2019 in Review
On the last day of the passing year (and decade), I look back at the last 12 month filled with gratitude, appreciation and joy. Many of my dreams came true in 2019, although it was also a year full of challenges, learning and overcoming those things within myself that did not serve me. I would like to dedicated this article to the highlights of 2019.
One Million Cups
In August 2019 I had the privilege and the honor of presenting my business vision to the entrepreneurship community of Columbia, SC. The presentation was a success - with the room full of people and lots of feedback, I felt supported and encouraged. I definitely learned a lot from this experience and have grown both as a speaker and as an entrepreneur.
Figure Modeling
In 2019 I added figure modeling to my resume in addition to portrait modeling and it changed my self-image completely. Figure modeling allowed me to fall in love with myself exactly the way that I am, with all my imperfections, all of what seemed to be flaws - to love myself unconditionally and see my body through the eyes of the artists: as a piece of art designed by the Creator. I am grateful for this transformation because it changed my relationship with myself forever. I had the experience of being painted by many artists, but one of the primary highlights was being painted by Will South, Curator of the Columbia Museum of Art.
Acting
In 2019 I had the opportunity to work as a background actress in productions by HBO, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime and even in a full motion picture “Hillbilly Elegy” directed by Ron Howard. I’ve spent countless hours on set, many all-nighters. Often it was difficult, and a few times I questioned if it is all even worth it. But I am glad I pushed through because each experience proved invaluable and taught me a lot about how to structure major production and how to get along with people that you do not know for the sake of co-creating together.
Big Screen Appearance
In 2019 I saw myself on the big screen when The Righteous Gemstones aired on HBO. At the very beginning of Episode 7 I appeared as a featured extra. It was strange and exciting to realize that I now share space with shows like Sex in the City, Six Feet Under, Rome, True Blood and many more on the HBO network.
Readings Practice
The passing year has brought many new experiences of doing spiritual readings for people in my community and well outside of it. My practice began growing, and so did my collection of divination tools - Tarot and Oracle cards as well as books to expand my understanding of the archetypal wisdom that the cards hold. I am very proud of being vocal about my practice and developing a fearless attitude towards judgment and misunderstanding. By being true to who I really am and what I love doing most, I became closer to who I was born to become.
Biltmore
In September 2019 I had a wonderful opportunity to visit Biltmore in Asheville with my mother. We spent a wonderful day on the estate, tasted wines, enjoyed fine dining and took lots of pictures with each other. Of course we spent several hours touring the largest home in America and then walked around in the adjacent magnificent gardens. It was a very notable visit that neither of us will ever forget!
Nashville
2019 marked my first ever visit to Nashville, TN. I enjoyed a lovely visit with my friends and got to explore the city. I really enjoyed the energy of the place and will definitely visit again! Parthenon at the Bicentennial Mall truly impressed me. I had a wonderful time enjoying the hospitality of my friends and the warmth of their welcome. Lots of memories were created during the trip!
Columbia Chamber Diplomat
In 2019 my business, Influence Media, finally joined the Columbia Chamber and I joined the Diplomat program on behalf of the Chamber. It was a significant event because becoming a Chamber member has been my dream ever since I registered my company officially. The membership has encouraged me to take my business more seriously and helped me connect with other entrepreneurs. I am very proud of being part of the local Chamber of Commerce in Columbia, SC.
YouTube Channel Growth
In 2019 I took my commitment to becoming a serious content creator to the next level and produced several YouTube videos that I am proud of, and some that were more experimental in nature. I have grown from 3 to 83 subscribers, and I look forward to even more growth in the coming 2020 and in the new decade!
Learned to Bend Metal Using Mind
In 2019 I traveled to the Rhine Research Center in Duke, NC. There, at the hub of Parapsychology centric scientific studies and exploration, I learned how to use mind to bend metal and have recorded several videos in which I demonstrated how I do it. This fascinating new discovery reminded me that thoughts are powerful and that even things that may seem impossible at first are just a breakthrough away from our grasp! This truly expanded my understanding of the wonders of the world and inspired me to dream bigger and dare more audaciously.
Traveled to Moscow, Russia to Welcome 2020 Together!
As I write this post, I am celebrating the dawning of the New Year 2020 with my grandmother at her apartment in Moscow. I am very grateful for a chance to spend this magical evening together and that she is healthy and well. I treasure my relationship with her and my wish is for her to stay well and for us to spend much more time together in the coming decade!