Success is great but can you handle it? I've said 2026 will be my best year ever. However it's "funny" how new successes bring new challenges. It's no February 2026 and I've got more on my plate, more opportunities of success than ever before, I'm already LOOKING at 2027. So my POINT - yes, I am so grateful to God for me being on track that this is my best year ever. HOWEVER, can I HANDLE IT? I feel a bit overwhelmed, but it feels good to deal with OPPORTUNITIES than deal with the LACK of them... Am I alone? You ever feel this way? I'm curious...

What's your take in this YAP family? As you read it note, everyone's at different levels as Hala talks about - 3 different levels so read this noting the level you're on and season you're in. So I’ve hired VA’s or “off shore staff” for years, mainly from Upwork. These professionals work well, but I know I needed something else. So I hired a chief of staff or operations manager. She happens to be US based. Her rate is not $10 an hour or etc, but more like $50 or more per hour. Yes, it’s an investment and worth every penny. A virtual assistant by nature of their rate and often that English (or the mother tongue of your country) might not be their primary language of comfort. Nor their experience in business operations (the most important thing) - is often a hinderance. They don’t have that experience. Doing “tasks” is great. Editing video, inputting records, prompting AI, emailing 100 clients, etc ,etc However, a “Chief of Staff” or “Operations Manager” has the maturity and experience to not just do “tasks” but understand the business goals, the entrepreneur’s needs and create their own tasks that get projects done, with minimal supervision or none at all. A good operations manager is on YOUR back about getting things done. They know the vision and mission of the company and are able to “lock in” with you to move projects forward week to week. In fact they can manage you VAs. Yes hire virtual assistants* but also hire a great operations manager or chief of staff. *Side note - give your VA’s titles - like “Video editor”, “Blogger”, “Customer service manager” etc.

We’re so excited to have you here from the very beginning. This is the start of something special, and we can’t wait to roll out everything we have planned for the year ahead. In the meantime, let’s get to know each other a little better: 1️⃣ What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? 2️⃣ What kind of creator-led business are you building (or hoping to build)? 3️⃣ What’s your biggest challenge right now as a creator or entrepreneur? Drop your answers below—we can’t wait to learn more about you and your journey 💛

If you could master ONE area right now, which would create the biggest impact? Your vote helps shape what we build next inside YAP Academy 🚀

Success leaves clues - for some years now I've had an "ok" microphone stand. Kind of a single "rod" that held my mic, a small desktop stand. However, I saw Hala's mic stand on her desk today and I'm like - "Yeah her stand looks so much better" so I bought one and love it. Looks much better! Success leaves clues.....!