Looking Back – A Review of 2020

2020—a year that reshaped the world and brought unexpected challenges. For me, it was a blend of joy, chaos, and transformation as I navigated motherhood during a global pandemic. OMG!

I originally wrote this post at the end of 2020 and shared it on my blog. That’s why this category is called “Moments Revisited.” It’s my way of rediscovering past posts and reuploading them, giving me the chance to reflect on those moments. There’s something nostalgic about looking back.

2020 was different, it was chaotic, and it was unforgettable. Here’s a look back at that extraordinary year.

A Review of 2020

What a year. Who would’ve thought we’d end up in lockdown…and with a NEWBORN BABY AT THAT?

2020 was a year of unexpected craziness mixed with opportunities. My year began with the countdown to welcoming Phoenix. He was born on February 24th, 2020, and what a blessing he was for my husband and me.

Despite being in lockdown, I was able to spend undivided time with Phoenix and cherish those moments because, truly, they grow so fast. Unfortunately, my husband had to work throughout the pandemic as a healthcare provider. It was a rough summer—with protests, the city shutting down, and the loss of our car, which forced him to rely on public transportation. 2020 was rough, to say the least.

But amidst the challenges, there were amazing opportunities. ITAVFoundation, my 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was able to help many people. We also partnered with a group of Black birth workers in Philadelphia to host a community baby shower for moms who couldn’t have one due to the pandemic.

I also rebranded my catering business, which created a new path for me to become a full-time, self-employed entrepreneur. On top of that, I officially launched my creative brand agency, Trudean Haye Company, which now serves as the home for this blog.

Over the years, I’ve worked as a business consultant, creative director, brand strategist, publicist, and PR specialist. Now, I’m taking everything I’ve learned and built over the years to step out of my comfort zone. So yes, I’ll be blogging more about business tips and my journey into entrepreneurship.

I’m always revamping and finding new ways to improve my platform, so you’ll see plenty of changes as time goes on.

I’m forever grateful to everyone who has been with me on this journey since day one. Thank you for your support, and Happy New Year!

Let’s take it to the next level.

Update:

Looking back now, 2020 really was a crazy year. Re-reading this post brings back so many memories. Since then, I’ve been a full-time, self-employed entrepreneur for four years, and Phoenix is going to be five years old soon—time truly flies.

It’s been a wild journey, and despite the challenges, I’m grateful. Losing everything when my site was hacked in June was devastating, but having the opportunity to repost and revisit these moments feels incredibly special. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much growth has happened along the way.

Here’s to appreciating the journey, even when it means taking a moment to look back.