Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

+

the annual "15 Under 40 " list

+

Me.

That's quite a combination, right?

I got an email back in February from Elizabeth Ralls, the EIC of

AHL

back in February informing me of

my selection to this year's "15 Under 40" list

and was utterly blown away. I still remember exactly where I was when I read the email (like, 5 times in a row) and how it felt. 

Have you ever experienced a moment of sheer joy? 

Like

the kind where you can feel the chemistry in your body just shift in an instant?

That's what it felt like.

And for some this may be nothing more than another notch in the belt of successful business ownership, but for me it's a lesson in

faith, focus, passion and drive

. 4 years ago I had this list pinned on a bulletin board in my office and it was something that became a goal of mine for a long time...almost like I was trying to figure out how to get on the list. And after 2 years of constantly looking at it as I worked, I took it down and stored it away, because I realized that I wanted it to be about the work for me, not the end goal, and that--while making the list would be fantastic--not making the list didn't mean that my work wasn't good or I didn't have any validity as a designer. So I set off focusing on the other stuff...making a life I love, creating a business I enjoy, and totally forgot about that list at all.

Until that glorious day in February.

And then I did the Nae Nae.

The magazine is out this month in the May 2014 issue of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles...

along with a feature on the AHL blog (found here) detailing how I got my start as a designer & the secrets behind my successful blog...I couldn't be prouder.

So to all of my fellow entrepreneurs, the best advice I can give you is this:

Keep working, and stay focused on doing what you love the most and not the accolade that comes with it.  Keep your head down, don't focus on anyone else's business but your own, and just go, go, GO! I just celebrated 3 years in business this past November and what I know for sure is that if God will do it for me, He'll do it for anyone. 

Fist pumps and jazz hands for everyone!