Hello hello hellooooo,

Thank you again for being a friend. We likely have met at one of the events I hosted in 2024 or 2025. Thank you for being a part of my journey.

Anyway, as Christmas and the end of 2025 approaches (....I still find myself writing 2015 at times when I handwrite notes...HA....), I wanted to pause and properly close out 2025 with you.

This year has been full in the best possible way. A whole lot of deep work, meaningful people, and a lot of rooms where real things happened. And me fully embracing my ADHD.

For those of you who don’t know, I am only half joking when I say I moved here because 1/3 of my fav podcasters are here….and I’ve finally met 2 more of them: Lex and Brandon Turner.

Now who is left on my Austin Podcast bingo? Dr Peter Attia, Tim Tim (Tim Ferriss), Joe Rogan and I’d love to have a real conversation with my girl Codie Sanchez as well. Ran into her a few times but never had a chance to bond.

If anyone can connect me to any of them, LMK.

And got to hang again with Chris Williamson again.

I've also launched Canada-Texas Chamber of Commerce, Austin Chapter, to help Canadians move to Austin. I am also on the Austin Under 40 Committee and we are still taking nominations to honour all the awesome Austinites!

Still organizing events locally and globally for the AI Collective as the Global Community Director as well.

Personally, this year also felt like a full-circle moment. I’ve lived in 8 countries, across 9 cities and 4 continents from 6 months to 5 years.

Back in 2018, I backpacked the world to go to music festivals, dance to EDM and train Muay Thai around the world, from Kiev to Budapest to Koh Phangan to Berlin (x3) to Warsaw to Krakow to Havana to Mexico City and a dozen more cities.

I eventually ended up in Austin in 2019, but had to leave in March 2020 when my visa application then was delayed. But back in 2019, I was pretty deep into a cult (before you freak out, it's Muay Thai). I loved it so much, all I did was train. Everything else was unimportant and secondary. That season shaped me more than I probably realized at the time.

Before you ask, my fav Muay Thai gym in Austin is Ambush Muay Thai.

Their slogan changed my life: hard work, dedication and consistency. Shockingly, that is not how I was raised. My folks are surprisingly progressive. The majority of my “growing up” happened when I left my hometown Vancouver in 2009.

I was a quitter. I quit everything I tried when I couldn’t learn it in 5 minutes.

Fast forward to now, I am ok at Muay Thai now. (If you want a good laugh, here’s some videos of me shadowboxing) and I’ve just started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 10th Planet Austin with Red Rocks church. Message me if you would like to join us.

Different art, same lesson. Show up. Be humbled. Learn slowly. There’s something grounding about committing to a beginner’s mindset again.

I am so so so so bad it, I spend most of the class laughing at myself. I feel like a turtle. Anyone else tried and feel the same? I'd love to hear from you.

On the client front, one of the biggest highlights was building Dr Ewoma's business. Hiring and training a small but mighty team, boosting our profitability by over 1,600% and growing her social media followers from 62k to nearly 250k when I still don't scroll socials....It reminded me how much I love operating behind the scenes and helping great people build something that actually lasts.

I have also launched Abba HVAC. Dad-level care. Professional-grade service. Any HVAC needs? Get in touch.

Would also love to be plugged in with other trades business owners! Please introduce me!

Another quiet win this year was investing more intentionally in my writing despite having taken some time off the weekly newsletters. For those who don't know, I have actually published 2 books. Yeah yeah yeah I'm a huge nerd. I know.

Crypto Dictionary for Beginners: The First and Only Practical Web3 Cryptocurrency Dictionary with Everyday Examples in the Web2 World

8 Steps To Becoming A Community Builder: A Practical Guide to Building, Growing & Leading Your Own Community

Some of you might not know that I've been in real estate development since 2007, in Vancouver, Melbourne and Austin. And I've been building a small portfolio in SATX since 2020. My business partner and I buy land and build from ground up. We then refi and rent them out. I will be spending more time boosting profits on our portfolio in 2026 as well. I am super stoked for that.

Also, in January, I am even taking a newsletter course with Ethan Brooks.

If you want to join me on the course, email Ethan at: [email protected]

And finally, because not everyone has a full house during the holidays, we’re (I always say we…it’s…me…) hosting a Christmas Day white elephant exchange and potluck for anyone who finds themselves solo this year. No pressure, no performances. Just food, laughter, and hopefully people stealing your gifts. Haha.

If 2025 taught me anything, it’s that life throws you plenty of curve balls.

Man plans. God laughs. I've learned to let go a bit in 2025 as well. Still not easy though.

Thank you for being part of this chapter, for reading, showing up, replying, or simply being quietly present on the other side of the screen.

It means a lot to me. I appreciate all of you, even if I don't often say it...

Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a grounded start to whatever comes next.

Lots of love,

Alice

PS. stay tuned for anything real estate and trades related events soon. Get on the list first by responding to this email.