Our WISH for 2024

Happy New Year! We’re so glad you’re here.

We simply can’t start the new year without first reflecting on the previous one. In 2023, we made the decision to change direction. At DesignDash, our initial focus was the business of design, how to improve and succeed in the professional realm. We offered one-on-one coaching, coursework, and interactive webinars that sought to create a reliable path to business growth.

We quickly realized that professional success was so closely tied to personal fulfillment, and we weren’t really touching on the personal aspect of being a creative entrepreneur at all.

In the fall, we changed that. After many lengthy discussions, we realized that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to running a design business because our lives are so diverse, and oftentimes complicated. Making a meaningful change meant acknowledging the unique paths, perspectives, and personalities of the members of the DesignDash community. It didn’t make sense, if overall fulfillment was the goal, to focus exclusively on designing a great business.

And so, it clicked, DesignDash is about designing a life you love.

This includes your career and maybe even more importantly, the way you feel about how that career integrates authentically with your life as a whole.

For the women entrepreneurs we worked with, we uncovered familiar challenges. Even with supportive partners, the Imposter Syndrome, Mom Guilt, and harsh pursuit of “having it all” was leaving them feeling incomplete. Laura and I are no strangers to this! We’ve both felt the push and pull of being a working mother, wanting to have it all while still providing it all to our families, friends, and network.

In 2024, we are looking forward to sharing our new mission with all of you. Our goal is to revolutionize the way female creative entrepreneurs approach true fulfillment, both personally and professionally. We want to change the way women look at “having it all.” And we’re doing so by promoting a full life that values work, but also prioritizes creativity, curiosity, and discovery.

Our recently updated website provides a gateway to female artists who may have gone unnoticed. We share their work and life stories to empower other women by creating a community of aspiration and achievement. You’ll also notice city guides and museum tours to encourage following your wanderlust because getting a little out of your comfort zone is important to personal growth. We’ll also share articles that support wellness from a holistic perspective, one that attends to both body and mind in a way that speaks to you as an individual. And of course, we will continue to provide advice and insight into building a business you can enjoy without compromise.

What really sets DesignDash apart from other content-driven platforms is our focus on action. Every article we post will begin with journal prompts and a reflective question. This way, you’ll find yourself learning and interacting with each piece, rather than passively absorbing. And if you’re in the mood to just absorb, that’s okay too. Our articles will inspire you however you decide to approach them.

Also this year, we’re happy to announce our new podcast coming very soon. Each episode will focus on the work/life rhythm that is unique to all of us. We’ll host guests who have succeeded in designing lives they love, and we’ll share their insight to motivate us all. Diverse perspectives are welcome because again, there is no one-size-fits-all methodology.

As you can see, there is so much to look forward to in the new year. We begin 2024 with lots of gratitude and enthusiasm. We are thrilled to have you join us.

By Melissa Grove.