Happy almost new year! I know we all say it, but it’s crazy to think that another year has gone by. The saying, “the days feel long, but the years feel short” seems wholly applicable, doesn’t it? If I had to look back on what 2014 meant to me, I think it was a period of growth, of coming into who I am and what I want to give to the world.
At the start of 2014, I had just moved back to California after living in Japan. I had left my former boyfriend and comfortable job behind and started my own design business right before the new year. It was scary and lonely at first. I doubted myself. I cried sometimes trying to figure out how I fit back into life in California and here in the online world. But I did the best I could, both in terms of growing my business and blog and building and rebuilding the friendships and relationships that mean the most to me today. I surpassed business and blogging goals I would’ve thought too lofty if we were chatting a year ago. I made memories with friends who I know will be around for the rest of my life. I made new friends, too — ones I cherish. And I met Paul, the best partner in crime. So, for everything that was difficult about 2014, it was also filled with so much beauty that it would be ridiculous to complain. I’m so thankful for this year of learning, now onto a year of blossoming. 🙂
In 2014, I also wrote 245 (!!) posts here on The Nectar Collective. I hope to bring you even more content in 2015, especially with the addition of some contributors (coming in January!). Here’s a recap of the most popular posts of 2014, with some of my very favorites thrown in, too. Enjoy! And have a very safe, happy, and love-filled new years, friends. Thanks for being here.
Best Posts to Help You Become a Better Person
- How to Get Shit Done Even When You’re Totally Unmotivated
- 3 Simple Tips to Help You Become More Charismatic
- 15 Ways to Be a Good Human Today
- 5 Ways to Feel Better Today
- 12 Books to Read in 2015
Best Design-Related Posts
- Recent Calligraphy Prints + Projects
- DIY Edge Painted Business Cards
- How to Create a Hand-Lettered Blog Header (Without a Scanner!)
- 20 Instagram Accounts to Fuel Your Creativity
- A couple of my favorite design projects here, here, here, and here
Best Posts for the Aspiring Business + Blogging Badass
- How I Went From My Day Job to Full-Time Freelancer in Three Months
- 13 Ways to Drive Traffic to Old Blog Posts (Free Printable Checklist!)
- 20 Ten Minute Tips for Your Blog + Business (Free Printable!)
- How I Organize and Plan Blog Posts
- Where Does My Money Come From?
- 9 Inspiring Tips I Learned at Alt Summit
Best Posts to Inspire Your Sense of Adventure
- Outdoor Style + Hiking in Portland, Oregon
- 5 Ways Japanese Culture Made Me a Better Person
- Greetings From Yosemite
Absolutely love this wrap up! And all of your blogging and business related posts. Do you have any posts touching on taxes? I think this is probably what deters me the most in starting my own business or working as a freelancer. Where do you start? If you’re doing work online like blogging and graphic design, do you have to register a business name? How do you report this income on your taxes? I’m so ready to pour myself in, but also want to be sure I’m doing it right come the end of the year when I have to report the income – so that’s where I’m stuck! Any insight would be super helpful. Happy New Year! xxoo
Hi Emma! I wrote a post about taxes here: https://melyssagriffin.com/2014/02/file-taxes-blogger/
But I have been using TurboTax’s business edition and it works really well! I recommend saving receipts for any potential deductions and keeping track of your earnings. You don’t need to register a business name since you’ll likely be filing as a sole proprietor (one person). I hope that helps! Don’t let the taxes frighten you, they’re not too bad! 🙂
Thanks for the reply! I read your post about taxes and it was great, I’m glad you wrote it! I am still a little confused about the whole “start up” part. Do I just start taking jobs in or creating and selling stuff as a freelancer/blogger/photographer, keep track of them, and then file as a sole proprietor with a Schedule-C? Is an Etsy shop owner considered a sole proprietor too? Do you pay quarterly taxes as a sole proprietor? So many questions haha! My head spins when I think about it!
Hi Emma! Yeah, everything you said is pretty much correct! Basically, any money you receive from your own business, which is not taxed by, say, your boss, should be reported as a sole proprietor. The income you’d receive from running an Etsy shop or taking on freelance clients would not have money taken out for taxes like a normal salaried paycheck, so that’s why you need to file them in addition to your normal/w-2 taxes if you have those. Hopefully that helps!
This was such a great wrap up! It’s lovely to go back through these posts, you’ve really produced some incredible content this year. Can’t wait to see what 2015 brings!
Tessa / Bramble & Thorn
Thank you so much for that, Tessa! 🙂
Great way to wrap up the year! I love the way you put it to – that 2014 was a year of learning and that hopefully 2015 will be a year full of blossoming!
Thank you Camila! 🙂
I love this! My favorite Monja post was definitely “How to Speak Monja” too cute. I love how much this blog grew during 2014, and I can’t wait to see 2015! I especially can’t wait to see more wonderful design and personal growth posts. Cheers to 2015!
Thank you so much, Zoe! It’s been wonderful getting to chat with you here during 2014! 🙂
I just found you at the end of the year, so I am adoring the recap! Going to check More of them out today! I am already a big fan of your writing/work, so thanks for putting it out there. You have a great balance of showing the work shit;) and the personal side! Can’t wait for 2015 on TNC!
I’m so glad to have you here, Lindsay! Thank you so much for that sweet encouragement. 🙂
Hi Mel 😀
I also want to wish you a happy new year here in your blog ^^
Now it has been more than a year since I’m following your blog and I want to thank you for all the amazing content and all the advices. You always give me lots of inspiration and motivation to keep on with my blog ♥!
Hugs~!
Aww Cori, thank you for always being SO sweet and encouraging! It’s been such a pleasure to get to know you during the past year. 🙂
Happy 2015 to you too! I’m looking forward to follow you in this new year 🙂
Greatings from Denmark!
http://www.kristinalyngsoe.dk
Woo!! Happy 2015, Kristina! Fun fact: Denmark is in my top 3 of countries I’d love to visit! 😀
It’s so crazy how much you’ve written this past year! I seriously can’t wait to see what 2015 brings for you!
Thank you Stacia!! It’s crazy for me to think about too! haha
Love the edge painted business cards!
Thank you!! Those were really fun to make 🙂
I’ll always tell you I miss Monja Musings!!! They are so creative and sometimes I just have to read them again to get a little laugh.
haha aww I’m glad you liked them so much!
Happy New Year! It’s been so much fun to follow your blog this year and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for you and The Nectar Collective in 2015!
Thank you so much, Crystal! I have LOVED getting to chat and know you during 2014 🙂
I just spent a solid hour going through all those posts. You’re incredible and always inspire me so much. Happy New Year!
Ahh Pia that totally makes my day! Thank you SO much for reading and being so encouraging! <3
I loved this! Especially the ones about blogging and being a better person, so nice! x
http://www.meetmeonthebalcony.com
Thank you Migle! Glad you liked them. 🙂