JellyBean Business

Tag: writing

  • Monthly Mood Board – April 2026

    Happy April, everyone 🌸. The weather’s finally warming up, flowers are starting to bloom… and somehow my energy levels are still pretty low 😅. I just wrapped up the last week of my first term in my master’s program, and I’m about to jump into the second. I’m excited for what’s ahead, but man, I am tired. Really hoping a long, peaceful break finds its way to me soon. Pray for me, y’all!

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    The other day, it snowed here in New England, and I was not here for it. I was so bummed to see it, but thankfully, it melted pretty quickly. Still, I’m really hoping that was the last of it because I truly can’t deal with any more snow. I don’t mind the rain as much, but we definitely need some sunshine. On the days I work from home, it still gets a bit chilly, and I just want to be able to leave the windows and sliding door open. Mother Nature clearly has other plans. It’s not even nice enough yet to sit out on my deck and repot my plants, which really need it, by the way. Spring is taking forever to show up. Honestly, it’s being a little selfish.

    I’ve been wanting to go on a cruise for a while now, but I haven’t really taken the time to plan one yet. Now that I’m pregnant, I don’t think my husband and I will be able to make it happen anytime soon, but it’s definitely something I want to prioritize in the next couple of years. In the meantime, I’d love to start learning more about cruises and how to plan one properly. I don’t have much experience with cruising (or traveling in general, honestly!), so I’m pretty new to all of this and open to any advice. If you have any tips, I’d really appreciate you sharing them! I’d also love to hear about your favorite cruise experiences or any you’d highly recommend 😊.

    I’ve also been thinking about starting a baby blog where I can share my journey into motherhood; what it’s like becoming a first-time mom, the experiences that come with it, and how I’m learning to cope with such a big life change. For a long time, I didn’t picture myself having kids. It just wasn’t a priority for me. But my life has changed in so many ways, and at some point, having a baby sounded exciting. Now that it’s actually happening, reality is definitely setting in, and I’m realizing just how much preparation, growth, and adjustment this new chapter requires.

    There’s so much advice out there about becoming a parent; everyone seems to have something to say. I think this blog could be my way of exploring all of it for myself: figuring out what works, what doesn’t, and what this experience truly feels like from my own perspective. I want it to be honest and genuine, a space where I can share my thoughts, lessons, and experiences as I grow into this new role. If nothing else, it’ll be something I can look back on, but I also hope it might connect with or help other first-time moms going through something similar.

    I’ve always loved writing, and if I were better at organizing my thoughts and making time for it, I’d probably do it more often. With this new chapter in my life, I’m hoping to find fresh inspiration and new things to write about. There’s so much I could talk about, so in the meantime, I’d love to start putting my writing skills to use and explore different topics throughout the month. If there’s anything you think I should write about or address, I’m always open to suggestions! Otherwise, I’ll do my best to share what I can, when I can. Between work and school, I’m sure I can come up with something that might resonate with someone out there.

    Until next time, friends!

    -JellyBean

  • Monthly Mood Board – March 2026

    Hello, everyone! I know it’s been a while. December was definitely a busy month, but honestly, I feel like everyone says that. Between wrapping up work for the fall semester, finishing my own coursework for my bachelor’s program, and planning for the holidays, it was a lot. I had every intention of putting together a monthly mood board back in December, but… life happens.

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    Now it’s March 2026, so—Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Valentine’s Day, and everything in between! I have to admit, I haven’t been the biggest fan of winter. It really brought my mood down, and I wish it hadn’t. I know winter has its purpose, and I truly believe God created each season for a reason, so I’m trying to build a better relationship with it, but it’s not easy. I definitely miss the summer. The good news is that we’re officially in spring now, and I couldn’t be happier about that. Even though winter wasn’t my favorite, a lot of wonderful things have still happened, so I can’t complain too much.

    Based on the header image, I think you can guess where I’m headed with my next monthly mood update… I miss Disney so much! I wish I had more time and money to visit, but responsibilities have to come first. Even if I don’t always want to admit it, they do. Lately, I’ve also been missing summer. I’m so ready for blooming plants, green grass, sunshine, cookouts, even the bugs! I was born in the summer, so maybe it’s only natural that I love it as much as I do. I wonder if other summer babies feel the same way. It can’t just be me, right? Otherwise, no one would choose to live in the warmer parts of the country. I’d move in a heartbeat if I could, but my husband is firmly rooted in New England. It makes me a little sad, but maybe one day I’ll get the chance to soak up more sun and warmth.

    On a completely different note, I found out in late December that I’m going to be a mom. Right now, I’m taking this journey one day at a time. As my first pregnancy, it hasn’t been too overwhelming. I know many people have more intense experiences, so I wouldn’t describe mine as dramatic, but it is new, unfamiliar, and constantly changing. My body is shifting in ways I never expected, and it’s honestly fascinating. There are sensations I can’t fully explain unless you’ve been through it yourself. But if you have, you probably understand exactly what I mean. Overall, it’s an exciting new chapter, and I’m really looking forward to becoming a mom and seeing how this part of my life grows and evolves.

    If I had to choose a color to match my current mood, it would be sky blue. I’ve always loved that color, and lately I’ve been craving brighter, clearer skies instead of all this gray. There’s something so comforting about the warmth of the sun and the way a bright sky can instantly lift my mood. My husband, on the other hand, isn’t a fan of waking up to sunlight, but I absolutely love it. There’s something special about being gently woken by the sun’s warmth. It makes the start of the day feel peaceful and full of possibility. Personally, I’d rather wake up and embrace the whole day than sleep through it. For me, blocking out the sunlight makes it too easy to oversleep and slip into laziness, and that just doesn’t feel good. But of course, that’s just me; everyone has their own preferences, and some people truly enjoy sleeping in and waking up in the dark.

    Well, that’s all I have for today. I hope you’re all doing well, and I’d love for you to share your current moods too! I’m hoping to do this every month, along with other pieces I’m able to put out. Talk to you all soon! ✌🏼

    -JellyBean

  • Marketing Perspective with Ordinary Adventures!

    I watch a wide variety of influencers, mostly on YouTube, but the two that I resonate with the most would have to be Peter and Kitra from Ordinary Adventures. These two have been creating content for the past six years, sharing their love for theme parks, travel, and pop culture adventures. Although I only discovered them a few years ago, I feel like I’ve been a part of their journey all along, from watching them explore new parks to celebrating milestones with their audience. Their authenticity and enthusiasm make every video feel like you’re tagging along with friends, which, I think, is a huge part of their appeal and success as influencers.

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    One thing I’ve noticed about Ordinary Adventures’ marketing style is how transparent and honest Peter and Kitra are in their reviews, whether they’re visiting theme parks, different states, or even new countries. I always get so excited when they release a new episode on YouTube or Patreon because I know I’m about to see a high-quality, thoughtfully made video from creators who truly love what they do.

    What stands out most is their authenticity. They don’t just show the highlights; they share the full experience — the good, the not-so-great, and everything in between. That kind of honesty builds trust with their audience, which is one of the most powerful marketing tools there is.

    Personally, their videos have completely changed the way I think about travel. I was never someone who dreamed of exploring the world, but now, because of Ordinary Adventures, I’ve developed a genuine desire to travel, especially to Disney and Universal theme parks. Once I finally got to experience one for myself, I was hooked!

    Their style of marketing has a unique way of connecting with a wide variety of people: from those who are already frequent travelers to those, like me, who might be a little hesitant but curious. And for viewers who can’t travel, Peter and Kitra provide the next best thing — the chance to live vicariously through their adventures.

    Peter and Kitra do an awesome job of advertising different ways their audience can connect with them. For example, their subscribers can join their Patreon, which not only helps support their channel but also offers extra opportunities for engagement. It’s a smart way to build community beyond YouTube. Personally, I love that they use both platforms — when I need a little pick-me-up, I have two places to go for something fun and uplifting to watch.

    By expanding how their audience can interact with them, they’ve created multiple touch points for connection and learning. Recently, they even began offering exclusive packages for their Patreon subscribers that include travel resources for international destinations like Paris and Japan! I think this is such a brilliant idea — it rewards loyal fans while also sharing the knowledge and experience Peter and Kitra have gained from their own travels. This kind of marketing strategy, blending authenticity with accessibility and exclusive perks, makes their brand feel both personal and professional. It’s what drew me in even more, and I’m sure many others feel the same way.

    Peter and Kitra play a huge role in marketing simply by being themselves. They’ve become trusted voices in the travel and theme park community because of their genuine enthusiasm and honesty. When they share their experiences, whether it’s trying new food at Disneyland or exploring a faraway destination, it doesn’t feel like an ad; it feels like a recommendation from a friend. That’s what makes their influence so powerful. They’ve built a strong relationship with their audience, one based on trust and excitement, rather than sales or persuasion. In many ways, they’ve helped define what authentic marketing looks like today — they humanize brands, create emotional connections, and inspire people, like me, to explore more of the world around us.

    Peter and Kitra have a special way of making their audience feel like part of their adventures. Even though I’ve never met them, I still feel genuinely connected to them through the stories they share and the excitement they bring to each video. When they recommend a place to visit or a product to try, it doesn’t feel like marketing; it feels like advice from friends you trust. That kind of authenticity builds a relationship that’s based on community and emotion rather than simple promotion. I think that’s what makes Peter and Kitra so successful — they don’t just sell experiences, they share them, and in doing so, they make their viewers feel seen, included, and inspired.

    -JellyBean

    This post was written as part of my coursework for Social Media and Marketing Com.

  • Branding: A Day in the Life

    Hi all! I hope you’re having a nice start to the week. We do get Labor Day off after all—well, some of us anyway. Let’s dive into today’s topic: Branding!

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    The sites I typically visit in my free time are YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and, if it counts, my email. I’m not really big on social media and have found myself drifting away from popular platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and X. Lately, I’ve also been exploring tools like Mailchimp and Patreon. As I aim to grow in content creation, I’ve become increasingly invested in digital media platforms that enable me to connect with others in meaningful and impactful ways. It’s not that the ones I don’t use can’t offer that, but for what I hope to accomplish, these platforms make the most sense for me.

    Mailchimp is an online tool that enables users to send emails to large groups of people simultaneously, such as newsletters, promotions, or announcements. Instead of writing one email at a time, you can design one message and send it to hundreds (or thousands) of subscribers automatically. Patreon is a website where fans can financially support their favorite creators, such as vloggers, artists, podcasters, writers, or musicians, by making regular donations. In return, the fans (called “patrons”) often receive special perks, such as behind-the-scenes content, early access, or exclusive extras.

    Typically, when I’m using YouTube, Mailchimp, or Patreon, I feel at peace and fully invested. Other platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, tend to stress me out, yet they still manage to pull me in. Between YouTube and Patreon, especially, these two have heavily influenced my desire to work in content creation. Because of my introverted personality paired with a strong desire to build community, I find these platforms especially easy to connect with. The ability to explore diverse content has shown me different ways to engage with others, whether through blogging or vlogging. Over time, these positive interactions have made me less anxious when conversing with others and have encouraged me to connect with people on a deeper, more meaningful level.

    One thing I’ve noticed about digital media in marketing today is that many small and large businesses rely heavily on social media to sell, promote, and advertise what they offer to consumers. I think this is fantastic, because instead of being limited to one area or region, businesses can reach a much wider audience and increase their chances of connecting with potential stakeholders. I’ve also noticed that people are more involved with digital media now than ever before. Many use it for personal or professional purposes and have found real success through the time and effort they invest. Social media, in particular, has helped countless individuals become well-known among diverse audiences, especially when they remain consistent, personable, and relatable.

    – JellyBean

    This post was written as part of my coursework for Social Media and Marketing Com.

  • I Never Know What to Say!

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    Starting conversations has always been hard for me. I never know what to say, and I get so anxious, stuck in my head, and drained. For a while, I called myself an “introverted extrovert,” but really, I do love engaging with people, I just let fear get in the way.

    There have been so many times I wanted to speak up, to encourage someone, or to simply join in, but I froze. I overthought my words, questioned my value, and let moments pass me by. Afterwards, I’d replay it all in my head and feel like I had missed my chance. It’s exhausting, carrying that constant battle between wanting connection and retreating into silence.

    But lately, I’ve been realizing something: fear has stolen enough from me. My passion has always been to help people and make a difference in their lives, but I can’t do that if I keep hiding. At some point, I had to ask myself, at what cost? At what cost do I keep my distance, when community is what my soul craves?

    So I’ve decided: I want to be a better communicator, someone who can listen deeply, encourage freely, and speak with authenticity. That means taking steps that scare me. Networking. Saying hello first. Showing up even when my instinct is to pull away. And most importantly, leaning on God for strength. I know He didn’t create me to live in fear, but to live boldly, with love.

    And so, this is my testimony: fear is outdated. It doesn’t belong in my story anymore. Community is vital. Communication is powerful. If you’ve ever felt like me, wanting connection but holding yourself back, I want you to know you’re not alone. It’s possible to grow. It’s possible to change.

    Break the barriers. Step out of hiding. Start connecting with others in a meaningful, impactful way. You never know who might need your words, your encouragement, or simply your presence.

    – JellyBean