While we recover from the holidays and prepare ourselves for the new decade ahead; it’s time to reflect on the past year. 2019 has been very good to me. It has been the year of massive change, growth, and new beginnings.
Let’s review 2019:
January
Preliminary Floor Plan designed by AMA Designs for Century 21 Cedarcrest in Little Falls, New Jersey
Kicked off 2019 with the completion of my first personal project: my new home. My Fiance (now Husband) and I, renovated our first place together. Which was quite the undertaking to do as we both have businesses and clients to tend to. We ripped up flooring, tore down old wallpaper, and painted during most of our evenings. My hands and fingernails looked like Shrek hands and I spent most time picking crusted spackle from under my nails (probably should have worn gloves but ….it happened). In January, we were able to put the power tools down and finally were able to move in.
During this time, I was knees deep in a commercial project for the new Century 21 Office in Little Falls, New Jersey. Drafting preliminary floor plans, reviewing Building Codes, meeting with Architects, and filing permits so we can get approved to start construction.
I also was planning another important personal “project” of mine — the design and coordination of my dream wedding.
February
We finalized the details and were approved to start construction for Century 21. Once we got approved, things were rolling quickly. My team was on fire (in a good way). Framing happened, Walls went up, cabinets were installed, stone counters were installed. The entire month was dedicated to this project.
Oh, and I celebrated my birthday. My friends surprised me with a weekend trip to Siesta Key, Florida to celebrate my 28th (twenty-great) birthday and pre-wedding festivities.
I also checked off one of my goals for the year: to be featured on a podcast. I was interviewed by the lovely Brittney Lynn of The Day in a Life Podcast. Listen Here
March
Conference Room designed by AMA Designs for Century 21 Cedarcrest in Little Falls, New Jersey.
By this time, the commercial project for Century 21 in Little Falls has been 90% complete. We had scheduled the install of all the furniture and had interior/exterior signage installed. The team was ready to reveal their soft-opening.
During this time, I was hired to refresh another Century 21 office in the Smokerise section of Kinnelon, New Jersey.
I also attended the Architectural Digest Show in New York City where I spotted all the new trends for 2019 and connected with new vendors.
APRIL
This month was focused on catering to all of our clients and finishing up loose ends on projects before the big Wedding Day. At this time, we were working on 7 projects in total ranging from full-service residential & commercial, e-design, to styling services. I also was a one woman show. Yes, I have a team of laborers who execute the physical work but behind the scenes it was me handling all the project management, coordination, bookkeeping, and paperwork…while prepping for the wedding.
This month, my design bestie, Albie, had flew in from the West coast to conclude a project on the East coast. I love when schedules work out and I was able to meet my online bestie in real life. We got to accessorize her project, hang out, and catch up.
At the end of the month, I had also rescued a baby squirrel that I had found in the yard when coming home from a meeting. Ya know — just your average day. Client meetings during the day and rescuing the wild life at night. A day in the life….
May
Wedding day 5/19/19. Photography by Mariah Texidor Photography
Ah, it’s wedding month! I had got married to my soul mate and we honeymooned in southern Italy (Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Capri, Naples, Bari, Otranto, and other neighboring areas).
Before my wedding, I had completed as many projects as possible so I can honeymoon in peace , including wrapping up the second commercial office for Century 21 Kinnelon.
I was also featured on a second podcast, The Design Influence with Albie of Albie Knows. Listen here.
June
We’re halfway through the year and I had picked up more full-service projects. I had other small-scale projects in the works, and it was time to expand my in-office team. I finally outsourced my bookkeeping (thank goodness) and hired my first assistant. I had also worked one on one with a financial advisor to get on track.
This was also a very exciting month, as my Godson was born! Oh, the most precious face I ever did see!
JULY
One of the most busiest months which was filled with project installations: cabinetry, stone counters, flooring, trim work, furniture, window treatments, you name it.. we were installing it.
We also had the professional photoshoot for the Century 21 office in Little Falls. Preparing for a photoshoot entails curating accessories and details to give the “magazine-worthy” finishing touches. We show up to the site early to make sure surfaces are clean and style the space for photography.
August
Amanda of AMA Designs stocking up her car with accessories and decor for a Styled in a Day Makeover.
This month was a mix of full-service projects and One-Day makeovers. One of our clients was moving across town and that required a lot of man power to pack, and move to the new house. There was a lot of planning and involvement on our end. We had documented and measured all the existing furniture that was going to the new home, plus measuring the new home, and strategizing where all the existing furniture will go. We also made a detailed list and floorplan with a legend of where every single item was going.
This project had many balls to juggle, including painting the new home prior to move-in day.
When our hands weren’t tied with that, we had also completed two One-Day Makeovers so our clients can host end of the year summer bashes in style.
Oh — and last but not least. I had rescued baby kittens that I had found crying in my tomato garden. Two sweet little babies that I had named Tigger and Winnie. If I wasn’t allergic, I would have kept them but these two were adopted by loving friends of mine.
September
This is my business birthday month! We had celebrated one full-year of entrepreneurship. Technically, we have been “in business” since 2015 but solely doing freelance projects while I was working at a Interior Design firm full-time.
Entrepreneurship has taught me so much. If you want to go on the biggest personal development journey, start a business. I have learned more about myself than I did in years and overcame obstacles to grow personally and financially.
OCtober
Amanda at the Currey & Co. showroom in Highpoint, NC.
After many years of longing, I had finally hit another one of my goals which was to attend Highpoint Market. This may not seem like a big deal, but it was very important to me. Highpoint, NC is the furniture capitol of the world. This is where 1,000+ of designers fly in to see all the latest trends in the furniture industry. It’s compared to the Fashion Week of the home industry. This is where I networked with new vendors, connected with other designers, socialized at cocktail parties, and attended numerous seminars
When I returned from Highpoint, I implemented all my new findings and tweaked my entire business model to enhance my clients experience (and mine too).
NOVEMBER
The beginning of the month was hectic as we conclude 5 projects before Thanksgiving.
As things slowed down after the holiday, I feel like I can finally breathe. However, I’m not ready to relax yet…. and applied for my Feng Shui Certification at the New York Institute of Interior Design.
I have always had a fascination with Feng Shui and I had owned books on the subject. I wanted to fully develop the skill so I can help my clients in a new way and incorporate this service in the new year.
December
Closing the year off strong. I was featured in Realtor.com three times as a Guest Expert and also Best Life Magazine online. I was also contacted by other Editor’s and have press features scheduled to be released in 2020.
Most excitingly, I was nominated as one of the “Design Influencers” amongst 14 other talented designers to attend KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) in Las Vegas of 2020. I am so honored to be selected. I will be showcasing the event through social media. This nomination excites me for the new year ahead and I can’t wait for 2020 to unfold.
As we get ready to conclude 2019 and enter a new decade, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for this year. This year has been filled with many opportunities, lessons, happy clients, and happy tears.