Saying thank you is trendy but being thankful is timeless.

There is a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. As we celebrate Christmas, I sit and reflect on what 2015 has meant. I adore our easy-going and appreciative clients, as well as my loving and supportive family and friends. Throughout the past few years, however, I have utmost pride and admiration for a particular group of people: my team.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside with some talented and dedicated teammates. Throughout all the quick timelines and intense projects, I often wondered why they kept coming back. But they did, and still do! One in particular comes to my mind. Often.

One teammate in particular, has been with me almost since the beginning of our studio opening. She started as a shy co-op student, and quickly grew to someone our business couldn't be without. She models what it means to be a dedicated teammate. Oh, let me count the ways. She is dedicated and so kind...so kind it hurts sometimes! She is polite, elegant and refined. (and did I mention humble?!) She is mature beyond her years, and our clients are extremely lucky to have her attention to detail and sense of immediacy to their concern. I can't count the amount of clients who have emailed or called to say how wonderful it was working with her. I can certainly speak for many when I say "I want to be Jessie when I grow up."

Jessie, it has been an honour being your boss, but more importantly having your friendship. You mean the world to me and our anista designs team. All of our clients are so lucky to have you. You make so many people so happy (right down to Matthew anxious to see you each day!) and I can't thank you enough for the care you have shown to your work at anista designs. You are a beloved talent, a classy, strong woman and I am so thankful for you.

A queen in my heart indeed. xox Christa