2021.

In a year where people hoped for normalcy or some direction for where to go, it seems that there wasn’t much provided. Despite this, people have still been trying to move on with their lives, do things they planned for 2021 (if still possible), and accomplish their list of goals.

At the end of each year, I provide my annual update, which includes the goals created for that year that I was able to accomplish. It also may include extra goals that weren’t planned. There was a lot going on this year, and though it certainly feels as if it went by in the blink of an eye, I’m proud of what I was able to accomplish including things that may not have been on the list.

Let’s get a look into the goals I made for 2021 and what those goals are that I crossed off the list!

Create a mailing list. Creating a mailing list is one of the best things that I have done. I love that I’ve been able to make a closer connection to subscribers and provide them with things just for them. I highly recommend creating your own mailing list and if you’d like to join mine, you can join my newsletter here.

Create a press kit and send them out to brands. I didn’t fully complete this one, but I did complete half of the goal. I created my press kit but have yet to send them out to brands. I have to be honest, it’s a little scary when trying to figure out what to say (even after searching for tips). This won’t stop me next year, though, and I will be contacting the brands that I’d love to work with!

Obtain more revenue from my podcast. I still have a lot to work on with this one, but I did create more revenue from my podcast! It’s only a few dollars but it still counts. I think that getting podcast revenue is a little hard unless you’re receiving sponsorships. I have yet to have brands contact me for podcast sponsorships, but I’m excited for when the moment comes!

Continue the fight to loving my body while also fighting to get healthy. This is a battle that is never ending but I will continue to make it a goal because I know what I want for myself and I know that I deserve to become the person that I’ve always wanted to be.

Practice self care. Another one that I could use a little more work with, but I’ve been working on it and buying more products to do so. I have to be honest, TikTok has had a positive influence in aiding in this category (the only time I’m giving TikTok credit). The videos look so nice and everyone’s skin looks so amazing! Plus, I’ve wanted to do better and I’m proud of myself for taking the steps into better self care.

Accomplished goals not listed:

Have a feature in ShoutoutATL. If you remember last year’s annual update, you’ll remember that I had my very first feature in an online magazine called VoyageATL. Well, because of this, I was contacted from ShoutoutAtlanta about an article feature! I also ended up doing something else with VoyageATL, so I not only have two article features, but three! I feel so blessed and I’m so proud of myself. Things can only go up from here!

Received my first paid collab/campaign. I’m still on such a high from this! I knew that one day I would start receiving paid collaborations, but I didn’t know one day would happen in 2021! I was recently contacted about two or three months ago to do a paid collaboration that involves helping spread information to others about the vaccine. Being someone that’s already vaccinated, I was all for it! The feeling of excitement when receiving my very first deposite is one that I can’t even describe. This may have been my first, but it won’t be my last!

Bought materials to start my shop. You saw that one of my goals for this year was to open my shop. Unfortunately, things happen and I had to go a different route with how I’m going to do so. With that being said, I didn’t open a shop, but I did buy the things that I needed and I’m proud to say it’s currently in the works as we speak! I won’t share what I plan on selling, but I do hope that you all will enjoy it and I’m able to provide items you love.

My nominations for the Girl Boss Awards Gala. *Sings* Guess who’s back, back again! Last year, I discovered that my city hosted an annual Girl Boss Awards Gala and I decided to go for it. In the categories available included a “Best Podcast” category and “Girl Boss Of The Year” category. I went for both, only made it through nominations for Best Podcast, and sadly didn’t win. This year, I’m trying for both categories yet again…and guess what…I made it through nominations for both! The fact that I was able to do so is an accomplishment within itself, but now I have to go further. The finalist voting has begun and if you’re reading this, I need your help to win both categories! If you love my work and enjoy listening to my podcast, then I’d appreciate your votes that will help me take home both trophies! The rules are listed below on how to vote and how often you are allowed to do so.

Rules:

• Vote 2x per day/per category (equalling a total of 4 votes daily for me)
• Voting is December 25th-January 9th

How to:

• Click here to vote
• Look for either “Best Podcast” or “Girl Boss Of The Year”
• Vote Deandra James(The Black Princess Diaries) (remember to do it twice)
• Repeat for the other category

Thank you all so much for all of the support you have given me throughout this year and beyond. You have watched me grow into my craft, and my hope is that you will continue to stick around as I continue to grow.

My goals for 2022

Blog/business goals:

• Open my shop and make sales
• Contact brands for collaborations
• Show up on Instagram in my own way(not how others say you should)
• Accomplish learning SEO
• Interact more with other bloggers/content creators
• Make it to 100 email subscribers
• 1500 podcast plays

Personal goals:

• Continue my fight for self love and health
• Check up on friends and family more
• Dust off my books and READ THEM
• Learn to take more breaks when needed
• Learn to budget
• Accomplish learning ASL
• Create a self care routine
• Create a closer relationship with God

I know this seems like a lot but as always, I like to remind you guys that these are goals I want to accomplish throughout the entire year.

Saying Goodbye

I feel that some of you might have seen this one coming because it’s nothing new, but I will be taking a little break. If you thought saying goodbye meant that I was going to stop blogging, you don’t have to worry, I’ll be here for a long time (I hope)! I like to take breaks around this time of year because it’s always a lot when I finish doing blogmas and a reset is necessary for me. I encourage you all to take a break as well whether or not you participated in blogmas. Breaks are a must and they keep you from developing blowout or feeling overloaded from exhaustion. The break will last about a few weeks to even possibly a month. I can’t wait to come back to you all with more amazing content in the new year!

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Even though I wish I did more this year, I’m proud of all that I have accomplished. We should all be proud of ourselves because we’re still moving in such a time of uncertainty. Who knows what 2022 will hold, but I pray that there is a light in this strange darkness and good things for all of us. I’d love to hear one of your goals for the new year. You can share them in the comments below!

Happy New Year and I’ll see you in 2022!