Hi there, it’s me Bri, the founder & CEO of Anact. One of the biggest gifts I have received along my entrepreneurial journey is the gift to reconnect with my love of writing. For me, writing is a way to decompress and connect the dots on the experiences.
I am excited to share what a break-out year 2024 was for myself and Anact.
Key Highlights:
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35%+ growth from previous year 2023
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3 new teammates added to Anact (and our first ever employee handbook!)
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2 incredible in person events at SXSW and University of Texas-Austin
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1 nomination for Austin’s 40 Under 40 sustainability category
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1 new Anact factory in India on-boarded
When people ask me what drove such a great year…. the two words that come to mind are: perseverance and persistence.
It’s been my unwavering belief that despite the odds i.e. lack of capital deployed to female founders and sustainability, lack of support from the federal government, increased resistance to slow fashion, a deregulated textile industry, and more…. what we are doing at Anact matters.
As our head of people and culture so aptly put it, it’s a place where 2+2=4 and we get to show up and do what we love as a team, using our inherent skills and belief that there is a better way to do business and operate than what we have been told. Anact is a place where you don’t have to compromise who you are in the name of work and being your 100% authentic self 24/7 is celebrated.
Here are my top 10 biggest learnings from 2024 as a founder and CEO.
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When someone shows you who you are - believe them. Not everyone gets access to your energy so choose your inner circle wisely (this includes family and friends). It’s better to be alone than with people who make you feel lonely. I mean… you can always settle… but why compromise your peace in that way?
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Rise above the bullshit and look for the forest between the trees. There will always be hecklers and naysayers. Your job is not to control them but to learn how to tune them out and focus on what moves the needle forward. Thank you to everyone (you know who you are) who has lifted me up and pushed myself and Anact forward. A business is not built by one person but by a community.
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It’s often when I have exhausted all options and surrendered complete control that it all falls into place. But why does it have to be this way!?
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Do not eat a suspicious meal in Costa Rica the day before a big presentation. Lesson learned.
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Heath is the greatest form of wealth. And then of course, actual wealth.
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The universe rewards the bold braving the unknown every single day for something bigger than themselves. I really leaned into doing less to make more happen and saw the pay-off. I also continue to be a huge fan of the Japanese concept, Ikigai.
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Consistency towards the vision (thank you The Buddha and the Badass) and a strong routine i.e. prayer, meditation, time with friends, lemon water, flat whites, working out, reading (if you haven’t yet…. run don’t walk for a copy of Demon Copperhead), green tea with honey, and other creature comforts will carry you through the growing pains.
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Doubling down on the vision while constantly monitoring financial metrics is key. The math needs to math.. A friendly reminder… Your social media following is not indicative of your ability to influence if you can’t convince the person in front of you. Read that again. Great businesses are built on great relationships and always will be.
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Be obsessed with solving a problem instead of listening to what’s trending. Not sure what you should solve? Read “The Alchemist” and “Celestine Prophecy” and connect your own dots. Not everyone needs to be a business owner but everyone should be reminded they have a purpose to fulfill and they are the main character of their own story.
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It’s great to be underestimated. It stings while it’s happening but the upside is that you learn how to play the game smarter than everyone else if you really want to win.
As we look forward to 2025, I’d be lying to you if I didn’t say I was worried about how it would compare to 2024. But I realize that is the wrong thought process. Instead, leaning into following the vision while doing my best every single day with the resources I have will result in what year is meant for myself and Anact regardless of the outcomes.
Don’t forget to save the date and check your inbox for our 2nd Annual Act Up event on March 8, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Cheers to simple acts!
- Brianna