Did I Secure the Hold?
Securing the Hold: What I Learned About Building My Foundation This Year
If you know me, you know I’m not one to sit still for long. I don’t just walk into something; I run headfirst, arms wide open, ready to take on whatever’s ahead—even if I have no idea what’s around the next turn. But I’ll admit, the fear of falling, of having the rug pulled out from under me, has been a recurring theme in my life.
This year, I started to reframe that fear. I realized it’s not about climbing the mountain with the blind hope that nothing will go wrong. It’s about securing the hold. Making sure that with every step I take, there’s something solid to catch me if I slip. Because let’s be real—slipping is inevitable. But free-falling? That’s not on the table anymore.
Looking back over the past year, I can see the things I’ve done to secure my hold. They weren’t grand gestures or dramatic leaps. They were deliberate choices, steady steps, and intentional actions that gave me the security to keep climbing.
Friendships: My Modern-Day Village
At the beginning of the year, I made a decision: friendships were going to be a priority. Not just casual texts or holiday cards, but real connections. The kind where you show up, reach out, and nurture the people who matter to you.
We’ve all heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a family.” It’s as true today as it was centuries ago, but here’s the twist: we get to choose our village. It’s no longer about where we’re born—it’s about where we land and the people we choose to build with.
For me, that’s here in the South Bay of Los Angeles. This is where I’ve put down roots, and this year, I’ve worked hard to grow those roots deeper. I’ve built a community of friends who feel like family, and it’s been incredible to see that effort pay off. When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, I know I’ve got my village to lean on.
I’m all about action. Friendships don’t just happen—you have to put in the work. But let me tell you, it’s worth it. Seeing those connections blossom has been one of the most rewarding parts of this year.
Building My Business: Turning Belief Into Reality
The other hold I’ve secured this year? My business. A year ago, I had an idea—a little voice in the back of my mind saying, “You can do this.” But let’s be honest: belief and execution are two very different things.
Thankfully, I found a business coach and a community (shoutout to Pia Silva and the NoBS crew) that didn’t just teach me how to build a marketing agency—they showed me how to dream bigger. This group has been my safety net, my sounding board, and sometimes the people who grab my hand and pull me up when I’m doubting myself.
This year, I’ve stretched my mind and my capabilities farther than I ever thought possible. I’ve built brands, websites, and voices for my clients that make me proud. I’ve helped others tell their stories in ways that resonate and build their businesses.
I don’t half-ass anything. This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every step. I didn’t just build a business; I built confidence. I’ve proven to myself that I can do this.
The Lesson: Trusting the Hold
Here’s the thing: I know there will be missteps. I’ll make mistakes, and I’ll stumble. That’s life. But what I’ve realized this year is that I’ve secured the hold. I’ve built the relationships, the systems, and the skills to ensure that even if I slip, I won’t fall all the way back down.
I’m not climbing this mountain alone, and neither are you. Whether it’s your village of friends, your mentors, or the work you’ve already done, you’ve got ropes in place to catch you. The climb will be steep at times but trust me: the view from up here is worth it.
As I look ahead to next year, I’m carrying this lesson with me. The steps I’ve taken this year—to prioritize friendships, build my business, and trust myself—have laid the groundwork for what’s next. And that feels pretty damn good.
So, here’s my advice: secure the hold. Take the time to build your foundation, invest in your people, and trust the process. Because when you know you’ve got that safety net, you can climb higher than you ever imagined.
3 Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners Building a Brand
Prioritize Relationships: Build Your Village
Your brand isn’t built in isolation—it’s supported by the relationships you cultivate. Just as friendships create a personal safety net, professional connections form the foundation of a strong brand. Invest in meaningful relationships with your clients, partners, and community. These connections aren’t just about networking; they’re about creating trust and a sense of belonging that makes your brand memorable and resilient.
Invest in Guidance and Growth
You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Surround yourself with experts, mentors, and communities that challenge you to think bigger and dream bolder. Whether it’s a business coach or a mastermind group, having a supportive network can fast-track your growth and help you avoid common pitfalls. A strong brand requires not only creativity but also strategy—and having trusted advisors can be the difference between standing still and climbing higher.
Trust the Process and Secure the Hold
Building a brand is a long-term commitment. Take time to secure your foundation—your "hold"—by consistently delivering value, refining your messaging, and learning from missteps. Understand that setbacks are part of the process, but they don’t define your journey. Trust the work you’ve done and the systems you’ve built to catch you if things get tough. With every step, you’re building a brand that’s not just successful but sustainable.
Let’s keep climbing!
