If you’ve ever wondered how to start and build on success, let me take you back to 2008 - the year everything began to change for me.
At the time, I was thrilled to have my words finally gaining traction, my writing career taking shape, and my first real speaking engagements booked.
It felt like the start of something incredible - and in many ways, it was.
But what I didn’t realize then was that success isn’t a single year or a lucky streak.
It’s a foundation built on persistence, adaptability, and heart.
As I look back on that pivotal year now, I can see how those early lessons became the roots of everything I’ve built since - from books and websites to workshops and community projects.
So, whether you’re starting your own creative business or trying to reignite your passion, I hope my story inspires you to keep growing.
A Reflection on Growth, Grit, and Gratitude
Wow, what can I say?
Back in 2008, life really did feel like it was booming.
I remember writing those words with so much excitement - a mix of disbelief and gratitude that all my hard work was finally paying off.
I had speaking engagements lined up, article requests pouring in, and those early glimmers of passive income starting to take shape through my websites.
It was one of those rare moments when everything seemed to be falling into place, and I truly believed that success was not just possible, but sustainable.
Looking back now, that year marked a turning point.
It wasn’t just about writing or speaking - it was about realizing that my words could make a difference.
My talks on chocolate (yes, chocolate!) brought together gardeners, food lovers, and dreamers who wanted to know more about the plant behind the treat.
And my work with Plant-A-Row for the Hungry reminded me that gardening isn’t just a hobby - it’s a way to nourish both body and soul while giving back to the community.
The Energy of 2008
In 2008, I was learning the ropes of freelance life. I had two bidding agents sending me writing opportunities, and every day felt like a new adventure.
Some days were a flurry of article deadlines and phone interviews; others were spent watching my inbox, waiting for that next exciting pitch to land.
I was building something - though I didn’t fully grasp what it would become.
Back then, my focus was on volume - write more, pitch more, publish more.
I didn’t yet understand the concept of balance or burnout, though both were creeping in quietly behind the scenes.
Still, I was thrilled to see my name in print and my words connecting with readers around the world.
The idea that I could build multiple streams of income through writing, speaking, and web publishing felt revolutionary at the time.
Fast Forward to Today
Seventeen years later, my path looks different - but in many ways, the heart of it remains the same.
I’m still writing, still speaking, still chasing big dreams from my little corner of Indiana.
The difference is that now, I understand that booming isn’t just about numbers or visibility - it’s about impact, consistency, and joy in the work itself.
The speaking engagements have evolved from local library events and small conferences to larger book festivals and online workshops.
My writing has shifted too - from quick articles to in-depth guides, heartfelt blog posts, and even books that weave together my personal journey with my passions for gardening, homesteading, and sustainable living.
And while 2008 was all about “making it,” today is more about making it meaningful.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
When I look back at that early version of myself, I see someone determined, hopeful, and just a little naïve - and that’s okay.
Every big dream starts that way.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned since then is that success isn’t a single moment in time.
It’s a rhythm - a cycle of growth, setbacks, and rediscovery.
Here are a few truths that have stayed with me:
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Momentum comes from consistency. Writing daily in 2008 taught me discipline. Even now, when life gets chaotic, I know that showing up - whether it’s a few paragraphs, a blog draft, or a social post - keeps the creative spark alive.
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Delegation is powerful. Handing off tasks to others once felt scary, but it gave me the freedom to focus on what I do best - creating, teaching, and connecting.
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Multiple income streams aren’t just smart - they’re stabilizing. Those early experiments with affiliate programs and website monetization laid the foundation for the sustainable business I run today.
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Success doesn’t always look the way you expect. Some years are abundant; others are quieter but just as meaningful. The key is to keep moving forward, adapting, and trusting your purpose.
The Everlasting Spark
Even after all these years, that excitement I felt in 2008 still flickers in my heart.
Every time I release a new book, post a fresh blog article, or connect with someone who says my words inspired them to start a garden or preserve their own food - I feel that same thrill.
Of course, there have been challenges - plenty of them.
Life has tested me in ways I couldn’t have imagined back then.
But through every storm, writing and gardening have remained my anchors.
They’ve helped me find peace, rebuild confidence, and remind myself that growth takes time - in plants, in people, and in purpose.
Here’s to What Comes Next
If I could speak to my 2008 self, I’d say this: You were right - 2008 really was booming.
But it wasn’t the peak; it was the beginning.
The seeds you planted that year - the hard work, the courage to say yes to opportunities, the belief that you could make a living doing what you love - all of it grew into something much bigger.
And the best part?
The garden of life is still expanding.
So, here’s to continuing to create, to write, to teach, and to dream - not just for another booming year, but for a meaningful lifetime of growth.
Cheers to success - and to the beautiful, unpredictable journey that gets us there.
How to Start and Build on Success - Step by Step
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Start small, but start now. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. The first step creates momentum.
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Show up daily. Even small, consistent efforts compound over time.
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Learn to pivot. When something doesn’t work, adapt instead of giving up.
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Invest in relationships. Collaboration and mentorship open doors faster than solitary effort.
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Diversify your income. Explore multiple streams that align with your passions.
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Celebrate progress. Every milestone, no matter how small, deserves recognition.
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Keep your why front and center. Passion sustains you when motivation wavers.
A New Chapter of “Booming”
If I could speak to my 2008 self, I’d tell her this: You were right — 2008 really was booming.
But not because of the numbers or the headlines.
It was booming because you had the courage to believe in yourself - to start before you were ready, to write through the uncertainty, and to say yes to the unknown.
The truth is, success isn’t a single moment or milestone.
It’s the way you keep showing up long after the excitement fades - planting new seeds, nurturing old dreams, and trusting that something beautiful will grow again, even after seasons of struggle.
Today, my definition of “booming” is different.
It’s not about constant motion or endless deadlines.
It’s about balance, purpose, and joy in the work I do - whether that’s teaching someone how to grow their first cacao plant, mentoring new writers, or tending the garden that grounds me.
So wherever you are on your journey - whether you’re just starting out or rebuilding after a hard season - I hope you’ll take this to heart: you’re already growing something incredible.
Keep tending it.
Keep believing.
The next chapter of your story might just be your best one yet.
Here’s to continuing the work, savoring the wins, and finding new ways to make life - and success - bloom again.
Sheri Ann Richerson Presentations, Books And Events
Sheri Ann Richerson's Books
See the complete list of Sheri Ann Richerson's books and also get links to either Amazon or her personal Etsy Shop to purchase them.
Sheri Ann Richerson's Sample Photographs
Here are some examples of photographs taken by Sheri Ann Richerson. She does freelance photography work for magazines and catalogs.
Live Workshops
Are you looking for a garden speaker to present classes at your garden club or group? Sheri Ann Richerson does both live and online events.
