3.15.24 10

Celebrating Three Years

Three years ago, I sat in front of a blank computer screen. A single goal in mind – help preserve North Carolina culture. And with no clue what I was getting myself into, I embarked on the adventure of a lifetime.

That sounds like an overly dramatic statement. It’s not. I mean it quite literally. I’m awestruck by everything that has transpired in the last few years. But this last year? This last year has been the best.

Let’s recap:

All of that is on top of Belle’s 16th birthday, family get-togethers, and several trips to Whiteville and Wilmington.

I can’t believe all of that happened in a single year! It’s even harder to believe that WTDB continued to grow like a weed through it all.

Where the Dogwood Blooms made the 90 Best North Carolina Blogs & Websites list for the third consecutive year. The podcast is already in the top 50% of podcasts. Impressions across platforms are in the MILLIONS. Interactions are in the hundreds of thousands.

Seriously, y’all. Somebody pinch me. It feels like it’s all a dream.

I’m beyond humbled and grateful. Not only that – I’m motivated. So I’m not just celebrating three years of Where the Dogwood Blooms today; I’m planning for the future, too.

Here are my brand goals for year four:

  • Find balance. I’m working non-stop on Where the Dogwood Blooms. As a stay-at-home mama who’s used to doing everything at her own leisure, it’s overwhelming. Learning to balance it all is at the top of my to-do list.
  • Produce video content. This is a big one. I have been working on it for a few months – and it’s coming!
  • Write more. I feel like I’ve put the blog on the back burner while focusing on the podcast and social media. I miss it. I miss writing. So, I want to put out more blog posts this year.
  • Monetize. I’ve reached that point where this little project is starting to cost more than I anticipated. It’s time to track down the funding to help keep WTDB going.
  • Expand WTDB’s social media presence. TikTok and YouTube, here I come!

Thank you for celebrating three years with me today! I am pumped about this upcoming year. And I sure hope ya’ll stick around for the rest of 2024!

Leave a Comment

10 Comments

  1. Tipper Pressley wrote:

    You’ve done a wonderful job with it all!! Congratulations!!!

    Published 3.18.24
    Reply
    • Cassie wrote:

      Thank you so much, Tipper! That means a lot coming from you! 🙂

      Published 3.18.24
      Reply
  2. Wendy wrote:

    Happy Anniversary, Love ❤️

    Published 3.18.24
    Reply
    • Cassie wrote:

      Thank ya, ma’am! <3

      Published 3.18.24
      Reply
      • Jim Buie wrote:

        You might think about moving to the Substack platform. It is easier to monetize there.

        Published 3.20.24
        Reply
        • Cassie wrote:

          I will definitely look into it! Thank you for the recommendation!

          Published 3.20.24
          Reply
  3. I love what you do and say. North Carolina is my second home. I love it there. My health and my finances aren’t good now, so its up in the air if I’ll ever get back for a visit. Keep up the good work.

    Published 3.18.24
    Reply
    • Cassie wrote:

      Awww! Thank you, Ed! I appreciate that. 🙂

      Published 3.18.24
      Reply
  4. Congrats on three years – you’ve accomplished SO much in that time! I’m excited to see where the next year takes you – and yes, girl, definitely monetize! Running a blog (and podcast and social media accounts!) is so much more expensive than anyone outside this realm can imagine, especially when you consider labor. Secure the bag 💰

    Published 3.31.24
    Reply
    • Cassie wrote:

      Thank you, Alyssa! It’s been a wonderful adventure! I’m looking forward to what the future holds.

      Published 5.11.24
      Reply