2025: Growth, Alignment, Resilience… and a big “okay wow, we did that”
If 2025 had a vibe, it would be: a slow simmer that turned into a full boil the second I looked away. 😅
At the start of the year, my word was growth. And honestly? Very accurate. Not always in a shiny “new year, new me” way - more in a “surprise! here’s a life lesson in boundary-setting, now juggle it with a busy diary” kind of way.
But somewhere in the middle of the chaos, something shifted. I started to feel more aligned - more grounded in how I want to show up, who I want to work with, and what kind of business I’m building.
So here’s my little year-end reflection: highlights, lessons, the behind-the-scenes reality, and what I’m taking into 2026 (spoiler: excitement is invited).
The biggest shift: social media finally felt like me
One of the biggest highlights this year was joining Jess Bruno’s Watch Us Grow programme back in March - and genuinely transforming how I approach social media.
For the first time in… maybe ever? I felt proud of what I was posting. It felt more authentic, more aligned, more like Nicole - not “professional internet person attempting to be consistent”.
And the best part: people noticed. Clients, peers, community people - they said it felt different. Better. Clearer. More me. And I agree.
Do I still have the occasional “what on earth do I post today?” moment? Absolutely. But it’s not this stressful, heavy thing I avoid. It’s actually… kind of fun now. (Who am I?)
At the beginning of the year I also set myself the goal to write more newsletters, building and connecting with my email list. The aim was to send 1-2 emails a month and I’m super proud that I actually achieved what I set out to do. Who knew it can be fun when you don’t pressure yourself and do something in a way that works for you, not against you.
Investing in myself (and loving it)
I’ve always been someone who learns best in rooms with other people - so this year I invested in a few group programmes and support spaces, including:
Watch Us Grow (Jess Bruno)
Beyond the Bubble by Jess Hellens (WILD Co-Working)
I love learning. I love being challenged. I love being around other business owners who are building things imperfectly and brilliantly. It helped me feel less “solo business on an island” and more “we’re all just figuring it out together, with snacks.”
The podcast: 40 episodes later, I’m still obsessed
Another massive highlight: starting my podcast.
To date, I’ve recorded 40 episodes, which I’m genuinely so proud of. I’ve loved the guests, the conversations, the honesty, the actual depth you can get into when you’re not trying to squeeze everything into a 15-second Reel. It’s been amazing to hear about everyone’s journey and their experience as business owners - the challenges they faced, the lessons they’ve learned and the wins could claim for themselves and their business.
I’ve learned so much and because the workload got real, I also invested in a podcast editor (best decision, 10/10, no notes). Support is a strategy, not a luxury.
If you’ve been listening: thank you. If you haven’t yet: this is your sign to give it a try. Start with an episode that sounds like you. (Or message me and I’ll point you to a good “first one”.)
LISTEN HERE: Work in Progress with Nicole Engelmann
The 10k month (and the part nobody posts on Instagram)
Yes, I had a £10k month and I’m proud of it.
And also: it taught me a lot.
It reminded me that:
being busy doesn’t automatically mean being well
boundaries aren’t “nice to have”, they’re essential
the way I work has to be sustainable, not just impressive
rest isn’t something you earn after you’re exhausted
Because the truth is: when I hit that peak, I also hit a point where I wasn’t taking proper time off, even when I was in Germany visiting my family, I was still working in the evenings, replying to emails, editing galleries and staying switched on.
So yes: celebrate the win. And also learn from it. Both can be true.
A personal milestone: my ADHD diagnosis
This year I was diagnosed with ADHD, which was a big thing to process, especially during such a busy period.
It also helped explain a lot: the overwhelm, the avoidance, the procrastination spirals, the difficulty switching off when work is intense. Busy months felt harder on a personal level than they “should” have and that clarity matters.
I’m still figuring out what support and systems look like for me, but I’m glad I did it. And I’m proud of myself for even getting it done in the middle of everything.
The work: clients I loved, projects I’m proud of
Work-wise, 2025 was full of projects that made me feel grateful (and occasionally emotional, in a “how is this my job?” way).
I worked with:
a cancer research company for headshots
designers, photographers, therapists/coaches, stylists, massage therapists
lots of wellbeing professionals
brilliant small business owners building things with heart
and a lovely mix of return clients (including my annual shoot with Selina Barker - always a highlight)
I also had more video clients this year, which I’ve really loved. Video is such a powerful way to help people show up, especially if you’re camera-shy and want content that feels natural, not performative.
If you want to browse the types of shoots I do, start here:
Brand photography
Brand video
Headshots
A business change I’m really happy about: retiring mini sessions
In May, I retired mini sessions (for the time being) and instead started hosting my Content & Connect Day and it’s been such a good move.
It’s working really well and I’m genuinely enjoying it. Giving people more value, connecting on a bigger level and encouraging other business owners and self-employed people to show up their way is something I’m really passionate about and doing it in the form of my Content & Connect Day is so much fun and super rewarding. It’s evolving with every round of feedback, and it feels like one of those offers that’s going to keep growing into something even better.
The next one is on the 22nd of January 2026.
Details / tickets here.
Life outside work: Germany, family and remembering I’m a human
This year I went to Germany four times, including for a wedding and my dad’s 65th birthday and I’m grateful I got that time with family & friends.
At the same time, I also realised how much I’ve missed just living. I used to go to the cinema, gigs, plays and this year, I barely did any of that because work (and worrying about work) took up so much space.
I love what I do (most days it doesn’t feel like work), but in 2026 I want more experiences. More proper days off. More fun. More life.
Because I didn’t start my own business to become a permanently-tired editing- & email-answering machine.
Atomicon + community vibes
I went to Atomicon in June and I’m going again next year (I wrote a whole blog post about it, that’s how awesome it was!) - so if you’re going too, maybe I’ll see you there (and we can do an awkward “do we hug?” dance in real life). On top of that I went to quite a few networking events and continued to be part of different communities. Being a solopreneur, means you do a lot of things by yourself, so finding my people and a place where I can ask for feedback, advice or just rant is so important. Here are few events and communities I found that gave out good vibes and were really helpful to me:
2026: experimenting, visibility and sustainable growth
If 2025 was growth + resilience + alignment, then my word for 2026 is excitement.
I want to:
experiment more in my business
keep creating in a way that feels fun and aligned
grow more sustainably (boundaries, rest, systems - all the unsexy stuff that makes the sexy stuff possible)
be more visible, share more and keep building genuine community
There may also be some changes to the podcast - nothing dramatic, just evolving it in a way that supports real life. It’s called Work in Progress after all.
I’m also joining Jess Bruno’s new group programme Formula Hun in January (basically the next chapter after Watch Us Grow) and I’m very excited to keep building momentum.
Before you go: I’d love to hear from you
Two questions for you:
What would you love to see more of from me in 2026? (newsletter-wise or on social media)
What’s one thing you’re proud of from 2025 - and what are you calling in for 2026?
Comment below and tell me. I read every message (sometimes with a cup of tea and a dramatic “awww” voice).
And if you’re thinking about updating your visuals for 2026 - headshots, branding photos, video - I’d love to help you feel confident, relaxed, and actually like yourself on camera.
Enquire / Book
Listen to the podcast
Content & Connect Day (22 Jan 2026)
