As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on an incredible year of growth, adventure, and connection. When I wrapped up 2023 and wrote to you all, I was proudly serving as Community Manager at Vibe Coworks. This year, I have the privilege of signing off 2024 as the newly appointed Director of Operations—a role I’m eager to grow into and make my own in the year ahead.
Over the course of the year, I’ve strengthened local friendships, circled back to my love of backpacking (something I hadn’t done since I was 14—now with some impressive elevation gains under my belt!), and explored a wealth of new restaurants and stores right here in Kitsap. Each discovery has only deepened my appreciation for the vibrant community I get to call home.
As I reflect on 2024, I want to share a few highlights and moments of gratitude with you all this holiday season.
1. Building A Life Beyond Work
This year, I’ve worked to strengthen my friendships outside of work and deepen my roots in Kitsap, making it feel truly more like home. While I’ve me 95% of these amazing people at Vibe, our friendships have taken us beyond the office to the streets, local businesses, the great outdoors, and even each other’s homes. We’ve shared uncontrollable laughs, shared so much, and found joy in the little things, together.
I’m incredibly grateful for these bonds. It’s amazing how something as simple as sharing a good joke or reading the same book can spark an instant connection and build trust. One of these friendships even inspired me to push further and climb a mountain—twice! The views were breathtaking. And the effort to get there? Absolutely worth it.
2. Professional Achievements at Vibe Coworks
This year, I’m excited to share that I’ve been promoted to Director of Operations at Vibe Coworks. In this new role, I’m taking on more responsibility, overseeing daily operations, driving growth, and strengthening our community. I work closely with our Founder + CEO, and I’m honored to play a role in shaping Vibe’s future while ensuring our members continue to have an amazing experience.
I’m so grateful for the growth I’ve experienced at Vibe, and none of it would have been possible without the incredible leadership and mentorship of Alanna Imbach. Her guidance has been key to helping me grow into this role, and I’m thankful for the opportunities she’s provided to help me continue to thrive.
This year, I’ve also had the chance to step outside my usual role and grow as a public speaker. I spoke at Olympic College about the hiring process and how coworking spaces can support remote workers and students. It’s been such a rewarding experience to connect with people in new ways. I’ve also had the honor of hosting CreativeMornings Poulsbo, which has been a true highlight in connecting with our local creative community.
I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a dynamic and supportive team. Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and building something great together!
3. Fostering Connection in a World That Needs It
I’m grateful to work in a place that is paying attention to what’s happening with the widespread epidemic of loneliness and isolation—and truly understands the healing effects of social connection and community like you find at Vibe.
Vibe has become more than just a workspace for me and so many others—it’s a place where people come together, form meaningful relationships, and find community. Whether it’s over a cup of coffee, during one of our events, or even while enjoying my homemade waffles once a month, I’m grateful for the connections we’ve fostered here.
Remote work is here to stay. Yet, as we look to 2025, I’m excited to continue drive forward a supportive workspace where people can do their best work alongside one another on their own terms, and support an offering of in-person community gatherings and experiences give us all the opportunity to engage with each offer off-screens, too. We’re all in this together, and I’m proud to be part of a place that keeps that at the forefront of everything we do.
4. The Best of Kitsap, Discovered Together
One of the things I cherish most about being part of the Vibe community is the way we share—ideas, support, and yes, local recommendations. Thanks to conversations in the kitchen, tips from coworkers, foodie friends, I’ve continued to uncover some of the best that Kitsap (and the Greater Peninsulas) has to offer.
This year, I’ve fallen even more in love with some amazing local businesses, many of which I wouldn’t have found without you. These are some of my most recent favorites:
- Finistère (Port Townsend) – For a dining experience that feels like a treat every time.
- Rose Theatre (Port Townsend) – A timeless treasure for movie lovers.
- Josephine’s Mercantile (Port Orchard) – Full of charm and thoughtful finds.
- Tiny Cupboards – Your go-to for all the right-sized essentials when traveling in 2025 (Vibe member + Matchstick Lab Accelerator graduate!)
- Vibe Coworks (Poulsbo) – A community and workspace like no other (yes, I’m biased).
- Sourdough Willy’s (Kingston) – World famous sourdough pizza. No joke.
- Dahlia Cove Studio (Kingston) – The cutest tea shop around.
- Indigo Plum Footwear & Apparel (Poulsbo) – Always my go-to for fashion that stands out.
- Hansgrill – Breakfast here? Absolutely worth the drive.
- Crow’s Curiosities (Port Orchard) – Your new favorite eclectic gift shop (Matchstick Lab Accelerator graduate!)
If you haven’t tried these spots yet, I highly recommend checking them out. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, treating yourself to a meal, or simply exploring, they add so much to the richness of Kitsap life, and I feel grateful to have been introduced to them.
Signing off in gratitude
Thank you for being part of my journey through the connections we’ve made at Vibe. As I reflect on this past year, I wonder what 2025 will bring for all of us, and what stories we’ll have to share next year.
Until then, here’s to growth, connection, and the joy of being in it together. (See you at the Vibe holiday party, yeah?)
