Moments of Gratitude

‘Tis the season for gratitude, and the R&R team is looking back and reflecting on what we’re grateful for, what we’re looking forward to and how our clients have brought us lots joy and happy designs. So, what has us feeling thankful this year? Read on to find out!

Scarlett: How did our clients bring you joy this year?

This year brought with it the retirement of one of my longest standing client contacts, Cari Miller at Visit Georgetown, Texas. The tears I cried when I received the call that she’d be hanging up her tourism hat weren’t the same tears I shed 15 years ago when she first called to tell me that we’d won a blind RFP. Back then, neither of us were sure if I was laughing or crying on the line. But now, there wasn’t a question. The woman who watched not only me, but R&R grow up, who trusted us before any other CVB had and championed us across the state of Texas and beyond was bidding all of us adieu. It hurt my heart. But in her departure, there was joy as the woman to fill her shoes was the same intern, turned teammate, that I met way back when, Kendal. In fact, this whole year has been a full-circle experience, bringing dearly loved clients from the past back into our creative lives, including Steve Latour, Naomi Reale, Katie Meehan. And also celebrating the milestones and victories of longstanding clients and teammates, including Lauren Castro’s 10-year workiversary, Nature’s Turf’s big news and Visit The Northshore’s many industry accolades.

Karen: What parts of 2025 are you hoping to bring into 2026?

Each quarter at Rhyme & Reason, we come up with a theme to guide us. This year, many of those themes stemmed from our team’s unofficial values – concepts we came up with that may not fit in our list of official company core values but that we still hold near and dear to our hearts. We’re wrapping up Q4 with the theme “Fight for Fun,” and I’m not sure I’ll be ready to move on come the new year. When we’re having fun, I believe we do our best work, come up with our quirkiest headlines and leave the “office” a little happier than when we logged on. I’m excited to take fun with me as we usher in 2026!

Lauren: What are you feeling grateful for in 2025?

My support system. 2025 had its fair share of challenges, and having amazing people in my corner who showed up with kindness and support made all the difference. From quiet check-ins to being there in the moments that really mattered, they made even the hardest days feel more manageable. I’m grateful for their presence and patience as I navigated the ups and downs of the year.

Lizzy: What parts of 2025 are you hoping to bring into 2026?

2025 brought a lot of joy and celebrations, culminating in my wedding this October. As a project manager by day (and type-A by nature), I was quite hands-on with every vendor along the way. Being on the client side again was a good reminder of what it feels like to be the one seeking expert guidance, juggling details and handling the occasional hard conversation that comes with planning anything meaningful.

What stood out most were the partners who felt as invested in the outcome as I was. It reminded me how far it goes when someone really shows up for you. I’ve always shared in my clients’ excitement here at Rhyme & Reason, but this year amplified how impactful that can be. So, as I carry the celebrations forward into 2026, I’m bringing that renewed energy with me to help create moments worth celebrating for my clients, too.

Crystal: What are you feeling grateful for in 2025?

This isn’t just a 2025 thing, but I continue to feel grateful to be able to work with a team as wonderful as R&R. They say you become like the people you surround yourself with most, and that’s why it’s important to be intentional about what company you join or who your friends are. As a team, R&R shows up not only to support each other in making great work but also to celebrate big life moments and growth. I’ve learned a lot from my coworkers over the years, and I’m grateful to work at a company that keeps the spirit of continued growth alive. All the puns and inside jokes don’t hurt either.

Rosie: How did our clients help you create happy designs this year?

Happy designs abound! I’m thankful for our clients who trust us year over year with their “you can be honest with me – is this too out there?” ideas. When those ideas meet creative play, magic happens.

To name a few of many magical projects:

• Gilmer’s Trailblazers Summit brought vintage hiking vibes and leadership together at their annual meeting
• Random Acts of Fun delivered joy to Round Rock, TX with every pop-up event
• Organic Worms was the best kind of “dirty” work – branding a sustainable worm farm!

Lexi: What are you feeling grateful for in 2025?

2025 has been a whirlwind of a year, full of changes, challenges and lots of joy in between. I’m feeling especially thankful for all the people in my life who have consistently shown up without question and offered love and words of wisdom. I’m also so grateful to be part of a team that fights for fun, but also encourages growth and continued learning, and for the clients who have let us share many smart ideas and lots of laughs with them over the last year.