Looking back at 2021

Wow, what a whirlwind of a year that was. 2021 started with a bang and brought promise, change and hope. It came and went so quickly, that when I look back at my camera roll I am in awe of how amazing, memorable and epic it really was. I guess anything compared to 2020 would be great but I feel like there were so many milestones and great accomplishments achieved I am truly grateful.
Here's a look at the noteworthy items from last year that I am forever thankful for:

1. Social media collaborations... I know I've said I am not and "influencer" in the past, but last year was a really benchmark year for collaborating with businesses. I think what changed was my mindset and standing firm on not compromising my integrity and my values. I created a rate, media kit and folks who wanted to hire me to post paid me, but I also did it only when I was 100% invested and believed in what I was posting. So it ended up being a win win for all. Surprisingly the end of the year was mainly all sponsored content. I am happy to report that I have even monetized my IG that Instagram is paying me to post too. 
2. Miss Hawaii and Miss Hawaii's Outstanding Teen Organizations - it's been 17 years since I held the title of Miss Hawaii and it was heartwarming to have my Miss Hawaii family reach out and ask for assistance that turned into volunteering that evolved into serving as color commentator backstage during the pageant and assisting with other elements even after the pageant and now. I am happy to be on both executive committees offering help  to these non-profits where I can.
3. insights moderator on PBS. I am back on live television and get this, there are no commercials. Yes, I am hosting a show on PBS about once a month from 7pm-8pm (Thursdays) and it is live and on tv. This is one of the most challenging live shows I've done because you are juggling public affairs topics, with real time conversations, viewer questions and everything that comes with live broadcast. It is invigorating and exciting to be a part of this project that has been on the air for close to as long as I have been alive.
4. Doko Ga Tv is back and traveling again. I ventured to LA and the Mexican Riviera for filming of episodes for Doko Ga Tv on Hawaii News Now. What an amazing experience to be back at it again and it was a beautiful way to get away finally. You should be able to watch our adventures in February 2022. 
5. Voice work was crazy busy in 2020 and not as busy last year. But I was able to land a steady gig as the commercial voice at KITV. That was super cool and involved me voicing commercial spots that air on television for other businesses. 
6. I started a new food blog - You Hungry Hawaii - this is where I have been sending my love of food videos and photos. My goal to write weekly food reviews and blogs didn't happen but the IG is active and growing nicely. 
7. We got a kayak - only used it a few times but it is a great option to get our fitness on and explore the ocean.
8. Scored a few new clients and also signed a nice contract. Digital marketing and social media has grown immensely since I started doing it for work. Everyone acknowledges the power and reach of social media now and no one seems to need convincing anymore. This is the way we communicate now and this is how we share content. 
9. Mentoring. I mentored a young lady who is on her way to becoming successful at anything and everything she does. With that she competed in a pageant and won. I knew she would. This is the first time I mentored someone and it was very rewarding. I think she may have written me the best most thoughtful thank you card I have ever seen. 
10. I got to see my friends in person for my birthday! With the ebb and flow of covid and restrictions... it was wonderful to have a small gathering and celebrate friendships and life. 

​Thank you 2021 you we wonderful! 

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