Boutique Chat

Five Minute Friday: Why Most New Year Plans Fail And How to Do 2026 Differently

02 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In today's Five Minute Friday, I'm officially inviting you to join me for The Best Year Yet Challenge—our biggest free training of the year. Plannin...

#744: The End-of-Year Checklist Every Retailer Actually Needs

30 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As we close out 2025 and step into a brand-new year, this episode isn't about pretty planners or lofty resolutions — it's about the behind-the-scene...

Five Minute Friday: The Strategic Shifts Top Retailers Are Making for 2026

26 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As we head into 2026, one thing is clear - the gap between average retailers and top performers is widening — and it has nothing to do with effort. ...

#743: Plan 2026 in 26 Minutes

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're getting ready to plan 2026 and want clarity—not chaos, this episode is for you. Today, we're planning your entire year in 26 minutes. This...

Five Minute Friday: The 4 Mistakes Costing Retailers Profit Going Into 2026

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As we close out the year and head into a new one, it's time to get honest. Most businesses won't fail in 2026 because of the economy — they'll fail ...

#742: The Rise of Western Lifestyle Brands and What Retail Can Learn

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Ashley sits down with Allie Falcon to unpack what it really looks like to build a recognizable brand rooted in story, style, and grit...

Five Minute Friday: The Trends Taking Over Trade Shows Right Now (And Why It's Working)

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Five Minute Friday, Samantha Conner continues our market conversation by diving into the actual product trends hitting trade show floors right...

#741: How Working With Sales Reps Elevates Your Retail Business

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Retail buying doesn't have to be overwhelming—or lonely. This week, Ashley sits down with Angela Schmook (Roadrunners, Reps Are Local Too) and Kelly...

Five Minute Friday: The BIGGEST Trade Shows Trends Every Retailer Must Know!

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Samantha Conner kicks off a two-part Five Minute Friday series breaking down the lifeblood of every retail business: inventory. And to understa...

#740: Retail Predictions for 2026 and How to Make It Your Best Year Yet

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if 2026 could be the year you finally stop spinning your wheels and actually run your boutique like a CEO? In this episode, Ashley sits down with...

Five Minute Friday: Merchandising That Moves Product Faster

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Great visual merchandising doesn't just look pretty — it sells. In today's episode, Director of Partnerships & Education, Sara Burks shares how grea...

#739: Inside the Rise of a Western Lifestyle Powerhouse: Rodeo Quincy

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Western fashion designer and Rodeo Quincy founder, Quincy Eldridge joins the podcast to share how she turned her unique, hand-painted rodeo sty...

Five Minute Friday: Turn Scrolls into Sales with Live Selling

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why is live selling exploding — and why does every retailer need to be doing it? In this Five Minute Friday, Sara Burks dives into one of the bigges...

#738 Pink Friday 2025: Why This Week Matters (and How to Make the Most of It)

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pink Friday Week is finally here  — and Ashley is diving deep into how to make this the most profitable and peaceful kickoff to your holiday season...

Five Minute Friday: How Color Analysis Can Elevate Your Boutique Styling Game

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this Five Minute Friday, Amanda Fairley and Nikki Bogardus of PrismXI  join us to unpack one of the most transformative tools in personal style: c...

#737 Building a Boutique That Stands Out with Authenticity and Strategy

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today Bekah Turner, owner of Pink Possum, joins Ashley to unpack her business journey— from growing up in a salvage-store family—and how that shap...

Five Minute Friday: The CEO's Guide to Smarter Planning - Tracking the Right Numbers (Part 3)

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today Ashley dives into one of her favorite phrases — "Only a tracked number grows." If you've ever felt like you're posting on social media without...

#736: Merch Like You Mean It - The Road Tested Playbook for Pop Ups That Sell Out

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pop-Ups, Mobile Boutique Life & Merchandising That Sells Today Brianna Williams, of Wildly Midwest, joins the podcast to share how she built a thrivin...

Five Minute Friday: The CEO's Guide to Smarter Planning (Part 2: Power of Checklists)

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you love the satisfaction of checking things off a list? (Same!) Today, Ashley dives into how checklists can completely transform the way you plan ...

#735: Going Viral by Being Real: Building a Brand Women Believe In

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today Bette Bentley, founder of Skimpies, joins the podcast to talk about how she built a viral, one-product brand by solving a very real problem for ...

5 Minute Friday: The CEO's Guide to Smarter Planning (Part 1: Month in Review)

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Ashley Alderson dives into her favorite tool inside the 2026 Retail Planner — the Month-in-Review feature — and why it's the single most po...

#734 Consistency Wins: Brand, Photos, and Processes at Savannah Sevens

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today Ryley Wimer of Savannah 7s joins Ashley to share how she built a nationally recognized western-lifestyle brand—without a storefront. We cover ...

Five Minute Friday: From Inbox to Checkout - How to Drive Sales with Email & SMS

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If social media went quiet tomorrow, would your boutique keep selling? In this Five Minute Friday, we're joined by Bri and RP from Bloomly Digital, th...

#733 Boutique Website & Facebook Ads Strategies That Drive Sales

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it actually take for a thriving brick-and-mortar to make eCommerce half the business in 12 months? Morgan Lancaster breaks it down—brand, ...

Five Minute Friday: Employee Reviews 101: The Simple System to Build Leaders

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's Five Minute Friday, Ashley Alderson reveals the missing link that might be holding your business back—employee reviews. If you've eve...

#732 Why Better Planning is the Secret to Scaling Your Business

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you planning like a CEO or just staying busy? In this solo episode, Ashley digs into how to plan like a CEO, not a busy entrepreneur. She breaks d...

Five Minute Friday: The Beginner's Guide to Starting a Boutique Business

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Five Minute Friday, Ashley breaks down one of the biggest questions new listeners ask: How do I start my boutique? Forget the myth of needing ...

#731 Recurring Revenue for Retailers: A Proven Path to Growth

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Want revenue you can count on—every month? In this episode, Ashley interviews Sarah Williams, the "queen of subscription boxes," on exactly how to l...

Five Minute Friday: October Marketing Ideas - Engagement Questions That Stop the Scroll

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for fresh October marketing ideas to keep your boutique top of mind?  It's time to kick off October with fresh marketing ideas!  In this Fiv...

#730: The Power of Knowing Your Numbers & Running Profitable Ads

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if running your own Facebook ads could be the key to finally going full-time in your boutique? In this episode, I'm joined by Whitney Pope, found...

Five Minute Friday: Stop Selling Dupes - The Truth About Trademark Infringement in Boutiques

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Too many boutique owners risk their entire business without realizing it — by selling dupes, knockoffs, or unlicensed products. The consequences can...

#729: From T-Shirt Side Hustle to National Wholesale Brand: The Saltwater Boys Story

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to turn a creative outlet into a thriving brand? Today I'm joined by Laci Hewett of Saltwater Boys, who shares her journey from nurs...

Five Minute Friday: How Much Inventory Should You REALLY Have? | Open to Buy Planning Explained

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we’re answering another frequently asked question from retailers and small business owners: How much inventor...

#728: How Successful Boutiques Scale with Email, SMS & Smart Marketing Systems

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling to keep up with marketing while running your boutique? What if you didn’t have to do it all alone? Today I sit down with Kinsey H...

Five Minute Friday: Retail Tips - The REAL Difference Between a Sale and a Promotion

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we’re answering another frequently asked question from retailers and small business owners: What’s the diff...

#727: From Scroll to Sold: The Future of Live Selling & Mobile Apps with CommentSold

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if live selling could transform not just your sales, but the way you connect with customers? In this episode, I'm joined by Ciera Elledge of Com...

Five Minute Friday: Website Health Check- 3 Checks Everyone Should Be Running!

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re shifting our focus to your online presence by highlighting one of the most overlooked parts of running a retail business: your website health ...

#726: The Shoe That Changed the Game: Inside the MIA Brand

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What makes shoes a powerful addition to your boutique? Today, I’m joined by Michael Strauss of MIA Shoes, who shares how the family-owned brand evol...

Five Minute Friday: Why Your Boutique Needs Live Selling (and How to Start Today)

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we’re answering one of the most asked questions inside the Boutique Hub: How do I go live and sell? If you’...

#725: The Power of Pink Friday: How to Win the Holidays Before Black Friday

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What would life look like without small businesses? Today, we’re diving into why they’re the heartbeat of our local economies—and why their role...

Five Minute Friday: Your Inventory Is Cash—Here’s How to Turn It Faster

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we’re continuing our Know Your Numbers series by breaking down another retail metrics—your turn—and how i...

#724: The Art of Selling Stories, Not Just Stuff

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What makes a gift feel truly unforgettable? Today I’m joined by Holly Hachman of Little Red Bird Gifts, who joins the show to share her journey of b...

Five Minute Friday: Know Your Numbers - Where to Find Your KEY Retail Metrics & Formulas

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we’re continuing our Know Your Numbers series by showing you how to find the most important retail metrics in...

#723: The Retail Reality Check You Didn’t Know You Needed

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Get ready to meet Dane Cohen, the newest member of The Boutique Hub team, whose retail roots run deep! Growing up in his family's store, Lester's, a B...

Five Minute Friday: Know Your Numbers - Do You Have a Traffic Problem or a Sales Problem?

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we’re continuing our Know Your Numbers series by highlighting one of the most powerful tools in your retail b...

#722: Consistency, Community, and the Content That Converts

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a teenage entrepreneur grows up to become the voice of a beloved boutique brand? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Haley Kl...

Five Minute Friday: Know Your Numbers: The Key to Maximizing Profit (IMU Explained)

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we’re continuing our Know Your Numbers series by unpacking one of the most overlooked but critical metrics in...

#721: What Happens After You Close the Doors? A Real Talk on Reinvention

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do you transform an unexpected rhinestone t-shirt business into a thriving clothing brand with a loyal online following? In this episode, I’m jo...

Five Minute Friday: Know Your Numbers - The 2 Metrics That Drive Performance

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we’re kicking off our Know Your Numbers series by diving into two of the most important numbers every boutiq...

#720: Game On: How Golf, Fashion & Retail Are Colliding

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is golf the next big thing in fashion and lifestyle retail? Fresh off the PGA Show in Orlando—a major industry event that draws around 30,000 attend...

Five Minute Friday: Slow Sales? Ask These 5 Why’s Before You Panic

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Where are my customers? It’s the #1 question retailers ask when business slows down and it’s not always about the economy or the weather. In this ...

#719: The Power of Story, Style, and Sisterhood in Boutique Retail

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder what it takes to turn a family passion into a thriving business? Join us as we chat with Kasey & Kaitlyn Widmyer, the dynamic duo behind ...

Five Minute Friday: Your Insider Guide to Atlanta Market: July 2025 Prep Tips

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Samrin Martin and Sarah Zeigler from the Atlanta Market gift & home team join us to share the latest news, events, and key buyer resources ...

#718: What to Do When No One Buys: Pricing, Pitching & Pivoting

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if sales didn’t have to be about being pushy or intimidating, but instead about solving problems and making life better? Join us as we explore...

Five Minute Friday: It’s Not a Sales Problem, It’s a Spending Problem

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is your cash flow feeling tight but you’re still not paying yourself? In this episode of Five Minute Friday, Sara breaks down one of the most common...

#717: Retail Bootcamp 101: What It Is, Why It Works, and Who It's For

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to grow your boutique into a thriving, sustainable business? In this episode, we sit down with retail expert Sara Burks to walk thro...

Five Minute Friday: "Mom, You're Always Working" What to Do When Family Life and Business Collide

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This Five Minute Friday hits close to home. Ashley shares the raw, real side of what it feels like to hear those words: “Mom, you're always working....

#716: Buying a Boutique with Zero Experience and Zero Regrets

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What’s it like to run a thriving boutique side by side with your partner? In this episode, Serena and Java Patterson share the inspiring story of ho...

Five Minute Friday: The Retail Metrics You Can’t Afford to Ignore

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Five Minute Friday, Ashley is getting real about the numbers that actually drive growth in your business. It’s not just about sales—becaus...

#715: Why Dead Inventory Is Costing You and How to Fix It

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Struggling with excess inventory? In this episode, we sit down with Melodie van der Baan, founder of Max Retail, to explore how boutique owners can tu...

Five Minute Friday: Busy or Effective? The Question That Can Change Everything

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Five Minute Friday, Ashley is bringing the heat with a powerful reality check: Are you truly being effective in your life and business or just...

#714: Hiring Gen Z: Challenges, Opportunities & What Comes Next

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to future-proof the next generation in a world that’s changing faster than ever? In this episode, educational consultant and award...

Five Minute Friday: June Market Scoop with Atlanta Apparel

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’ve got a special guest episode for Five Minute Friday straight from the Atlanta Apparel team! Join Sarah Beth Jackson, Director of Buy...

#713: What You Never Knew About The Boutique Summit

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a casual conversation turns into the biggest event in boutique retail? In this episode, we're diving into the origin story of the Bo...

Five Minute Friday: The Business Conversation Every Couple Needs to Have

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this personal and honest Five Minute Friday, Ashley opens up about the behind-the-scenes reality of growing a business while navigating the emotion...

#712: How to Plan, Post & Grow on Social Media Without the Overwhelm

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the secret to growing a thriving brand online in today’s ever-changing digital world—and how can small businesses stand out? Peg Fitzpatr...

Five Minute Friday: More Profit, Less Work: AOV Strategies That Work

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Five Minute Friday episode, Ashley shares powerful and practical tips to increase your Average Order Value (AOV) -- without relying on more t...

#711: How Obsession, Ingenuity, and Instagram Built a Candle Empire

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How does a personal gift idea quickly evolve into a thriving brand? Just ask Annabelle DeGrazio, a former lawyer turned entrepreneur, who joins us to...

Five Minute Friday: Feeling Stuck in Your Business? This Might Be Why

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Five Minute Friday, Ashley shares the mindset shift that every business owner eventually faces: what got you here won't get you there. If you’...

#710: How to Buy Smarter: In-Person Markets vs. Online Marketplaces

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to make smarter inventory decisions? In this episode of Boutique Chat, we’re joined by our very own Samantha Conner, Director of Wholesale at ...

Five Minute Friday: Struggling to Pay Your Bills? How to Find Hidden Cash in Your Business

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cash flow struggles? You’re definitely not alone. In today’s episode, Sara Burks, Director of Education, gets real about one of the biggest chall...

#709: What Retailers Need to Know About Serving the Plus Size Market

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do you go from shaping careers to reshaping the fashion industry for plus-size women? Just ask Tracy Christian, the visionary founder of Sante G...

Five Minute Friday: The #1 Way to Attract Customers Who Actually Buy

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you feeling like you're working double-time trying to find more customers... but still not making the sales you want? You’re not alone. In today...

#708: What No One Tells You About Opening a Second Store

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the secret to growing a successful business while staying true to your roots? Join me as I chat with Kimmy Almon, founder of Kimmy’s Boutiq...

Five Minute Friday: Wholesale Buying Isn’t Shopping, It’s Investing

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Sara Burks, Director of Education at The Boutique Hub, breaks down one of the most important concepts every boutique owner must ...

#707: Retail with Soul: The Business of Crystals, Wellness, and Events

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to turn a small astrology bookstore into a thriving retail destination? Joining the show today is Denise Welling, owner of Body Mi...

Five Minute Friday: The Secret to Merchandising Like a Pro

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do your in-store displays actually help you sell more? Or are they just taking up space? In this Five Minute Friday guest episode with JR Visual, they...

#706: Mastering the Art of Buying: Trends, Mindset & Selling Success

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to become an entrepreneurial powerhouse in the retail world? Tony Chinn, a seasoned retail expert, joins us today to share his incr...

Five Minute Friday: The Three Pillars of Exceptional Customer Service

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Emily from Supermoon dives into the key strategies for delivering exceptional customer service. With insights gathered from intervie...

#705: Serving First, Selling Second: The Secret to Retail Growth

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From feeling out of place as a young girl to becoming a beacon of inspiration for women nationwide, DeAnna Maynard-Goodman (also known as “FabD”)...

Five Minute Friday: April Buying Week at Atlanta Market: The Trends & Events You Need to Know

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Morgan Ramage and Alejandra Trombetta from the Atlanta markets’ fashion and events team join us to share trends for the upcoming season a...

#704: AI for Entrepreneurs: Boosting Productivity, Creativity, and Brand Authenticity

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Want to save money, save time, be better at content creation, and be a better boss? Who doesn’t? Today, I’m joined by my friend Kinsey Soderberg, ...

Five Minute Friday: The Real Reason You're Drowning in Inventory

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Struggling with excess inventory that just won’t move? You’re not alone. In today’s episode, we're diving into one of the most common challenges...

#703: Live from Dallas Market Center: Retail, Relationships & Reinvention

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to build a thriving business while staying true to family values and legacy? In today’s episode, live from the Dallas Market Cente...

Five Minute Friday: Retail Design 101: How to Create an Experience That Sells

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling like your boutique is falling behind the competition? You’re not alone. In this episode, JR Visual Design dives into one of the biggest fea...

#702: Turning Followers into Fans: The Business of Influence with Marc D’Amelio

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have enough of a following to bring in business? Knowing how to leverage your following (regardless of size) can be key to a thriving business....

Five Minute Friday: How to Motivate & Retain Your Team with Max Retail

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Struggling to find and keep great employees? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into the biggest challenges boutique owners face when...

#701: The State of Boutique Retail: What’s Working, What’s Not & What’s Next

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Struggling to get your brand noticed in a crowded market? Organic reach is harder than ever, and it’s impacting your business more than you might re...

Five Minute Friday: Building a Dream Team: Hiring, Training, and Empowering Staff for Your Boutique

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We have a special host for today's Five Minute Friday episode! Melodie van der Baan, Co-founder and CEO at Max Retail (and Boutique Hub partner), join...

#644: Money Matters: Financial Basics Every Small Business Owner Should Know

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Transforming your financial future isn’t as hard as it may seem. My guest today is Hilary Hoff, a seasoned financial advisor with a rich background ...

Five Minute Friday: How to Maximize Your 2025 Boutique Boss Planner

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’m going to help you jump-start your year with your planner. Whether you’re using the Boutique Boss Planner we created specifically for sm...

#643: From Affordable to Unforgettable: The Power of Experience-Based Sales

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How you make people feel about what they buy from you—and how they buy it—is a huge part of what makes a boutique successful. In this special epis...

Five Minute Friday: The Vision Board Effect: How to Design Your Dream Life

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready to design your future? As we step into 2025, now is the perfect time to reflect on who you want to be and what you want your life to loo...

#642: Six Layers to Retail Success: Build a Business That Lasts

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling to identify what’s working (and what’s not) in your business? If you are looking for clarity on where to focus in order to scal...

Five Minute Friday: 10 Resolutions to Revolutionize Your Retail Game in 2025

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's that time of the year: the time for New Year's resolutions. So today, I'm sharing my top 10 resolutions for retailers in 2025. Listen in to hear ...

#641: Holiday Retail Wrap-Up: What Worked, What Didn’t, and How to Plan for 2025

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to unpack what worked and what didn’t this past holiday retail season—and figure out how to put that information to great use now, whi...

Five Minute Friday: Best Year Yet: Retail Success Strategies for 2025

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to crush 2025? In today’s Five Minute Friday, I’m giving you an exclusive peek into how to set your year up for success, as well as how we'v...

#640: Boutique State of the Union: Lessons from 2024 and Strategies for 2025

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready to reflect on the lessons of 2024 and prepare for an incredible 2025? In today's episode, I’m excited to bring you a year-end wrap-up ...

Five Minute Friday: Turning Emails into 24/7 Sales Machines: 5 Must-Know Strategies for Boutique Owners

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we have a special guest hosting Five Minute Friday! Lou Mintzer from Grid & Pixel is here to share how email marketing can supercharge your bus...

#639: End-of-Year Retail Reset: A Guide to Reflect, Plan, and Thrive

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to set yourself up for success in 2025! As we reflect on this past year and all of its ups and downs, it’s important to think about wh...