentine’s Day is almost here! With so many changes in the Holub household this season, I thought it would be worthwhile to reflect on what worked and what didn’t work right out the gate. The lessons I learned last month. What was difficult. Why I’m doing any of this. How I spent my time and what it is I value. I’ve sat in my feelings and reflected on these things. I’ll share a few with you.

A friend of mine asked me in January if there was a certain number (followers, commission, brand deals per month) that allowed me to walk away from my career as a CPA. Up until that point, no one had asked me that question. I answered her honestly and replied with one word: no. It wasn’t an achievement that opened the door. More so the admission to myself and realization that I was not the person I wanted to be. My outlook and my attitude were negative more often than not. Even in situations that had nothing to do with work, I could tell I was looking through a glass half empty lens. I remember thinking to myself last year and the year before, I know I wasn’t like this when I was young. The exit was intentional. The exit and these changes are an attempt to be more in line with the woman I want to be.

Let’s talk about one of the challenges. For a long time, I’ve linked my worth to my title. I’m not talking about a Mrs. title. I’m talking about the three letters at the END of my name. I’m very proud to be a CPA and proud that I was able to accomplish something so challenging. Now that I’m no longer working in an office, I find that I still mention that I’m a CPA. As if those letters show I’m capable of success. It’s embarrassing to type that out. It’s confusing trying to move forward yet not diminish the years of work and effort (and tears) as a CPA. I wear my Aggie ring daily. Those who know what an Aggie ring is will see it and understand the significance. My pride worries about the people who only see me online or who might not know about my education. I’ve wanted for so long to work in fashion. It’s odd that now working in fashion I feel the need to introduce myself as if I’m who I’ve been all along. It will take some time, but I’m hoping to grow more confident in the work that I’m doing and the accolades I associate with a more traditional career path.

There’s plenty more to unpack. Who I want to be and the goals I’m working toward. I do pray that with each month I’m able to take one step closer towards those goals with clarity and wisdom in an unfamiliar space.

Xx,

Angeline