Alright, so here’s the truth—2024 didn’t exactly go as planned. My big goal for the year was to hit that 7-figure milestone. Spoiler: I didn’t get there. But you know what? That’s okay. While I didn’t hit my big 7-figure $ goal, I’ve realized that personal branding is about more than just the numbers—it’s about the connections you make, the growth you experience, and the authenticity you share.
This year, I’ve learned valuable lessons that will help shape the direction of my business and my personal branding strategy for 2025. If you’re working on building your own personal brand, these insights will help you, too. Let’s dive into what I’ve learned and how personal branding played a crucial role in my journey this year.
Growth in Ways I Didn’t Expect
Let’s talk about growth. While I didn’t hit the 7-figure mark, my business still grew by 18% this year—and that’s something I’m proud of. Here’s a practical tip: Don’t just focus on the big, flashy goals. Small, consistent growth is still growth, and it adds up over time. Celebrate every win, no matter how small it seems.
Hiring 3 new team members was another huge win. I’ve learned that the right people can make a world of difference. If you’re looking to grow in 2025, invest in your team—the right people will help you go further than you can on your own.
Also, this year, we took the whole team to Baku, Azerbaijan, and it reminded me of the importance of team bonding. If you’re leading a team, try taking some time to really celebrate your wins together—it strengthens relationships and builds a sense of camaraderie that can lead to even greater success.
Personal Wins and Bucket List Moments
On a personal note, 2024 was the year I took my family and parents to Japan to see the cherry blossoms. It wasn’t their first time visiting Japan, but it was their first time seeing the sakura bloom. Watching their faces light up while they experienced something they’ve always dreamed of was beyond special.
Then, there was Palawan. If you’ve heard of the Underground River, you know it’s a bucket-list-worthy destination. Experiencing it firsthand made me realize just how important it is to pause and take in the beauty around us. Sometimes we’re so focused on the grind that we forget to appreciate the small things.
Oh, and I bought a new car this year! It replaced my 10-year-old Nissan Armada, which, let’s be honest, was hanging on by a thread after a decade of service. I was so ready for an upgrade, but here’s the twist—the husband ended up keeping the Armada. It’s actually become his car now because of its practicality. With a family, it’s just easier to transport people and stuff in the bigger ride, so he swapped out his smaller car for it.
Sometimes, you have to adapt to what works best for your life right now. The new car is a reminder that we don’t have to do everything on our own—we can adjust and make things work.
Olivia Pearls: Honoring My Parents’ Legacy
The biggest personal milestone for me this year was launching Olivia Pearls by Melrish Jewels. This wasn’t just about starting another business—it was about honoring my parents’ hard work and sacrifices. Growing up, I saw how much they gave for our family, and this brand is my way of saying “thank you.” Olivia Pearls isn’t just about jewelry; it’s a tribute to everything they’ve done for me and my siblings. And honestly? Seeing it take off has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
And the best part is—we’ve only just begun! There are so many exciting things in store for Olivia Pearls, and I’d love for you to be a part of this journey. If you haven’t already, please consider showing your support by following Olivia Pearls on Instagram. We have so many new collections and surprises coming your way in 2025, and I can’t wait to share them with you!
LinkedIn Growth and Personal Branding
A huge surprise for me this year was the growth I saw on LinkedIn. (Follow me on Linkedin). Impressions went up over 1000%, and my followers grew by 50%. That’s all thanks to focusing on personal branding and showing up authentically and I just spent 4 hours a week on average. People connect with you when you’re real. If you want to grow your brand, whether it’s on LinkedIn or elsewhere, be consistent, be true to yourself, and share content that resonates with people. When your brand feels authentic, that’s when the magic happens.
Looking Ahead: A Free Masterclass on Personal Branding
In 2025, I’m excited to host a FREE masterclass on how to use video to grow your authentic personal brand and thought leadership without burning yourself out. This is something I’m super passionate about, and I want to share with you the tips and strategies that have worked for me. Stay tuned—I promise it’ll be fun! Or message us and you will be the first ones to know!
Trusting God’s Plan and Taking Action
This year, I learned more than ever that God’s plan is better than mine.
Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Every turn this year, every challenge, every blessing—has been part of a bigger story I couldn’t have imagined. And this verse has really stuck with me: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) When things don’t go according to plan, remember that there’s a bigger picture at play.
Here’s something I’ve learned: Trust the process. When things get tough, lean into your faith, and believe that the challenges are shaping you for something bigger. God’s timing is always better than ours.
What’s Next for 2025?
So no, 2024 wasn’t the year I hit 7 figures, but it was the year I grew more in ways I didn’t expect. And honestly? I’m more excited than ever for 2025. Here are a few things I’m carrying into the new year with me:
- Celebrate the small wins—don’t wait until you hit the big goal to feel accomplished.
- Invest in your team—the right people will take you further than you can go alone.
- Show up authentically—your audience connects with your real story, not a perfect image.
- Take time for yourself and your family—experiences and memories are just as valuable as business goals.
- Trust God’s plan—sometimes the detours lead to the best destinations.
And lastly, remember this: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Every moment, good or bad, is part of His bigger plan.
If you want to keep up with my journey and learn more about personal branding and entrepreneurship, check out my YouTube channel. I’ve got a lot of great content coming your way in 2025!
A Final Thought
As the year wraps up, I encourage you to reflect on the blessings and lessons you’ve learned. I also encourage you to reflect on your own personal branding journey. The journey isn’t always linear, but every step shapes who you’re becoming. Trust the process, trust God’s timing, and keep moving forward. His way is always better than ours. Here’s to making 2025 the best year yet!
