As we head into the holidays, the Proof to Product team and I will be taking a break. While we’re gone, I want to encourage you to go back and listen to some of this year’s most popular episodes.  I’ve included links to our top 5 episodes at the bottom of our show notes here so you can find them quickly & easily.   But all in all, we covered a lot of ground in 2018 talking about business finances, licensing opportunities, marketing strategies, selling wholesale, finding manufacturers, exhibiting at shows and the ups and downs of running a business.   Our guests were vulnerable, I was vulnerable. In fact, there were a few episodes I was nervous to air — it felt too raw - but we did it anyway!  Because that’s what this show is about… sharing our struggles, successes, and strategies so that all of us can continue to grow our businesses in a way that feels good to us.   I’m really proud of how Proof to Product has grown and I’m overwhelmed (in a good way) when I receive messages from all of you or read the reviews you leave for the show.  I appreciate you listening and am so glad that the show has positively influenced your life and your business.   As we head into the holidays and 2019, I want to share some important reminders and six things that I wish for each and every one of you...   I want you to continue to make intentional decisions in your business. Decisions that get you closer to your business goals.  Decisions that reflect the season of life that you’re in. And, decisions that further ignite your passions even more.   I want you to make time for yourself and the things that bring you joy in life.  As an entrepreneur it is easy to overwork ourselves. We love what we do and we should.  But, I want you to carve out time over the next few weeks for play. For hobbies. For time with friends and family.   I want you to spend some time reflecting on the progress you’ve made this year.  Remember that success doesn’t happen overnight. It happens little by little, step by step.  But we need to celebrate our progress along the way. You worked hard this year and you deserve to be celebrated.   Friends, I want you to remember that you set the rules for your business. You decide what products to sell, whether to sell retail, wholesale or both.  You decide whether to go to shows or hire a team. You hold the power, never forget that.   I want you to remember that if you’re in an uncomfortable state of change, that this usually means you’re in a growth period and that you’re onto something exciting and new.  Don’t let fear hold you back. Try it out and see what happens. If it doesn’t go as planned you can always change direction and try again.   And, I want you to remember that we see you doing amazing work and pouring your heart and soul into your products. This entrepreneurial journey can be tough but also very rewarding.  Remember that you’re not alone. We see you.   I want you to know that i’m grateful for you. Thank you for being here.  Thank you for listening. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season surrounded by family and friends.     I’ll be back with a new episode on January 8th. Until then, happy holidays and happy new year.   Proof to Product | Top 5 Episodes of 2018      043 | Renee Griffith, HeartSwell Co on changing her business name, finding a voice within your brand and why she scraped her product line and started anew   053 | Megan Auman on product photography and leveraging Pinterest for sales   046 | Richele Silva, Richie Designs on leveraging past work experiences and the benefits of growing our businesses slow and steadily   049 | Emily Thompson, Being Boss on why being boss requires vision and hustle, the importance of setting boundaries and being open to saying yes to the right opportunities   051 | Kim Burks, Ramona & Ruth on changing her business name, growing her wholesale program and how reps have enhanced her business What if you could sit in a room with 30 other product makers who are doing exactly wha