Locally Focused

May 6

I have to be completely honest… I was never one to be involved in my community. I am not what you call neighborly. I am friendly but keep to myself and take a lot of pride in making sure my shit doesn’t become your shit. I didn’t attend rallies, parades, or get involved with extra curricular activities while in school. I didn't participate in fundraisers or even go to many vendor-type events other than the county fair. It wasn’t until I started working in civi-minded positions for my job that I began to see the value and actually enjoy them.

We moved to our little town twelve years ago and up until June of last year, I did not have one single friend in my area. I was intimidated. I wasn't from here even though I grew up just a short 35 miles north. These smaller communities are definitely tighter. The first time I attended an open house for school, I immediately got the sense of the adult friend groups who probably have known each other for 30+ years. Those groups can be hard to break into.

So, you know when you just KNOW you can be friends with someone? My daughter had the most fantastic 2nd grade teacher. I knew the minute we met during conferences that we would get along. But there was a professional line I certainly wasn’t going to press and also, like, I didn’t want to be a friggen weird-o. But, intuition served me right and I am so incredibly grateful I can now call her my friend. Not only was she a blessing for my little girl, she has been one for me also! She has been a huge positive influence for me and I can give her full credit in having me step out of my comfort zone socially. She has invited and included me in so many fun community events and groups, which has led to even more opportunities. Not to be dramatic, but it has been pretty life-changing. And the more I do this, the better example I can set for my kids to also put themselves out there.

On May 1st, I was invited by another new friend (but feels like a lifetime and also life changing!!) to the PROP Fundraiser Gala in Pulaski, NY. Many local businesses donated baskets to the silent auction and proceeds from that will go to community projects and improvements. The night was full of meaningful conversations, promotional priced Prosecco, and a little bit of mischief! So much fun on Thursday evening! It was lovely putting faces to names and hearing the stories behind the success. I will definitely be keeping a sharper eye out so I can get in on donation-action and getting myself out there as well! You can find the PROP website here: https://www.proppulaski.com

I also did a VERY big-girl thing and submitted an application to be a speaker at the Elevate Summit 2025 powered by Developing with Devan and in partnership with the Take Up Space Foundation. This is the only in-person women’s conference for personal and professional development and support in the North Country. Selections are being made and hopefully will know by the end of May. I might be scared shitless, but I will be proud! I do plan on attending either way and I would encourage all my local gals to come with! We can make it a big girl-gang date! You can find more information here: https://developingwithdevan.com/elevatesummit/

Not local, but because I’ve had a huge bought of confidence, I submitted photos to a modeling competition through Maxim Covergirl. Who am I even?? Old me would have seen the post, dreamed of it for days, and not submitted any photos because of limiting thoughts. New me said I will never know if I don’t try. I would appreciate all the votes, regardless of the outcome. I am living out a younger-me dream here and feel vibrant enough to put myself out there. Linked here and THANK YOU so much in advance: https://vip.covergirl.maxim.com/model/Gyv3B#Kayla%20Wight

All of this gives me a new appreciation for local. Local restaurants, small businesses, people…I may not be able to give back in the capacity I want to but I know there will be a day I can truly give back in a way that is impactful and important. So, I will continue to do what I can with my current resources and as someone who is an aspiring entrepreneur, I want to show up…for me and for others at minimum. I need to walk the walk and talk the talk. Showing up (physically and proverbially) is one of the best plan of actions for marketing there is! Word of mouth is super impactful and can be applied to you personally on top of professionally. So that’s my advice to myself this month. Show up, and express gratitude. This past week has been filled with so much fun, opportunities, and good news. I am so grateful for how things have been falling into place.

Giving back feels good. And what you give, you get back in return!

PS - speaking of showing up, check out my girl Brittnea Bryden-Stevens and her THREE businesses locally here in the Sandy Creek/Lacona/Pulaski area -

https://www.facebook.com/p/North-Pond-Collision-100056951654626/ North Pond Collision

https://www.facebook.com/groups/bewellwithbrittnea/ Be Well With Britt

https://www.facebook.com/groups/335211296875952/ Britt’s One Stop Lip Shop

Here are some other local businesses I want to highlight!

https://www.embellishedcatering.com Embellished Catering

https://www.facebook.com/people/44-North-Boutique-Catering/100088412010282/ 44 North Boutique Catering

https://riverratcheese.net River Rate Cheese

https://www.facebook.com/Alesiafy/ Alesiafy - artist

https://www.facebook.com/TwoBrokeMoms22/ Two Broke Moms

https://www.facebook.com/NorthStreetNurseryPulaski North Street Nursery