As the clock ticks towards my 37th year, I can’t help but look back at the whirlwind that was 36. It was a year peppered with profound love, heart-wrenching losses, ambitious quests, and a whole lot of carpet inspections. Yes, you heard that right. My life in Dalton, Georgia, has been anything but plain tufting.
To Uncle Harry, from 36 —
The most monumental heartache of this past year was saying goodbye to my Uncle Harry. A titan in the world of advanced physics, his teachings went beyond the classroom, intertwining with the very fabric of our lives. His loss was a cosmic reminder of how fleeting our moments with loved ones can be. Yet, in his absence, his wisdom and love continue to be the guiding force in our family’s journey.
Work, from 36 —
Professionally, I pivoted from what was expected to a path that could only be described as…distinct. As a quality controller for Engineered Floors, I found myself in a world of carpets, ensuring that each roll of tufting met the highest standards of quality and perfection. Who knew that a life in Dalton — once the millionaire capital, thanks to the thriving carpet industry before the era of mergers and acquisitions chewed through it — would lead me into the deep dive of textiles?
Speaking of Dalton, this city taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of carving out one’s niche in a fluctuating market. It has been a place of growth, of understanding the value of community, and how, despite the tides of change, there’s always a way to weave success into the fabric of our lives.
Family, from 36 —
Family, as ever, remains my northern star. My brother, Daniel Strickland, with his boundless creativity, has been writing brand new music. This soundtrack of our lives continues to evolve, adding layers of depth, enthusiasm, and a touch of unpredictability to our everyday existence.
Goals, from 36 —
Now, on the eve of my 37th year, I stand at the cusp of an exciting adventure. My ambition to grow within the textile industry has morphed into a broader vision — launching 12 brands under one united banner. Enter Boston Made, a Delaware C Corp conceived out of my sheer adoration for pets in 2019. This passion project, initially focused on pet indulgences, is now extending its paw prints to dog wearables with the acquisition of www.pupwear.com — a heartfelt $9000 investment in the world of canine fashion.
This decision wasn’t just a business move; it was a tribute to my unwavering love for dogs and a testament to my belief in following one’s passion, no matter how wild the ride may seem.
Farewell, from 36 —
Looking ahead, the future is aglow with potential, and I’m ready to embrace it with open arms — minus any more rollercoaster surprises, hopefully. My journey into website development for my brands and partnership ventures is not just a career pivot but a step closer to personal fulfillment and creating a legacy that intertwines my love for family, pets, and the thriving pulse of entrepreneurship.
So, as I bid adieu to 36 — with its vibrant tapestry of emotions, challenges, and triumphs — I step into 37 with a heart full of hope, eyes gleaming with ambition, and a spirit ready to embrace whatever comes next. The ride has been wild, but the destination promises to be even more exhilarating.
To my family, my late Uncle Harry, and all the tufted carpets that have seen more of me than they bargained for — this year is for you. Let’s make it a remarkable one.
