Thank you 2025! A recap of our year.
We made it. Congratulations, we made it to the end of a long and, at times, inconsistent year.
2026 is right around the corner, and let’s be real: this year has been a lot.
There has been pain, stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and moments where accountability felt far away in our community. But there has also been joy. Friendship. Community. Fun. New experiences. Opportunities. And lessons.. So many lessons.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned this year is simple but powerful: take the risk and continue to find the joy in the things you love. Even in hard seasons, joy is still available to us if we’re willing to look for it, protect it, and choose it.
This year held so much joy because of you. Thank you for showing up! Whether you purchased a product or service, attended or sponsored an event, hosted space, subscribed to our newsletter, or supported a local business. Showing up matters more than we sometimes realize. In 2026, showing up will hold even more of the collective power we have together. Let’s continue to partner, hold space, hold opportunities, and hold accountability for one another.
I hope we carry this spirit with us, leading with intention, staying connected, and being open to what’s possible when we choose community over isolation. Growth doesn’t happen alone, and neither does impact. Thank you for being part of this journey, for believing in the work, and for continuing to show up in ways both big and small. What we build next, we build together.
Before we turn the page into a new year, I wanted to slow down and reflect, not just on the business, but on the journey behind it.
End-of-Year Q&A
Q: When did you start Hayes Consulting & Coaching?
A: June 2020. We celebrate 5 years in 2025 - a milestone I don’t take lightly.
Q: What is your biggest business regret this year?
A: Not spending more time developing new priorities and clients. We focused heavily on current opportunities and natural, organic engagements, which brought great results — but there’s room to grow intentionally.
Q: What are your proudest business moments this year?
A: I have two.
My team.
My team is strong, dedicated, and incredibly skilled. They are special people, and I’m deeply grateful to be stepping into a new year with them and our shared vision.My community.
The community continues to show up, and opportunities keep unfolding — sometimes in ways that feel like magic. I don’t take that trust or support for granted.
Q: What is your major goal for 2026?
A: To stay organized and stay consistent.
This means using tools, creating recurring work plans, writing creatively and with intention, and taking better care of my body — including what I put in it and what I allow out of it. Sustainability is the goal.
Q: What empowerment or joy can you send us into the holiday season with?
A: Continue to be you. Continue to be a good person. Show up the best way you can — and then add just an extra 5% of effort. You know what you can do; don’t limit yourself by focusing on what you think you can’t.
Q: What was your favorite event this year?
A: There are honestly way too many to list, but a few standouts were the A-List Business Pajama Party, the Saber & Scene wine introduction, and the Mercatus and PMP Catering Fair. I also loved all of the fun galas where I get to dress up, connect with leaders, and spend time with friends. We’re ending the year with The Mixer: Making Portland Home, and I can’t wait to show up and show out for my community. I’m already looking forward to adding even more moments to the list next year.
Here are a few of my favs that helped survive this year!
Q: Book Recommendation
A: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. I share this book with everyone I can—it’s played a huge role in unwrapping my creativity and helping me reconnect with my inner artist.
Q: Song of the Year
A: I’m in Love by Jelani Aryeh
Q: Drink of the Year!
A: Prosecco
Q: Outfit of the year
A: A cute black dress didn't fail me once this year, a special thanks to Rent the Runway for coming through all year!