The Year of the Rejuvenated Woman 2024
It's truly remarkable how time seems to fly by when we're immersed in what we love. For over 18 years, Hope Magazine has been more than a publication. It has served as a wellspring of inspiration and empowerment for women from all walks of life. Hope has become a haven—a place where women connect, forge sisterhoods, and embark on life's journey together.
Reflecting on my own journey, I recall a time when I lacked the financial resources and connections with industry influencers. What I did have, though, was something immeasurable: hope. When it felt like I had nothing but dreams, I pressed on. I knew I had to persist and hold on to that hope, no matter what. It all began with a single idea, a spark ignited by a divine vision. Sometimes, the biggest dreams start small, like a tiny seed.
In those early days, my mother and brother became my initial investors. I had little knowledge of magazine advertisements and ad space sales, but I was determined to learn. I vividly remember the excitement of securing my first paid ad from a publishing company. Soon after, another partner came on board, committing to a year's worth of online ad space. Sometimes, just one or two ad accounts sustained us for an entire year. To many onlookers, it appeared as though I had reached the pinnacle of success.
For nearly 18 years, I've witnessed that tiny seed of a God-sized dream grow into a flourishing online and print publication. Magazines worldwide have embraced and cherished what Hope Magazine has become.
Yet, there was a sense that something was still missing.
In 2023, I made a deliberate and purposeful decision to restructure our company. I realized that what had brought us to 2023 would not be enough to carry us forward to 2033. To succeed overall, I needed a solid strategy to effectively manage our resources. I was determined to find talented individuals with proven track records to help us expand our brand's reach.
Over the past six months of 2023, I laid the groundwork for this transformation. I needed to reinforce our foundation, establish standard operating procedures, and ensure operational efficiency. It was a time for change—a time to rebuild and rejuvenate.
One significant shift involved transitioning Hope into a digital magazine, a decision that was challenging given our longstanding success in print. Many of our readers still preferred the tangible feel of a physical magazine. However, for the sustained success of our business, I had to make the tough call to discontinue printing the magazine.
Additionally, when I had a website audit conducted, it became evident that the previous web designer I had paid generously had improperly coded the website's backend. Some critical backend systems were not set up correctly, necessitating further investment to rectify what I believed had already been resolved.
I realized that Hope was not merely a blog or another magazine—it was a brand, and I needed to manage it as the million-dollar brand I believed it could be.
As I pondered this year's theme, 'Rejuvenate,' I thought about every woman who feels the need to rediscover her zest for life. It's about breathing life back into something that once seemed dormant, a revival of spirit. It's a season of renewal, a time when many of us find ourselves.
Isaiah 43:19 (ASV) says, “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”
Sometimes, you may have to rebuild. It might be time for restructuring. In this year, embrace the understanding that you haven't failed; you've gained invaluable experience that will guide your future steps. You might need to do some inner work and establish a stronger foundation to advance. But remember, there's no shame in starting over or rebuilding. The only failure is in falling and refusing to rise again.
In 2024, remain open to change and adaptation. Reconnect with your true self and your purpose. Chase your dreams, discover your passions, and don't be afraid to authentically be yourself. The world craves the genuine you, not the facade you've outgrown. Take the time to reintroduce yourself to the world.
Beyond this period of rejuvenation, something incredible awaits you on the horizon!