Hallmark Mahogany's Alexis Kerr Shares Her 7 Unexpected Gifts of 2023
Photo: Timothy Paule | Stylist: Sheila Shopzz
2023 was a pivotal year for me. It could have been predictable, but I'm glad it wasn't! Instead, it was a year that had a transformative impact on my life, gifting me seven unexpected treasures I didn’t know I needed.
The Gift of “No”
Last year, I discovered the power of saying “no.” I even call 2023 my year of “no.”
When I stopped saying “yes” to everything, suddenly I didn’t have to work so hard to carve out space for the things that light my soul on fire. “No” allowed me to set boundaries and hold additional space for all that truly matters to me.
There are times when I find myself wanting to explain why I can’t do something, but then I quickly remember “no” is a full and complete sentence. It doesn’t require any explanation.
The Gift of Deeper Faith
I’m so grateful for the ways I’ve learned to lean on Jesus during hard and heavy times.
Instead of becoming consumed by my worries and uncertainty, I learned to turn to Him, trusting Him to guide me through uncharted territory. And guess what? God showed up. He ALWAYS does, but I saw that even more this past year.
It wasn't about denying my fears; it was about trusting that even in the storm, He is in control.
The Gift of New Achievements
When I think about one of the biggest moments for me in 2023, it had to be our outstanding first-ever sold-out Mahogany Moment!
We brought to life a type of event that has never been done before by a Hallmark brand, and it was wonderful. It became a milestone etched both in Hallmark history and my own personal journey.
It showed me the tremendous value there is in stepping outside my comfort zone to do the unexpected, the seemingly impossible.
The Gift of an Extraordinary Team
In light of Mahogany Moment’s historical success, I’m so grateful my Mahogany team is top-tier!
Mahogany Moment never would have been possible without all the experienced, amazing people on our team who came together to make it happen. Their dedication, creativity, and unwavering support became the foundation upon which our success soared.
I’m both personally and professionally grateful to have them because I know I can rely on them to correct me, push me and uplift me consistently. They make the wonderful work we do here at Hallmark Mahogany even better every day.
The Gift of Supportive Leadership
Alongside my amazing team, I am deeply proud to have phenomenal support from my Hallmark executives, superiors, and colleagues. They are cheerleaders, not gatekeepers, trusting me to navigate all our brand efforts, make bold decisions, and even embrace detours with confidence.
The way they continue to support me as I continue exploring ways to expand as a businesswoman empowers me to chase audacious dreams, both professional and personal, with the confidence of a woman who knows she's not alone in her journey.
The Gift of Love
My man, my man, my man! My continued growth and pursuit of excellence is easier with the incredible man I have by my side.
He's more than a cheerleader; he's my strategic coach, my reality check, and my loudest champion rolled into one. When self-doubt whispers, he's the hand that squeezes mine, the ear that listens patiently, and the voice that reminds me of my inner strength.
My love, thank you for sharing every triumph and weathering every doubt. Because of you, even the heaviest days are lighter.
The Gift of Travel
Last but not least, I am grateful for the means to travel to the places I want to explore. As I’ve traveled to various places around the world, I’ve been able to return not just with souvenirs, but with a wider lens on the world and a deeper understanding of myself as a woman.
My heart overflows with thankfulness for these 7 gifts. As I walk into 2024, I can’t wait to uncover the treasures this year holds. May 2024 be one where you also discover the gifts that lie hidden within the folds of your own story.