I can tell I have some deep-seated insecurities when I’d rather do my January budget, write a Quarterly Sales and Marketing report for work and run three miles in clear avoidance of writing this blog. It was so obvious to me that when my “brand” was wrapped around me (Lu)… I struggled to scale because as soon as I pivoted and started working in tech with a product, that has nothing to do with my personal brand, I excelled quickly and wildly. Isn’t it funny how that works?! Nonetheless, 2020 is about facing those fears, diving forward in vulnerability and little less fucks given to hopefully learn more leadership skills, to create and inspire others to start their own healing journeys. I hope to continue promoting my core values and the belief that through accountability, community, and communication the internet is a tool for great change.

In years past I’ve always been an advocate for New Year’s Resolutions but this year, I’m settling more on intention...which is actually my theme for the year. Last year, it was health and this year it’s intention. What’s your word for the year? Please comment below. It’s a group effort over here.

I’m setting quarterly goals for my personal life because 3 months is much more digestible than 12. I’ve also spent some time reviewing the last decade (mostly on Facebook) to see all the things I’ve tried, accomplished and failed at. The highlights are:

2010: I was working at my first start-up a restaurant group named, Tender Greens. At the time they had 3 locations and now are at around 30+ I believe. This is where I realized how deeply embedded the entrepreneurial spirit is within me and the power of community-driven business. I talk about this more in my interview with Leslie Bosserman, Lead with Intention, Millennial Spotlight.

By 2012, I traveled out of the country for the first time meeting up friends and then spending some weeks traveling alone in Cambodia and Thailand. Traveling alone as a woman is empowering and an incredible feat. I highly recommend it if you have the opportunity.

I then moved to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, where I experienced my first healthy relationship and great love. I started and walked away from my first business. Road tripped there and back to California on my own.

My life was filled with phenomenal art experiences and I start my second business, Lu Curates Media. In 2016, I did the unthinkable and became the parent/ sistermom of a Deaf teenager and saw him through graduation.

Which broke me a little bit…. And pushed my ass into gear to continue committing to my healing journey. That and I took a job in tech here in Sacramento.

I turned 30 and went to Morocco...I think I started a total of six blogs in the last decade… glutton for punishment if you will. All in all, I think it’s been a decade well lived. I’m excited for what the next one has to offer.

I have learned and continue to learn from people who have come in and out of my life. It’s a real honor and I hope in this new year. I can continue to serve.

I’m planning on diving deeper and deeper into the art scene here Sacramento. It’s an interesting little market we got emerging here. As I grow in my career and as a leader in business, I want this blog to demystify these stark shaming lines we draw between professionalism and our personal lives. At the end of the day, we are all human and the hurts we experience at home come to work with us. A lot of these experiences overlap. True empathy (not the co-dependent kind, more on that later) and accountability are skills that are learned. I hope together as an online community we can learn and grow ...because the world needs our diverse voices, stories, ideas, and successes.

Please comment below and let me know your thoughts, what you’d like to see more of etc. Additionally, because of my on and off the engagement the algorithms are killing my reach. I’m trying to collect emails for an eventual newsletter launch (probably 2021 to be honest) but everyone has to start somewhere. If you are interested sign-up here.

Thanks for all your love and support, let’s make 2020 our year!

Xoxo,