Stylishly Growing: My Journey to Becoming a Woman in 2024

2024 was a great year for me – definitely a step up from previous years. Let me tell you why:

2020

Post-college life was an emotional roller coaster. I was deeply depressed, and no one knew except my close friends and family. Life felt so uncertain because it wasn’t going the way I envisioned. My original plan? Move to Atlanta, audition for agencies, and jumpstart my career as a professional dancer. Growing up, I dreamed of dancing backup for my favorite artists, being in music videos, going on tour, and hosting dance workshops. But then Covid hit and completely derailed that dream. Moving to a new city during a pandemic felt impossible, so I stayed in Louisiana and went with the flow, which led me to content creation.

On top of that, I dealt with a breakup and other drama early on. I graduated during a pandemic, which left me feeling like I hadn’t truly accomplished anything. Even though I was given the opportunity to walk in 2021, I still feel a bit sad during graduation season.

2021

In 2021, things were a mix of highs and lows. I lost friends, made new ones, fell in love, continued my content journey, and became a teacher. Teaching was never the plan, though. I hated it at first and kept telling myself it was temporary. But, as they say, “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.”

2022

Then came 2022—arguably the worst year of my adult life. Another breakup (this one hit the hardest because I thought he was “the one”), work dissatisfaction, and just feeling lost. I was angry, hurt, and acted out of character a lot. But that year I also moved into an apartment with my cousin and her best friend. They were my saving grace that year. I don’t think they’ll truly understand the impact they had on my life.

2023

2023 was the year things started to look up for me. It was the first year that I didn’t cry on my birthday. I was born in January, so my birthday definitely sets the tone for how my year will be. It was my golden birthday, too! I I took a hard look at my life in 2022, and decided to learn from it. Things were still a bit rocky with work, and I still wasn’t satisfied with being there. Like I said, I had a certain expectation of how my life was supposed to go, and teaching was NEVER in the plan. But after applying to many luxury retail jobs I wanted and not being hired, interviewing for a job I wanted as a flight attendant, and not getting it, I started trusting that I was exactly where God wanted me to be. Once I did that, everything changed. I started dancing more, met a nice guy, and felt lighter. I launched a dance program at the school where I teach and started a dance team. Challenges? Plenty. But it’s been so rewarding. 2023 was a transition year.

2024

And then came 2024! I turned 25, and that was by far my best birthday!! I spent it with people I care about and who care about me. People say your outlook changes at 25, and they’re right. I felt the shift – I can feel my frontal lobe being fully developed 😂 But seriously, I have matured. In 2024, I had many highs and very few lows. I made a vision board for the first time, set goals, and watched them come to life.

I directed more photoshoots, grew my styling business, became a finalist for my district’s Fine Arts Teacher of the Year, and traveled internationally for the first time.

I became the store manager for the store I had been working at for the past few years, which I enjoyed because I was in an environment that allowed me to fuel one of my passions, and it confirmed for me that I was meant to be in the world of fashion in some shape or form.

I curated my first event, The Pop-Up Shop Experience. Doing that event was me strictly being obedient to God. I’m still trying to figure out all the whys of Him telling me to do it, but overall it was so rewarding. I’m very proud of Jonnie and myself for making it happen, and I can’t wait to do it again.

Becoming a godmother was another highlight. Spending time with my friend and her son gave me a fresh perspective on parenthood and family. I love children so much, and this experience has made me even more excited about starting my own family one day.

I got a new car – on my own, which I did because I was listening to God. I didn’t share this experience publicly. It was my first “grown woman” purchase, and I couldn’t be prouder. This one was just for me, not for show, and that made it special. I did it on my own and it felt great.

The dance team I started last year grew from three dancers to nine. As the team is growing, so am I. I love those girls like they’re my own. Being “Coach A” is a new and incredible experience. There are many challenges, but I love what I do!

Like I said, many highs. Of course, not everything was perfect. I went through a breakup, but it wasn’t a low point—just another God-led decision that left me at peace. I also quit my job as a store manager due to drama and safety concerns, but again, it was the right move. And that was it! 2024 was good to me; God was good to me!

Looking back, I realize that 2024 was amazing because I took the lessons from previous years to heart. I learned to trust God, let go of old expectations, and handle life’s curveballs with grace. I’m maturing, becoming the woman I’m meant to be, and I think that’s why the years get better and better.

So with that, here’s to 2025! 🥂I look forward to the blessings and the lessons you will bring.

Stylishly yours,

Azha Moné

What about you? How did 2024 shape you? Did it bring you growth, challenges, or lessons you’ll carry into the future? Let me know in the comments <3