As everyone seems to be looking back 10 years, I realised something that made me smile: I’ve had this blog for a long time. Not writing consistently — yes, you can judge me — but it’s been here. Quietly existing since 2012.

So, 2016 when the iPhone 7 cost £599 and I was seriously debating whether it was worth it (it was). Simpler times POST #23

I was deep in my podcast era before it was trendy. I wrote about what I was listening to back then POST #15 and honestly… not much has changed. Although, I am in my physical books era right now and TART was my favourite book last year!

I graduated from my Master’s degree in January 2016. I cried so much during that Master’s in 2015 that by the time graduation day arrived, I felt pure pride. Real, earned pride. I even have a graduation photo I actually like — because my undergrad photos were… horrendous.

In 2016, I went to China on a work experience scholarship with Intern China (POST #16 POST #19 POST #21). After spending so many years studying, that work-abroad experience was the best thing I was blessed with. It opened everything up for me. I also ended up travelling to Japan and South Korea too — thanks to a friend who found a flight for £476 return a during her work break. True story

Later that year, I started working at ASOS! That’s where I was first introduced to cloud computing — something that would quietly shape my entire career. I even blogged about it at the time (POST #26), completely unaware of how important it would become.

I turned 24 and I also wrote about the lessons I learned that year (POST #24) and it’s funny how many of them are still relevant today.

2016 was a growing year. A stretching year. And honestly? I loved it.

The title of this blog is mostly for attention — but also not really.

When I say I miss Nikon, I’m talking about my DSLR: a Nikon D3500 with a 35mm lens. Recently, a friend reached out to me about a photography opportunity. And I froze.

Not because I don’t love photography — I do. I love capturing people. I love noticing small, lush moments that others miss.

But pressure moments? Weddings. Events. Anything with expectations?

They scare me.

That moment made me realise something uncomfortable: I haven’t properly picked up my camera in over a year. Maybe longer.

And I don’t want to forget how to use my babes!

Photography has always been something I’ve loved — I’m no expert I know my settings and skills.

I don’t know what photography will look like in my life in another 10 years. Maybe it’ll be bigger. Maybe it’ll stay quiet and personal.

But I do know this:

• I don’t want to avoid my camera out of fear.

So I’m going back to basics.

Taking photos. Sharing them. Learning out loud again. Because why not?

If future me is reading this in another decade, I hope she’s glad I didn’t let this part of me disappear.

• note to self: Lets start with organising my portfolio https://hellotanda.com/category/photography/

Here’s to 2026 — and to picking things back up, even when we’re scared.

So…reader 👋🏾 what’s one creative thing you’re committing to in 2026?

Till next month, promise! xo