Dear 2024,

You have been a paradox. You are a year of brilliant professional bloom juxtaposed with a silent, unshared ache.  As I sit to write this letter, I am enveloped by a mosaic of emotions – pieces of triumph interlaid with fragments of silent trials. This year, my professional milestones have shimmered brightly against the backdrop of personal challenges that I have borne quietly.

In the world of wedding and event planning, 2024 has been a season of blossoming for me. The industry [in the UK] has continued to embrace fusing traditions, with couples seeking gatherings that honour their diverse heritages and truly reflect their personalities. This shift has been fertile ground for my specialisation in multicultural weddings, allowing me to curate celebrations that are not just events but insightful stories of their love, transcending cultural boundaries and I adore that for me and for them!

One of the most profound lessons 2024 has reminded me of, is the power of authenticity. In a world that often encourages conformity, staying true to one’s unique vision is a beacon. I began my year loosely gripping the phrase “I’m that girl”. I’d be lying if I said I wholeheartedly believed it initially but as things got tougher, I held tighter resting safe in the knowledge that even if I wasn’t that girl yet, I was on my way to becoming her.

Showing up unapologetically, as my full self, authentically and with kindness, resonates with my clients, as they yearn for their weddings to be genuine reflections of their identities. By blending elements from their various cultures into a cohesive whole, life repeatedly shows me that love is a universal thread that binds us all.

Having said that, navigating the UK wedding industry as a Black woman, has not been without its complexities. The industry, while evolving, still grapples with mainstream representation that isn’t an afterthought. There have been moments where my presence in certain spaces was met with surprise, a silent question mark hanging in the air. However, these instances have fortified my resolve. They have taught me the importance of being visible in places where our voices are underrepresented, not just for myself but for those who will walk this path after me.

In the face of personal adversities, I have rediscovered the soundless strength of resilience and my heightened ability to compartmentalise. There is a profound grace in enduring hardships most people are oblivious to. I allow my tests to shape but not define me. These experiences have deepened my already acute empathy, enabling me to connect with clients, loved ones and strangers, on a more intimate level.

After all, weddings are not just about joy; they are about a journey – the trials and triumphs that lead to that moment of union and connection. From family feuds and health scares to bereavements. My couples have experienced it all during the course of our time together.

Collaboration has been another cornerstone of this year’s journey. Building a network of like-minded professionals has not only enriched my work but has also provided a support system. In an industry that can sometimes feel isolating, especially for women of colour operating in a particular subsect, these alliances have been invaluable. They serve as reminders that while our individual journeys are unique, our collective goal is to celebrate love in all its forms. I am grateful for the people who speak my name positively in rooms I have yet to step foot in. The ramifications are not lost on me and I am gradually reaping the rewards.

As I reflect on 2024, I am proud of myself for prioritising self-care. In the pursuit of excellence, it is easy to neglect one’s well-being. This year has reiterated that, to pour into others, my own cup must be full – or as close to it as possible. It has taught me to listen to my inner voice more, to rest when needed, and to find joy in the simple moments.

2024, you have been a year of profound growth. You have taught me that success is not just measured by accolades but by the depth of connections made and the resilience shown in the face of adversity. As I look to the future, I carry many lessons, with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit ready to embrace whatever lies ahead.

I’ll leave you with my 10 takeaways, or life lessons if you will, that have been instrumental in navigating the complexities of the past year, while guiding me toward a more authentic and fulfilling path.:

1.   The Assurance of Faith: Trusting in God, provides solace and guidance during uncertain times. Believing that there is a greater plan at work offers me comfort and direction and has helped me to navigate life’s challenges with hope and confidence. Do not underestimate the significance of believing in something bigger than yourself.

2.   The Power of Authenticity: Embracing your true self, however unconventional that may be, fosters genuine connections and personal fulfilment. As the saying goes, be yourself (unless you are a terrible human being). Everyone else is already taken. I stand firm in the knowledge that I would rather be disliked for being myself than liked for pretending to be someone I am not.

3.   The Necessity of Letting Go: Holding onto relationships that no longer serve you can hinder personal growth. It is essential to recognise when a friendship has become detrimental and to find the courage to distance yourself. The process involves setting boundaries, seeking support from others, and focusing on self-care to heal and move forward. It has been difficult, but I let go of a 29 and 16 year friendships this year but doing so opens the door to healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

4.   The Importance of Self-Care: Prioritising my wellbeing is crucial for maintaining overall health and remaining resilient. When my mind was a jumbled mess, moving my body helped immensely. Going for a walk, run or working out at the gym has restorative effects for my mental health and it is comforting to know that I am taking care of my physical health too. Re-hiring my therapist took care of my emotional health.

5.   The Strength of Community: I love and practice the phrase ‘community over competition’. There is enough room for us all to thrive – particularly in my industry. I am not for everyone, and everyone is not for me so I love building a community that I can share work with as well as the high and lows. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family is invaluable. These relationships provide a foundation of trust and encouragement, especially during challenging times.

6.   The Value of Resilience: Running a business, much like life itself, is filled with unexpected hurdles. Watching my parents and my own life experiences have evidenced that resilience is the ability to adapt, learn and keep moving forward, even when the path feels impossible. It’s about seeing setbacks as opportunities as opposed to failures – lessons and not losses. Practicing resilience has allowed me to grow stronger and wiser in both business and life.

7.   The Significance of Setting Boundaries: Establishing clear personal and professional boundaries is essential for maintaining balance and preventing burnout – especially as a business owner. By defining what is acceptable and what is not, I protect my mental and emotional welfare. This is still a work in progress for me but when I manage, it has ensured that I can continue to serve others effectively without compromising my own health.

8.   The Necessity of Embracing Change: Change is an inevitable part of life, and embracing it can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth. Whether it’s adapting to new industry trends or navigating personal transitions, I have found, time and time again, that being open to change, allows me to evolve and thrive.

9.   The Impact of Gratitude: Adopting an attitude of gratitude and regularly acknowledging plus appreciating the positives in my life, fosters an abundant mindset and gives me contentment. Thanks to social media, it is easy to feel left behind or as though people are doing better than you or having more fun than you. Focusing on my focus and minding the business that pays me has been invaluable.

10. The Importance of Lifelong Learning: Continuously seeking knowledge and new experiences keeps my mind sharp and adaptable. This year I committed to reading more – as a form of entertainment but also education. Embracing a growth mindset allows for personal and professional development, and it has opened doors to new opportunities.

With unwavering resolve and lots of love,

Assumpta

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