Happy Holidays Reader,

When I was a little girl (before I started high school), my mother and I lived with my grandma. And every year my mom and grandma would throw the biggest Christmas gathering for our family and friends. I looked forward to this party every year.

Grandma and mom would cook for what felt like weeks to prepare. They served all the staples, but I always got excited about the desserts. My grandma would make the candy, peanut butter balls, rocky road, peanut brittle, and bourbon balls (no, I was not allowed to eat the bourbon balls). My mom on the other hand, would make the cookies, cakes, and pies. I'm talking buttermilk coconut pie, pound cake, shortbread chocolate chip cookies, pecan pie, and of course sweet potato pie.

And every year, my best friend and I would plan some type of performance to perform in front of the family. One year we did a cooking show with my play-dough, another year we sang a song. And no matter what we did, my family applauded and cheered. I never felt more loved and supported than during these Christmas gatherings.

As an entrepreneur, the one thing that will break you before anything else is not having the support you need to get you through the tough times. I don't have a ton of people in my corner but I'm learning to lean into mentors and business communities. This past week I conducted my first webinar. And it went so well!

I was nervous when I first decided to run a live event because I've struggled in the past to get enough traction with registrations. But this time, I started with a strategy (as I tell y'all to do). And after implementing said strategy over a 15 day period, I ended up with 102 registrations. I was so excited and sad at the same time. I felt like I didn't have anyone to celebrate with me. I wanted some applause like I had at my family's Christmas parties back in the day.

Then I remembered I was a member of a Facebook group. So, I took a chance. I posted to the group that I was excited about this milestone and do you know what they did? They celebrated me. They clapped for me. They congratulated me. In fact, some of them even asked for the link to register themselves. That was a bonus that hadn't even crossed my mind.

Having a support around your business is more valuable than all the capital in the world. Because without having someone in your corner, you're just out here alone hoping for the best. And that's terrible place to be.

If you celebrate the various holidays happening over the next week, I wish you happy holidays. If you don't I wish you a calm and peaceful week!

Warm Regards, Jessica Marie Davis Founder + Digital Strategist hello@jessicamarieadvis.com www.jessicamariedavis.com ​​​​​

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