2024 Recap: My Biggest Takeaway From The Year Applies to Everyone
Following a full decade of highs, lows and uncertainties, 2024 made it all worth it. Here's what I want everyone to know... (plus 24 highlights from 2024)
The second Substack I ever wrote dove into the past decade, and the 2014 layoff that changed my entire life. If you’ve ever been laid off, had career uncertainty or simply want a glimpse into the professional highs and lows that led me to where I am today, I highly recommend reading it. I don’t hold back about anything.
From the shocking layoff at my prestigious four-year People.com job, to two full years of unemployment, to four years at a failing startup, to a six-month stint at a beauty brand that was mutually unfit, to more unemployment and freelance uncertainty, the last 10 years have left me struggling for confidence, purpose and connection. Don’t get me wrong, there were certainly empowering, memorable moments, but that’s just it—they were moments. They weren’t consistent, significant windows of time. Funny enough (like so many others), just when I was finally finding my footing (2019/early 2020), we went into lockdown. And by Sept. 2020, I was starting again from scratch.
When you work in public-facing media, your job overlaps with your personal life. I certainly have a life and personality outside of work, but so much of work overlaps with my social life (and I love that because the work and people are fun!). But because of that, when you don’t feel confident in your professional life, the rest can suffer.
I really felt myself coming back to life in 2023 (and 10 times more than in 2014 when I was still employed by People). This year, however, took my fulfillment to a whole new level. There were so many blessings consistently from start to finish. From travel (both for work and pleasure), to so many new friends and colleagues, to writing impactful articles that actually make a difference, to finding who I am in a new age bracket and chapter—2024 was one for the books.
But my most important takeaway doesn’t apply to just me, it’s for everyone: Life isn’t linear. There are going to be highs and lows. But you have to just keep pushing ahead and believing your time will come as long as you put in the work. It sucks, but sometimes you have to ride that wave of unhappiness or disappointment. I’ve been on that wave many-a-time, and finally just started telling myself to live in that darkness because eventually I’ll come out. We all will. I never in a million years could have imagined the full decade of discomfort that would accompany that fateful 2014 phone call.
But 10 years later, as confidence and maturity has grown, relationships have grown, too. Prior to the pandemic, I had a large, consistent group of friends. By consistent, I mean everyone would end up at the same events, birthdays, weddings, etc… Yes, there was drama and ups and downs, but ultimately, you’d see the same people at all the same shindigs. Come lockdown, there was clear distinction of who was actually close friends in that moment. Some people I was pretty friendly with shortly before lockdown were nowhere to be found (except on IG with their apparent “real” friends). It was the first time I knew for certain who I was actually close friends with. And trust me, I was fine with all of it. It was just interesting, ya know?
That said, in addition to a powerful professional year in 2024, I also felt some pre-COVID friendships (and even some close acquaintanceships) resurrected. I’ve seen some of these people many times since lockdown, but I didn’t feel connected as we once were. Relationships, marriage and kids change things (that’s life and there’s nothing wrong with that), so I don’t think things will ever be exactly the same—but to at least have an underlying mutual respect for people you once shared something special with is important.
I felt more connected to a lot of people this year in general—even ones I’ve consistently remained close to. I felt some powerful breakthroughs in that scope, which I’m so grateful for. I also welcomed some incredible new people into my life and I feel truly blessed. As you gain more confidence in yourself, you definitely attract like-minded people and energy, and you naturally drift from those who aren’t on the same evolved path.
Ultimately, this is a post to say thank you to anyone who impacted my 2024 in any way, whether big or small. Even just reading and/or subscribing to my newsletter is showing support, and I am eternally grateful. Substack has given me a platform to be honest and forthcoming in a way I wouldn’t be anywhere else. It’s also given me a chance to connect with industry peers (new and old) in a whole new capacity. I’m so glad I launched when I did, when I felt ready—and I’m happy that I’ve stuck with it.
Below, I’m sharing 24 highlights from 2024 (in no particular order). If you want to see more from the experience, click (almost) each link:
Forbes - After applying for a contributor position back in August 2023, I finally got a response on Jan. 3 of this year. After much back and forth, the rest is history, and the experience has been truly life changing. This year, I was able to tell some really fascinating stories, thanks to the platform Forbes has given me. From Patrick Ta’s vow to stay humble, to Stila Cosmetics’ falloff-to-resurgence pipeline and more, it’s been a dream to connect with so many brands, founders and CEOs this year on a deep level.
Additional bylines - Forbes was my main publication this year, but I’m honored to be on the monthly Travel + Leisure freelance pitch list (feel free to pitch me for the e-comm section at any point!), I also wrote for IPSY an additional year, said goodbye to my longtime freelance client Mane Addicts before they parted ways with editorial altogether (but not before filming some really fun video content with them), started writing fun product reviews for The Daily Beast, teamed up with The Quality Edit, LA Parent and more.
Brand deals - I got hired to work with a handful of well-established beauty and wellness brands this year, including Fatty15 and Wrinkles Schminkles. I love creating content for brands I believe in, and I look forward to much more in the new year.
Alo brand trip - Someone pinch me because I’m still dreaming. This was absolutely remarkable, and I can’t believe I had this experience. Loved working with the Alo team and spending time with the girls they selected for this incredible wellness staycation.
Mexico cruise - Seven nights on a cruise, crammed into a tiny room in a pint-sized bed is a huge risk—but one I’m so glad I took. I accepted a spontaneous press trip invite on a Carnival Cruise and brought along my friend Kristy. Cruises bring out an interesting assortment, but honestly, when I look back on highlights from the year, this was so much fun. Kristy and I totally vibed and laughed about the same you-had-to-be-there things. We also met two really cool journalists. It was a win across the board.
Hawaii press trip - I went on a press trip with Grand Wailea Maui and wow, it was a dream. My first time to Hawaii, and this was definitely the way to go. hashtag blessed. ;)
New and old friends - There were so many special moments this year. I’m so grateful to have friends I’ve known for 10+ years, incredible new friends I’ve made through work, and the besties I’ll have forever.
Substack - Need I say more?! The absolute best. Posting here has taken me out of my comfort zone in so many ways, and has also been extremely therapeutic.
Forever Falliday Fall party - I throw a fall party each year, but my 12th annual in the Hollywood Hills topped them all. I’m so grateful to all of the event sponsors, incredible guests, and of course, vibes. ◡̈
Birthday - My birthday was special this year because not only was I gifted an overnight stay at the stunning Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica, but I kept my day entirely off the internet to maintain my sanity. I didn’t want the pressures of who wished me a HBD, or who posted, or this or that. I didn’t have a party or a hang. It was me and my two best girlfriends sipping champagne and splashing in the hotel’s hot tub. I was asleep by 6pm.
Day trip to Oakland for robot lash extensions with LUUM Lash - This was really cool. And my first time wearing lash extensions. And we even crammed in a little bite at an authentic Oakland hotspot.
Sausalito with EO Products - Speaking of Northern California, I made my way to Marin County shortly after the Oakland trip. I love Marin, and more importantly, Sausalito. This trip was just so peaceful, and I loved connecting with the incredible EO team.
Voluspa Office Visit - Headed down to OC for an incredible 1:1 HQ tour with Voluspa candles, where I interviewed the founder and other notable team members. The entire team (PR included) was exceptional, down to earth and passionate. I loved connecting with the brand’s story, and can’t wait to share more with you all in January!
Portland solo trip - PDX has such a special place in my heart. <3
Family - Need I say more? Always there when I need them most. And I even got a special visit from my Boston-based Aunt Patti this year.
Raw food diet - I did this for 10 days and survived! It was really just a personal experiment. What I learned is that you can make some really tasty, satisfying concoctions with just raw foods, and once you have the right groceries in hand, it’s not as challenging as it seems. Though it is definitely not something I would do longer than 10 days.
Black hair - best decision ever!
Tulum - I hadn’t initially been the biggest Tulum fan, but heading out there with my good friend Wally for Liz Flora’s wedding was a totally different vibe. We didn’t know anyone else going, and honestly, that was refreshing. I also found a fabulous boutique hotel and a stunning price. Wally and I were excellent travel partners, we spent one night in Cancun, and the wedding was beautiful and full of life. Is Tulum still a schlep? Yes. But am I glad I went? Also yes.
Turks & Caicos - I had no idea what to expect when I committed to six nights on a 40th birthday trip for my friend Sondie. I figured I’d get along with everyone, but I didn’t expect everyone to feel like one big happy family. It’s so rare, and everyone has also kept in touch to this day, which is incredibly special. Take me back to the hip-hop bar on the water!
Weho Pride - Weho Pride had always been my version of Coachella. In the early 2010s it was the most fun weekend of the year. But sadly it’s been years since I last recall it being super exciting. Until this year, which felt like old times with all the classic friends I’ve celebrated the moment with over the years. Truly a blast.
Rosewood Miramar stay - If there’s one pinch-me hotel to visit in Southern CA, this is it. I finally get the hype, and am so grateful for the incredible team at Allergan/Skinvive for including me in such a special overnight experience. I even went paddleboarding!
Manifestation - If you really believe it, you can achieve it! <3
Mental Health - There’s so much I can say about this, but I’ve felt more aware and in touch with my mental health than ever before. It’s a never-ending battle but I’m really proud of the strides I’ve made. I don’t think we should ever stop talking about it.
TikTok - Truly the most life-changing app out there. I am so grateful to everyone I’ve connected with, every piece of information I learned, every newsworthy editorial pitch idea, everything.
I’ll share fresh editorial needs in the coming year, but as a special gift to cap out the year, I’m sharing a 25% discount code to receive an intuitive reading with Altyr holistic healing. The platform has worked with Goop, L’Oreal and more—and they offered readings at my Fall Party in November. Use DAHVI25 at checkout.
Also, ICYMI, I capped out the year with a 40-year tribute feature on Hunza G swimwear (the best!), and an inside look into the luxury wig industry. And for a recap of my highest-performing editorial and video content of 2024, click HERE.
What’s everyone doing for NYE, and what was your biggest highlight from 2024?
Thank you for an amazing year, everyone! <3
And if you follow college football, GO DUCKS!