Hello, 2020

Circa 2010. Our living room filled with mostly completed toy boxes that were about to ship out.

It's been thirteen years since I bought a sheet of plywood at the local lumberyard and started designing the Gracie Toy Box.

It's truly surreal that it's been that long. As you might know or have read in "What happened after Shark Tank", the road has not been easy but it's been worth it! Although, during the times I was in tears sitting on the sawdust-covered step of my garage workshop, I didn't know if it was worth it. All I knew was that no matter how much I wanted to throw in the towel, I couldn't.

This year, we're only 26 days into January and I can't quite believe what's happening! (In a good way!).

First of all, I'm incredibly happy and proud to say that I was approached by Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation about design collaboration opportunities last year, but this year, I'm now knee deep in exploring those collaboration opportunities. As in, I went into the garage and designed (and built) a table and chair set that's inspired by Mr. Wright's work.

There's so much more to come on this partnership, but what I can say right now is that I'm still pinching myself. Who knew that a self-taught carpenter and designer would be working with the biggest name in architecture (and design) in the US?!? Certainly not me. I was told when I started my Mod Mom journey that it would be impossible, that I would never amount to anything because I didn't have a design degree, and many said that I should just quit. I'm so glad I didn't listen to the noise.

In addition to the new developments with Mod Mom Furniture, I am also jumping up and down about next steps with the memoir I just finished writing. Much to my delight, after sending a few query letters to literary agents, one wrote back. After reading stories of how long it takes folks to land agents, I was half expecting it to take years. It took only three months. She was interested in reading more about my book, and after doing so, offered to be my literary agent. You can read more about it (and reviews from beta readers) here.

I'm also thrilled to share that the retired NYPD detective/current CEO of a private detective firm I work with in NY will be writing the foreward for my book. To say I'm grateful is an understatement. Surviving and healing from abuse is far from easy but I realized along the journey that if I learned to trust my intuition, it would prove to be a roadmap leading me out of pain and hurt to love and light. I'm so glad I trusted it!

I can't wait to see what's to come in 2020 but I know one thing for sure—I'm going to keep moving forward committed to the things in my life that I'm passionate about.

I couldn't do this without the love and support of my family. Scott, Noah, and Grace —you are my world and my inspiration. Thank you for being you. And for supporting and loving me through all of the ups and downs of life.

Here's to 2020! May it push you to the edge of your dreams and give you the courage and strength to just keep going. Believe me, it works. Just keep going!