Historically, years that end in seven have been notable for the FunnelCake team. 2007: Navigating chopsticks and language barriers living in China. 1997: Anna celebrated her golden birthday (likely sporting a perm), while Nicole graduated from high school in the troll capital of the world. 1987: Anna was chasing farm cats and living the high life as the only grandchild on both sides of her family, while Nicole was listening to Heart on her Walkman. Fast forward to 2017: No milestone birthdays, expat living or full-time farm life, but equally as exciting.
As we were reminiscing, it became clear that we had a pretty amazing year of opportunities, many that we didn’t even have on the horizon at the end of 2016, and we’re incredibly grateful to the people and businesses who helped make our year one to remember.
Speaking of meeting, we may have run into you at the 19 social media classes we taught this year (this doesn’t count the number of impromptu social media tips given in line at the grocery store). It’s safe to say no two classes were exactly the same, especially when it came to venue and audience. Case in point: Anna taught librarians at a library, yoga teachers at a yoga studio and small business owners at Dave and Busters (it wasn’t just fun and games). Bonus: Going back to high school…well, to her hometown high school’s marketing class, that is. (No detention was given.)
Dreams do Come True: Anna Taught Librarians at her Mother Ship (the Library)
Those classes and social media coaching sessions allowed us to be part of many business’ journeys. Every experience was reminder of how creators and entrepreneurs are impacting communities and offering their beautiful skills and services to the world. Our clients also had exciting growth and milestones this year, and we were honored to be part of those moments, even if it was via Skype or a conference call, as they grew their businesses in places like Washington, Indiana, Arizona, Wisconsin and Boston.
Outside of teaching social media classes, our U.S. personal and business travels found us working remotely from places like Minneapolis with our favorite cat in the world, our Wisconsin hometown library, the San Diego beaches and an Iowa forest lodge. Along the way, we explored cool places like Cast On Yarn in Vermillion, OH; New Life Lavender Farm in Baraboo, WI; and Main Street Clear Lake, IA.
Gracie the Cat is an Excellent Motivator…
One of the best parts of business life is supporting causes that you’re passionate about. For us, this included seeing what the power team at Empowered PhXX were doing to move Phoenix forward, joining the brand new Women Who Startup Basecamp Phoenix crew as the in-kind social media sponsor, leading classes at the Arizona Artisans Collective, working with the Brandtini crew and volunteering at Social Media Marketing World in San Diego. All of these opportunities allowed us to cross paths with some incredible peers, business owners and inspiring startups. Fun fact: Volunteering at a conference is completely different way to learn and network—highly recommend it!
What a Year!
We were also able to share the spotlight with some pretty amazing local and national people at PHX Startup Week, Bloggy Con 2017, alongside The Good Vibe Media for Women Who Startup Basecamp Phoenix’s in-kind sponsor panel, as part of AZ Central’s “Who’s Next in Communications” honorees and as a nominee for SBMA’s “Small Business Marketing Agency | Phoenix 2017.”
Alongside Two Inspiring Local Women I’m Proud to Work With!
While we’re incredibly grateful for all of these experiences and opportunities, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention all of the work, learning curves and intense moments that went into year. Classes are great—until they don’t come with technology. Becoming an official LLC is amazing—once it’s final. Remote work is a cornerstone of our operations—while you’re constantly adapting to new environments. So for all of the challenges, obstacles and struggles that go into day-to-day (moment-to-moment!) small business life, we give a huge shout out to all of the other startups, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, remote workers and creatives out there going along their own journeys. It really does take an incredible amount of support and resources.
Before we dive into the brandy slush (our Midwesterners will know we’re talking holiday adult beverages with this reference), thank you for being part of our 2017 journey, and we can’t wait to share the exciting plans we have on the way!
Cheers!
-Anna & Nicole
2017 Fun Facts:
- Estimated number of cups of tea consumed: At least 1,500 between Anna and Nicole
- Number of years it’s taken Anna to complete a Pinterest project: 2 years (and counting—2018 will be the year!)
- Craziest class location of the year: Dave & Busters
- Number of times we went WiFi hunting: 3
- Best piece of apple pie in history: Vermillion, Ohio
- Number of times Anna showed up to a class wearing the same outfit as her professional head shot (also included in the class presentation): 1
- Most common “desk”: Yoga mat outside
Yoga Mat, Nature, Tea & Old-Fashioned Paper
