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Letter to My Future Self: Alayna McNeil

Share the goods.

Alayna McNeil smiles while posing for a photo

Dear Future Self,

This is an odd letter to write, because what could I possibly say to you that you don’t already know? And do I say “we,” or are we two different people now? I’ll just take a time-capsule approach so you can look back fondly on this little reminder of who you used to be, and hopefully how far you’ve come. 

8THIRTYFOUR's Alayna McNeil smiles

I admit, I’m pretty damn proud of the growth I’ve achieved in the past couple of years, so I have high expectations of you to carry on that trend. As you know, some of the decisions I’ve made recently have required some self-awareness I didn’t know I had yet. I have to say I’m kind of banking on you to make it all work out for the better.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the past four years it’s that you always have and always will land on your feet. You’ll always find the joy where you are because plans change quicker than you can adjust, and I’m learning to accept that honestly, that’s the fun part. I know eventually I’ll reach a point in life where I’ll probably have to find the beauty in monotony, which I hope you’ve been able to do. But for now, as you may remember, I’m just doubling down on this roller coaster and learning to enjoy each unforeseen turn. Although lucky for you, based on our career choice so far, I don’t fear you getting too bored. 

I’m hard on myself now, but I know you have an even better head on your shoulders than you used to. I know that wherever you are in your career, you worked hard to get there. I hope your jokes have gotten even funnier. I hope that you’ve gotten a little better at filtering your facial expressions—there is a time and a place for people to know exactly what you think the moment you are thinking it. Most of all, I hope our journey has continued to be exciting and one worth embarking on. As scared as I am of getting older, we both know I can use a good dose of the wisdom that comes with it. 

My promise to you is to continue to actively choose to learn lessons from life and invest in you. I hope that you’ll forgive me if I do make any mistakes now (whether I know it or not). And then clean up my messes. It’s a mystery to me now, but I am genuinely so excited to see where you end up. I’m willing to bet it’s pretty great. 

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FUN FACT FRIDAY: It’s only fitting for us to own a building where a trailblazing female operated her businesses in 1906. The Phillips family represented one of the longest-running retail tenures in Grand Rapids history; L.E. Phillips Jewelry in the 1365 Plainfield Ave. building from 1906 until 1973.
Dr. Eva Phillips, a certified and licensed optometrist ran her practice out of the jewelry store’s secondary parlor and was an equal partner in the jewelry store.

Together, they offered a unique one-stop shot which expanded to include appliances, record players, and more. The couple operated the shop through two World Wars and the Great Depression, acting as the neighborhood matriarch and patriarch.

@crestongr @crestoncorridor @crestongrandrapids @citygrandrapids @grandrapidspubliclibrary

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 17898983202545176
FUN FACT FRIDAY: It’s only fitting for us to own a building where a trailblazing female operated her businesses in 1906. The Phillips family represented one of the longest-running retail tenures in Grand Rapids history; L.E. Phillips Jewelry in the 1365 Plainfield Ave. building from 1906 until 1973. Dr. Eva Phillips, a certified and licensed optometrist ran her practice out of the jewelry store’s secondary parlor and was an equal partner in the jewelry store. Together, they offered a unique one-stop shot which expanded to include appliances, record players, and more. The couple operated the shop through two World Wars and the Great Depression, acting as the neighborhood matriarch and patriarch. @crestongr @crestoncorridor @crestongrandrapids @citygrandrapids @grandrapidspubliclibrary

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18112263326023209
Have you tuned into The Happy Hour Hustle Podcast yet? If not, a) you’re missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by @bodespeaks, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves. This week, Kim sits down with @kelsey_orchard , VP of Marketing and Communications at @fifthwheelfreight to chat building a personal brand, Gen Z entering the workforce, misconceptions about logistics, spotting fake LinkedIn profiles – oh and why your GPA doesn’t matter anymore. Grab a watermelon margarita, sit back and enjoy for lots of laughs and real talk. Listen now at the link in bio.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18132641716644887
National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up. We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly. We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation. When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared. Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later). Register at the link in bio.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18089775152664042
You asked, we delivered. Introducing the Women's Owners Network - a new program built for what comes first, joining our proven Fellowship model to support Michigan women at every stage of business ownership. Whether you've got a team of 10 or it's just you and your laptop, you deserve a room full of women who get it. Six months of leadership, finance, operations, capital access, paired with real support for the isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning your own business. You'll have your own board of directors in your corner, including @bodespeaks plus a group of mentors, instructors, and coaches who've been exactly where you are. Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.
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