So, my 2019 round-up is a little late. I found myself enjoying the break from my laptop far too much so therefore decided to keep the lid tightly shut until the 2nd January 2020. 2019 was whirlwind of a year. A year of focus and self-discovery. It’s been overwhelming but a real breakthrough. Here are a few highlights of the year.

I explored more of Cornwall than ever before.

I went on many adventure days in Cornwall. You guys will know that an adventure day is my favourite kind of day!

At the beginning of the year, I discovered the RMS Mulheim Shipwreck located on the coast between Sennen and Lands End.
I enjoyed many sunset sea swims. Is there anything better than being in the sea when the sun is setting?
Anna and I found the most amazing secret beach along the Cornish coastline. We gave snorkeling a go but to be honest…we didn’t really see much…
I climbed down to Pedn Vounder and swam in the lagoons. This was probably my favourite day of 2019. A big statement, but it was a truly unforgettable day.
We cycled along the Camel Trail and found another shipwreck!
I ventured to North Cornwall for a surfing and yoga retreat with Freewave Surf Academy. I found myself surfing a storm and also made some great friends!
The kayaks made an appearance several times. Niki, Anna and I kayaked along the south coast and found a secret nudist beach. Topless sunbathing, why not?
I discovered that I bloody love abandoned places. Yeah I know, weird right? Unfortunately, I can’t always write about those adventures.

I plucked up the courage to go self-employed.

I felt like I was always destined to work for myself. If you’ve followed me for a while then you’ll know that I went through a pretty hectic journey to finally reach the decision to go self-employed. I’m pretty proud of my business and I’m really excited to start working towards my 2020 business goals.

I started my marketing and social media business in February after my “contract ended/I was made redundant.” I began another job but it wasn’t for me. After a TONNE of research, book reading and podcast listening, I finally decided to take the leap into the freelance world. It was the best decision I ever made.

In February I started my business and secured my first two tourism clients.
Over the course of 11 months, I worked with 18 clients within the hospitality, tourism and lifestyle industry.
In August I began offering 1-1 Instagram and Marketing Strategy sessions. I never thought that I would have the confidence to do this but I absolutely love it. In 2020 I will be hosting a number of group training workshops.
In October I began renting office space in Truro! The Workbox in Truro is my base. This is where I host 90% of my 1-1s and workshops.
I flew to London to visit a client and attend one of their Content Design workshops.
I DOUBLED (what the hell!?) my first-year income goal. I still find this flipping mental. I also finished the year with 7 wonderful retainer (ongoing) clients. Woohoo!

I spent far too much time two-stepping at festivals & music events.

Guilty! I absolutely love a festival - especially if it involves house and techno music. In 2020 I plan to attend a few festivals but I need to try and save for a house. I also hope to travel a little more (starting with Bali in April 2020!) Below are just a few highlights from 2019.

Leopallooza with Anna. Leopallooza is a sweeeet little festival near Bude (North Cornwall.) Despite being relatively small, we still had the best time two-stepping to techno and dancing in a wooden hut no bigger than my wardrobe. If anything, it was better than the larger festivals. Definitely one to add to the Cornwall Bucket List.

The Great Estate with the gang. The Great Estate is described as a rambunctious garden fete. Expect major international headline acts, a rambunctious mix of comedy, theatre, music, and the arts, all within the beautiful grounds of Scorrier Estate.
Our very own Boardmasters festival. Unfortunately, Boardmaster’s festival was canceled this year due to unexpected high winds and torrential rain. It didn’t put us off though! My friends and I decided to beat the blues and host our own Boardmasters festival in a friend’s field.
Masked Ball. What a wild party. This year the gang and I attended all three Masked Ball events. We always have a great time!
CREAMFIELDS. Oh. My. I’ve been to a few festivals over the last few years but Creamfields comes up on top. If you’re into dance music then this is not one to be missed. We’ve already purchased our tickets for 2020!

I visited some awesome hotels, restaurants, and spas in Cornwall.

I’m so pleased with how quickly ‘Meet Me by the Sea’ grew in 2019. I had the opportunity to collaborate with some wonderful businesses in Cornwall. Here are just a few blog collaboration highlights from 2019.

My best friend Leah and I enjoyed a magical spa day at The Scarlet Hotel in Mawgan Porth. As an eco, adult-friendly hotel, The Scarlet is really the only one of its kind in the county and focuses on reconnecting human connection and holistic wellbeing through bespoke moments. ⁣

We explored the Lizard and Kynance Cove during an overnight stay at The Polurrian Hotel.
Mumma T and I experienced one of the most incredible Michelin Star dinners at the Carbis Bay Hotel, thanks to Tom Story and his team.
We were truly spoilt at The St Ives Harbour Hotel. One of the most beautiful suites that I have ever slept in!
My sister Niki and I demolished the most INCREDIBLE seafood at a Philleigh Way feast night. We also attended one of their cooking classes. It was great fun!

I spent some time on the Isles of Scilly, Rhodes, and in London.

Considering 2019 was my first year in business I wasn’t able to travel as much as I would have liked. I did however still manage to fit in time to visit friends in London a handful of times, enjoy a weekend of the Isles of Scilly (presstrip*) and take out a week to relax in Rhodes with the family.

2019, a year of focus, adventures, and self-discovery.

In 2019 I also met some truly, wonderful people. There were tears but more laughter. Barely a moment to breathe but it was all worth it. It’s pretty crazy how much you can achieve when you put your mind to it. I’ve got a good feeling about 2020. Happy New Year everyone!