Is it strange to say I actually like January?
I love December, of course, but there’s something special about the first month of the year.
The house has been restored, the emails are quiet again, and everything feels a tiny bit slower. There are no big announcements. No pressure to reinvent my entire life. Just a little more space, and a good time to write.
Looking back at last year, I realised how much actually happened. When you’re in it, it all blurs together. When you pause, it suddenly feels very full.
2025, you were amazing.
○ Finding out my best friend was pregnant…with twins!
○ Being asked to be a bridesmaid by my other bestie.
○ Launching Millie Raphael Designs and officially backing myself.
○ Turning 30 in my favourite place with my favourite people.
○ Witnessing my cousin marry her soulmate.
○ Heading back to Ibiza with my Mom and Dad in September.
○ Welcoming the most perfect baby girls, Palma and Sienna, into the world.
○ Celebrating another best friend buying her first home.
○ Treating myself to a new car after a lot of hard work.
○ Ending the year with Christmas in the Cotswolds, surrounded by family and friends.
It wasn’t all shiny moments though. A lot of last year was learning as I went, figuring things out, and trying to build something I can be proud of. Some days felt exciting. Some days felt uncomfortable. Most days were somewhere in the middle.
I’m now back at my desk with a fresh calendar. I’ve even made myself a little green-coloured fitness one, which looks very satisfying. (I’m really good at booking the classes. Attending them is a different story!)
2026 is another opportunity for a new start. It’s the Year of the Horse, which feels like a pretty good energy to take into the year. Strong, free, and full of momentum.
If launching a business has been on your list for a while, let this be your year.
You don’t have to have everything figured out. I definitely didn’t. You just have to start.
And if you’re ready to take that first step, I’d love to help you make it beautiful.
Here’s to a happy and healthy 2026!
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Location
The Cotswolds
South West England
Contact
hello@millieraphaeldesigns.com