EPISODE · Jan 8, 2026 · 18 MIN
Ep 24 - A Not-So-Vanilla Year: My Honest 2025 Review
from Core Brands Podcast · host Roberta Rechena
In this first episode of 2026, Roberta Rechena shares an honest and reflective review of her 2025 — a year she initially thought was “a bit vanilla”, but quickly realised was full of lessons, challenges, and meaningful wins.Roberta opens up about the quieter side of business, fewer leads, starting a second business with her husband, and navigating a PTSD diagnosis, while also celebrating the many ups: awards, returning clients, personal growth, fitness, networking, and the evolution of the Core Brands podcast.She reflects on what 2025 taught her as a business owner, designer, and human, and shares her intention for 2026 — simplification, boldness, and visibility. This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and acknowledge both the highs and lows of your own year.TakeawaysA “quiet” year doesn’t mean an unimportant yearReflecting helps you see growth you may have forgottenFewer leads doesn’t always mean less meaningful workIt’s okay to build projects slowly when life is fullAwareness and support are essential when navigating mental healthReturning clients are a powerful sign of trustPersonal growth and business growth are deeply connectedSimplifying your business can create more clarity for everyoneVisibility is a choice — and a practiceBoth ups and downs deserve to be acknowledgedSound bites“It felt like a vanilla year — until I actually looked at it.”“Quiet doesn’t mean unsuccessful.”“Simplifying is not removing value, it’s keeping what matters.”Chapters00:00 Welcome to 2026 & why this episode was delayed03:00 Reflecting on a ‘vanilla’ year04:30 The quieter side of business & fewer leads07:00 Starting a second business with my husband10:30 Mental health, PTSD & transparency13:30 Adobe Max, fitness & personal growth17:00 Awards, returning clients & proud moments21:00 The brand photoshoot that changed everything24:30 Networking, podcast growth & six years in business28:30 Simplification, boldness & intentions for 2026Stay connected with Roberta:Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @coreandformdesignConnect on LinkedIn: Roberta RechenaSubscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updatesVisit the Core and Form websiteBook a Free Discovery Call if you’re interested in collaborating!Keywordsyear in review, business reflection, entrepreneurship, branding, creative business, personal growth, mental health, podcasting, simplification, visibility, small business journey, 2025 review, 2026 intentions
What this episode covers
In this first episode of 2026, Roberta Rechena shares an honest and reflective review of her 2025 — a year she initially thought was “a bit vanilla”, but quickly realised was full of lessons, challenges, and meaningful wins.Roberta opens up about the quieter side of business, fewer leads, starting a second business with her husband, and navigating a PTSD diagnosis, while also celebrating the many ups: awards, returning clients, personal growth, fitness, networking, and the evolution of the Core Brands podcast.She reflects on what 2025 taught her as a business owner, designer, and human, and shares her intention for 2026 — simplification, boldness, and visibility. This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and acknowledge both the highs and lows of your own year.TakeawaysA “quiet” year doesn’t mean an unimportant yearReflecting helps you see growth you may have forgottenFewer leads doesn’t always mean less meaningful workIt’s okay to build projects slowly when life is fullAwareness and support are essential when navigating mental healthReturning clients are a powerful sign of trustPersonal growth and business growth are deeply connectedSimplifying your business can create more clarity for everyoneVisibility is a choice — and a practiceBoth ups and downs deserve to be acknowledgedSound bites“It felt like a vanilla year — until I actually looked at it.”“Quiet doesn’t mean unsuccessful.”“Simplifying is not removing value, it’s keeping what matters.”Chapters00:00 Welcome to 2026 & why this episode was delayed03:00 Reflecting on a ‘vanilla’ year04:30 The quieter side of business & fewer leads07:00 Starting a second business with my husband10:30 Mental health, PTSD & transparency13:30 Adobe Max, fitness & personal growth17:00 Awards, returning clients & proud moments21:00 The brand photoshoot that changed everything24:30 Networking, podcast growth & six years in business28:30 Simplification, boldness & intentions for 2026Stay connected with Roberta:Follow on Instagram: @designbyroberta and @coreandformdesignConnect on LinkedIn: Roberta RechenaSubscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updatesVisit the Core and Form websiteBook a Free Discovery Call if you’re interested in collaborating!Keywordsyear in review, business reflection, entrepreneurship, branding, creative business, personal growth, mental health, podcasting, simplification, visibility, small business journey, 2025 review, 2026 intentions
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Ep 24 - A Not-So-Vanilla Year: My Honest 2025 Review
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