A collage of photographs from the year surround the numbers ʻ2023ʻ.

By Scott Smith
December 18, 2023

As 2023 comes to an end, we reflect in gratitude on a wonderful year. When we assess how things have gone, and think about how we want next year to go, we look at a lot of different things, but everything flows through the filter of our values and what’s important to us. So let’s look at the year through some numbers.

The Work

We are proud of the work we’ve done this year, and grateful for all of the incredible clients we have. We’re most grateful for those clients who have come back to us because it tells us that it’s about more than just the work — we’ve built a partnership that lasts longer than a single project. For us, there’s nothing better.

  • 6 websites launched
  • 81+ workshops conducted
  • 7 clients with recurring projects or retainers
A photograph of a rocket collaged onto a patterned background, with the text "6 websites launched."
A data visualization of a yearʻs worth of workshops, accompanied by the text "81 client workshops conducted."

Team Connection

Being a fully remote team, it can be hard to find time to stop and really talk, even if we're always working on projects together. To connect, away from the to-do lists, we do regular check-ins, but one of the best things we do is a monthly team hello. The goal is for the partners to report on the state of the business, but we start with personal shares by each team member to remind us that we’re human beings first. And twice a year we all fly to a central location for 4 days to rest, connect, and work on the business. We cook, connect, work, explore the area, and have a good time together. Our retreats deepen our relationships and advance our business.

  • 12 team ʻHellosʻ
  • 2 team retreats
  • 135 pet photos shared on Slack
  • 1 full-time employee hired this year
A team photograph collaged over a light background with a simple pattern and the text "2 team retreats in Oregon."
A photograph of Balerion, Zackʻs dog, collaged with the text "135 pet photos shared on Slack."

Taking Care of Ourselves

If we’re not doing well, it’s not worth it. We encourage everyone to get naps in whenever they can, and to enjoy their families (including their fur babies). And it’s also important we remember, in times of heavy workload, that we’re moving forward together. We start meetings with a few minutes called Yay Us, which is an opportunity to celebrate the small and big wins.

  • When our team is most likely to break for a nap: 3 p.m.
  • 1 ʻYay Us!ʻ session kicking off all of our team syncs
A data visualization of a calendar, with a large block from 1pm to 4pm, with the text "3 p.m. when our team is most likely to break for a mid-day nap."
A photograph of Becca Connors throwing her hands up in the air with a smile with the text "1 ʻYay Us!ʻ session kicking off all of our team syncs "

Connecting with the World

We love doing what we do, and we want to keep spreading the word. We’ve seen real growth in our outreach and awareness. Tell your friends, tell your neighbors. We’re a great topic at dinner parties. 

  • 5 awards won (and a Webby nomination!)
  • 3 talks given by Talie
A photograph of Talie Smith speaking at an event collaged with the text "3 talks given by Talie."
A webby award collaged over a patterned background with the text "5 awards won (and a Webby nomination!)"

Intangibles

Of course, it’s impossible to quantify everything we want to celebrate, like the number of times we saw our team offering grace and support to each other, the moments of building trust through vulnerability, the number of mutually appreciatory client interactions, how each of us showed up when a teammate was struggling, and so much more. So thank you to everyone who was a part of our story in 2023. We’re happy we were a part of yours, and we look forward to our next turn around the sun.