2010 was a year of tremendous growth. Although I’m thankful for every year that’s passed, I’m giving special props to 2010!

Professionally, 2010 was my kick-off year. After much patience and preparation, I took the dive and began actively pursuing my path—well, paths. I launched MissMaven.com in October and got a great group of writers on board. I’ve had moments of immense anxiety, (and who doesn’t when starting a business from the ground up?) but I’ve also had bursts of sheer excitement at our growth thus far. It’s humbling to go through this experience, because I make mistakes, fall flat on my face, and sometimes things don’t go the way they were planned; (budding entrepreneurs, let this be lesson number one: Nothing ever goes according to plan. If you’re an idealist, morph into a realist real quick!) but it’s also one of the biggest joys I’ve ever known to have the courage to take such big risks and do something that I whole-heartedly believe in.

In July 2010, Daniel Hoff Agency decided they wanted to represent me in their commercial division. So far I’ve booked a Bud Light print ad and, more significantly, a Dos Equis national commercial. For a non-union actor, a national spot offers eligibility to join SAG. Honestly, they could have paid me $2.50 for doing this commercial and I still would have been thrilled solely because I get to join the union!!!  What a triumph this was…

In October, I also had the pleasure of meeting Dennis Ballard, who is now my wonderful manager. Dennis is the reason I was able to book a co-star role on NBC’s Undercovers, which was a huge milestone for me. I finally began to feel like all the hard work and preparation was paying off, and it reinforced my drive to keep aiming for bigger, more challenging ambitions.

There are many people to thank for the success I’ve seen this year, and a few that I’d like to mention: First of all, my writers… You ladies have been diligent and enthusiastic, and I’m really enjoying working with you! Thank you so much for your vital contributions to MissMaven.com. To Leslee Dennis, the best acting coach ever: Thank you so much for your encouragement, guidance, and for helping your students produce their finest work! To my dear friend for life, Justin Hughes: Thanks for believing in me. If it weren’t for you I wouldn’t have had the balls to go through with a lot this year. You’re awesome!

It’s time to draft my goals for 2011…