2024 was a true leap year – but we made it through. Or did we?
Thanks to a decisive alignment of circumstances, my muse has found a moment before Christmas after all. That means: here comes the annual end-of-year avocado post! Even though finding the strength for it hasn’t been easy. Even though not everything went perfectly. This year has been about acceptance, imperfection, agility, flexibility, and resilience.
2024 was my first nearly full working year after the birth of my little son. More than anything, it taught me to ease up on the expectations I place on myself. I think back to this summer: torn between finding childcare, coordination, parental benefit bureaucracy, need-oriented parenting, nurturing our relationship, client acquisition, project management, and my own mental health. If you want to know how to make the impossible possible, just ask a working mom. I’m glad to see growing acceptance and appreciation for the incredible effort working moms put in every day.
And yet, the world outside keeps spinning. When I hear the results of elections in nearby (or distant 🇺🇸) lands, I try to respect that people have made their choices. There’s simply no room left for frustration over political shifts to the right. But even conversations at the Christmas market have changed. Hearing certain comments about immigrants (and their skin color 🤯) makes me wonder whether Germany has learned anything at all 😔. My son is growing up bilingual, and I love speaking my native language with him – even if that means openly showing this part of ourselves on the playground and earning a few stares.
We live in turbulent times, where, as a self-employed professional, I constantly observe and experience the interplay between economy, politics, society, the design world, trends, motherhood, my family in Russia, and my identity here. This year, I felt an even stronger pull back to my original vision and values, which feel more relevant than ever. Our human needs require a kind and trusting approach. Only this will allow us to navigate these times and emerge with as little damage as possible. That’s what I offer my expertise for: to create empathetic environments – spaces that embrace and support these needs. Check ✅.
In the design world, the sails remain upright despite all economic challenges. Thanks to visionary stakeholders, honest artists, and thoughtful trendsetters, the path to a sustainable society remains visible in my field. I’m grateful to be part of this movement. Even though I don’t always find time for non-profit projects, I know that will return, too.
But hey, the Rhine keeps flowing. It’s Christmas – a time for moments of reflection. A time to set work aside for a few days, to pause, and to spend time, if possible, with family and loved ones. I’ll be celebrating with my wonderfully big family and a little sunshine 👦, who runs from room to room, bravely trying out the world and demanding attention every step of the way 😅.
I’m taking the lessons from this year with me, writing them in bold letters, and growing stronger because of them – ready to empower your brands with new branded spaces and unforgettable brand experiences in the year ahead. But let’s not forget to remain human. It’s a human economy we all live from, and without meaningful relationships, without people, it simply won’t work.
I’m sending you all, my community, a warm hug and cinnamon-scented Christmas wishes 🎄.
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