Welcome back, friends! It's been a hot minute since I last sat down to write, and boy, do I have some updates for you! Can you believe it's been almost seven years since I first started this blog when I packed my bags and headed to the sunny state of California? Time sure flies when you're chasing dreams and building a career!
A New Chapter Begins
January marked a major milestone in my life - the end of an era, if you will. After nearly seven incredible years as the Creative and Innovation Manager at Roberts Beauty (and later as part of Innovative Beauty Group), I decided to turn the page and start a fresh chapter. I know some of you may have never even understood what I even did in my role. Long story short, I was constantly dreaming up new beauty products and helping bringing them to life (yes, including Florapy.) From conceptualization to market launch, I was involved in so many aspects of the beauty business – trend forecasting, product development, packaging design, you name it. It was a whirlwind of creativity, strategy, and yes, a whole lot of product testing!
Lessons Learned Along the Way
For those of you eyeing a similar career path, it truly was a dream job a lot of the time and if you have any questions on getting into the industry, I’d love to help connect you.
Here are a few things I picked up along the way:
Embrace the chaos: Innovation is messy, and that's okay! Some of the best ideas come from the most unexpected places.
Never stop learning: The beauty industry moves at lightning speed. Stay curious, think differently, and always be ready to adapt.
Trust your gut: Sometimes, you just know when an idea is gold–don't be afraid to fight for what you believe in!
I'm eternally grateful for the experiences, the challenges, and the growth I encountered during my time at Roberts Beauty and Innovative Beauty Group. The memories and friendships I've made will stick with me forever.
From Beauty to Buildings: A New Adventure Begins
Now, you might be wondering, "Why would you leave what seems like a dream job?" Well, sometimes you just know when it's time for a change. Seven years in beauty innovation taught me everything about creating transformative experiences. Now, I'm channeling that passion into real estate, leveraging my marketing and design expertise to redefine how people discover and connect with their dream homes. This isn't just a career change - it's a natural evolution of my entrepreneurial spirit, where every person and property tells a unique story of possibility.
I'm joining forces with the ultimate mentor - my mom - who brings 25 years of real estate expertise to the table. Talk about a dream team! There's something incredibly powerful about learning from someone who's not just experienced, but who's also your biggest cheerleader.
Stepping away from my corporate desk and into the community feels like exactly where I'm meant to be right now. My background in creative strategy and product development translates beautifully into understanding people's needs, telling compelling stories, and helping them visualize their dreams.
Owning a home felt like a distant dream during my California years. Now, I'm eager to show others that their homeownership journey might be closer than they think. There's magic in helping someone find not just a house, but a place where they can build their life's next chapter.
Pumping Up The Community Spirit
But wait, there's more! (Sorry for my infomercial…) I'll also be flexing my muscles (literally and figuratively) at our family-owned gym, The Strength Shop. My mission? To help build an even stronger community through some killer marketing initiatives and good old-fashioned relationship building.
Small Town, Big Heart
These past couple of years have been a real eye-opener. Trading in the hustle and bustle of city life for the charm of small-town living has been... well, let's just say it's been an adventure! Sure, the career change has been a big adjustment, but the rewards have been immeasurable.There's something special about waving to your neighbors as you grab your morning coffee, or bumping into friends at the local farmers market. It's a different pace, a different vibe, and I'm here for it.
So here's to new beginnings, to chasing dreams, and to finding joy in the unexpected turns life throws our way. I can't wait to share more of this journey with you all. Who knows? Maybe I'll be helping one of you find your dream home soon! Until next time, keep dreaming big and living large - even in a small town!









So happy you are back on line. I so enjoy reading what you are up too. And congrats on your upcoming nuptials. You have really come a long way in your young life. No dust under your feet. Keep up the good work. God bless. Aunt Jo-Ann