For me, 2018 was rough. Really rough. My business had its best year since I opened my doors 13 years ago and my niece celebrated her 1^st birthday. I was able to recognize over 30 women in our industry in my monthly article series and I am in the best shape of my life. All these things should have defined 2018 as my best year on record. But losing my father at the end of August defined the year. My dad wasn't here at the end to celebrate, so as the holidays rolled around and the “firsts” that everyone talks about when you lose someone close start happening, it tarnishes the year even further.

But you know what? I have no regrets.

I really feel like you can “have it all” in this industry if you play your cards right in the beginning and I am grateful that I am nothing if not tenacious. If I could give one piece of advice to those getting started in this industry it would be: Learn to do without.

When I started in this industry in NYC, I had a $2,000/month draw. My health insurance deduction was $396, my rent was $1,200, my cell phone was about $50 and my monthly subway pass was $63. That gave me $291/month to live off on. Believe me, that went real quick in the land of $15 sandwiches. I took a job as a personal trainer to help supplement my income and just to help make ends meet, because I believed in my future. I knew this was a career and not a job.

I networked my ass off, went to morning meetings at 7 a.m. and after work events that got me home after 9 p.m. just to get my name out. I was willing to work weekends.

So many of my friends in the industry have similar stories. We are not unique or special, we just believed in ourselves and had the drive.

So what's my prize?

I got to spend time with my family and my father when he was dying. This will define 2018 for me for eternity and I am grateful, because you see, if I hadn't taken the time to do things right in the beginning and build my team and contacts on a shoestring budget, I wouldn't be soaring in our industry now.

So for the newbies out there, take heart. The foundation you are laying now in this industry can pay you riches you never thought you would gain.

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No regrets: thoughts on a tough year

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