Top 4 Lessons from 2025

Discoveries of 2025 by the Season

Somehow it’s already 2026! I swear I blinked and this year passed me by. I know for many of us 2025 was a rough year. It started off for me as an incredible low point and I really struggled there for a bit. By some crazy stroke of luck, things started looking up in March and just kept getting better. I met my sweet Matt, took on a sales role that taught me a ton and I grew my TikTok! I figured we could look back at some of the highs and lows and some favorites that got me through those times :)

Winter 2025:

Let’s be honest that was a shit show. I was broken up with a few weeks in (for the best!) and I felt incredible alone in Spokane. My sister moved out of town not long after and I felt like a bit of an orphan. Business had stalled too and I started looking for part time work. Overall I felt like a total failure and wasn’t sure what would be next. A few bright points though was my dear friend Emily who was also in a single season. We went on many adventures around Spokane. Some notable ones were the night we drank beer out of a shoe (yes we did that!) and had a single ladies valentines. 

This was the time of the year I discovered Nuuly! Tap here to get $30 off your first box, it completely revolutionized my wardrobe and spending habits in 2025. I decided this past year that I was going to embrace maximalism and a more eccentric personal style. It’s been so fun playing with texture and color especially with pieces I don’t necessarily have to keep!

Spring 2025:

I am not joking when I tell you my entire life changed in a week come March. I started a new job on Monday and met Matt on Sunday. I was indirectly recruited for a business development role and started to learn more about the basics of business. I loved meeting with business owners in Spokane and it eventually led me to start my own marketing agency. In the dating front, I messaged Matt on Instagram and the rest is history. Before I knew it we were going on a few dates a week and I quickly realized I needed to snatch him up 😉

We became official April 21 and haven’t looked back! Some items that got me through that time were my Keurig because I was up late almost every night hanging out! I also rediscovered my ice roller to keep my face from getting too puffy. With the lack of sleep and many nights out this was a life saver. Plus it felt good as the temps picked up! 

I will always be grateful for this spring, it was tough as I was working 3 jobs at that time but I made my way through. I also began leaving Gals Need Pals at that time which was an incredibly bittersweet decision. Something needed to give and I was realizing it was time to bet on myself and my skills. 

Summer 2025:

I officially left Gals Need Pals and accidentally started my now viral series Call Me Crazy. I have always been obsessed with Spokane but I never imagined the community supporting me the way they have the last 6 months through these posts. It’s evolved into me sharing restaurants, spas and more around town. It’s been such a blast meeting the business owners and helping to support my city. 

I also started my wellness journey in June! I realized with 3 jobs I wasn’t taking care of myself and it was time to look holistically at how I was taking care of myself. Soon I found myself working out consistently, testing new recipes and discovering new rituals to care for my mental and emotional health. Some of my favorite finds on this quest have been my Moleskine journal for writing down my thoughts plus my Bose headphones for the gym. These stay charged forever and distract me from cardio 😆

This past year was THE year of weddings and I had 6 in total! Birdie Grey was essential for dressing. I was a bridesmaid for one and their pieces were perfect for everything from church to countryside weddings. It was a lot attending weddings almost every weekend but Matt was the perfect date for most and we had so much fun celebrating love as we fell in love!

Fall 2025:

Fall is always my favorite time of year, my birthday is in September and it’s the perfect kickoff to the season. I turned 28 surrounded by my best friends and felt incredibly loved. We went out and I realized that is staying in my earlier 20s!

At this time of year I was steadily growing my business and opened my marketing agency. I knew by that point I was meant to be an entrepreneur and I’m so glad I took that risk on myself. People have been nothing but kind and I wouldn’t survive all my appointments without my Portland Leather bag. This tote fits everything and it’s so chic for meetings. The best part about working local is connecting face to face with my partners. 

Finally as we head into the holidays I cooked my first Thanksgiving dinner! Matt and I made 2 mains, countless sides and no one got sick! I am super proud of us and grateful he has family close-by that have been nothing but sweet to me. The biggest lesson and joy this time of year was the importance of community!

Looking ahead:

As we head into 2026, I have since left my sales role and am committed to growing my social media agency. My passion is working with small business owners who are tired of dealing with socials. I have done this on the side for years so it’s felt natural to finally promote myself! 

With regard to my personal content, expect more lifestyle posts with an emphasis on life as a small business owner figuring her shit out. I can’t wait to share my journey and hopefully inspire the next generation of female business owners. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my incredible mentors who are badasses in business. Of course I would be remiss to not share more midsize fashion and wellness too. I am looking to have a blend of self care, style and real life living in the inland northwest. 

I can’t wait to take you along and I am incredibly grateful of your support. This past year has been so fun and I can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store!

Until next time,

Lauren