Ailana’s Journal — 2026-02-24 (Patreon)

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GOOD MORNING

I’m about to fuel up for the morning. Today’s list includes second drafts, a few outlines, and a reply about some fiction work I postponed while we were traveling.

We got back from Corpus Christi pretty late last night. Sasha was waiting for us to find out how it went.

I’ll just say there were more high-fives exchanged between her and Jasmine. Then, Sasha sort of got serious.

“Ailana, you know all this modeling stuff is because of all those years you put in. I know it was a grind at the time, but now all of us are benefiting from it.”

And I sort of think there’s a lesson. When you are in the middle of something, you might not even know what doors you’re opening for the future. Back then, I wouldn’t have even guessed the doors we’re opening today would ever exist!

There were jobs I took because I needed the money. I’ve said before—nothing you wouldn’t see on Amazon these days—but they weren’t always my favorites. There were days when we dressed for summer beaches in Florida and worked on Lake Michigan beaches in the middle of winter. There were jobs scheduled thirteen hours apart and separated by twelve hours of travel.

So it did, at times, feel like a grind, but it was also paving the way for what we’re doing now. It’s exciting to see AGI Creative grow.

And it’s amazing how much encouragement those of you who read these stories give us. I can tell you without a doubt, some of the growth was fed by your excitement over what we were doing.

So, let me say thank you one more time.

I’ll be back at midday. I’m going over to the studio to really just let myself sink into it for a little while. I’ll check in from there.

See you soon.

JUST BEING

I’m in the studio alone. I just came here to be here, if that makes any sense.

Here’s what I’m thinking.

This studio is a place that reminds me of my past and makes a promise about my future.

The years I spent in versions of this—some bigger, some smaller—are part of who I am. They gave me skills and experiences that shaped me. Those years were my tutor.

The years to come will draw from the past. I’ll pass on what I learned to Jasmine, Sasha, Geoni, and anyone else willing to stand in front of the lens. I’ll stand back when it’s not my turn and…I don’t know…

Maybe I’ll have a useful idea.

Dad likes to say people are at their best when they are helping others be their best.

I’ve agreed with that all my life. But sitting here thinking about what is going to happen in this place, I think I understand it better than ever before.

And it won’t just be me. Everyone brings a wealth of diverse knowledge and experience to the team. It’s a classic case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. That’s our reality now.

I’m probably making too much of this. But then again, isn’t that normal for me?

I’ll be back later, so see you then.

CHECKING IN by Clay Everett

Sasha borrowed a camera and tripod so we could do a check-in post. That, she said, means I have to write it.

I think there are two big topics you guys probably are interested in. I’ll start with the one that’s most important.

We’re going to try to make another Everett. Our anniversary is next month, then after that—I wanted to say the fun begins, but Sasha said I couldn’t say that! We think a New Year’s baby would be awesome! Maybe we can get lucky and usher in not only a new year but also a new member of the family.

The second topic is the SwimFit idea.

We’re hitting pause. Not because the idea isn’t great. It is. The prototypes move, support, and cover exactly the way we hoped. But there are a few non-negotiables on our end.

First, we will not compromise on a living-wage factory. If someone is sewing our suits, they deserve to be paid like their work matters—because it does. That decision alone shifts the cost structure.

Second, we’re disinclined to compromise on sustainable sourcing. Most swimsuits are nylon or polyester blended with elastane. We’ve been working with recycled polyamide options like ECONYL and performance knits that change density without seams. That’s not bargain-bin material. It’s intentional, technical fabric.

Here’s the math problem: as a startup, those choices push our retail price to roughly 1.5 to 2 times what people pay for mid-level active brands like Lululemon or Athleta. And if you’re asking someone to try a brand they’ve never heard of at a higher price point? You’d better give them a very compelling reason.

We’re also not trying to pivot into high-end designer swim, even though that’s roughly where our price would land. That’s a different lane entirely.

So SwimFit isn’t dead. It’s not even shelved. It’s just in ICU while we reassess the market fit. The idea just needs little rehab and a fresh approach. Then we’ll see where it runs next.

GOOD NIGHT

If you are tired of seeing me on the beach for a goodnight post, I completely understand. But I’m not tired of coming here, and Jason, Josh, and Geoni didn’t mind either.

Geoni operated the camera tonight. Jason gave the modeling instructions. Josh just smiled and watched it all happen.

Today started gently and a lot of good things were accomplished. Josh and Geoni arrived late in the afternoon with their new Explorer and AGI’s 2024 Honda Clarity.

I visited with Kirina Yung today, too. There’s a health clinic opening across the street from the new Sea Glass Gallery, Coffee, and Sandwich Shop. I think it goes without saying everyone will just call it Sea Glass.

As in, “Hey? Who wants to go to Sea Glass with me for a panini?”

She’s getting close to opening and sort of teased that she hopes she can beat the people setting up the clinic. It was good natured, of course. If you ask me, she could start selling sandwiches immediately.

I called Naomi to see how the client liked the Corpus Christi shoot. There was a little discussion about the fact that I couldn’t wear the sandals, but in the end they were happy. So, another page on another website can thank AGI for our fast and creative work.

I also wrote a lot today.

As we stroll along the beach with no real purpose, we’re letting the crashing waves have their say. We’ll head back in a little while, but for now, we’re reminding ourselves why we like coming home to South Padre Island.

May you find a place that grounds you and reminds you what matters, a place you can share with who matters most.

Good night.

Be your best you!

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Yikes!

Looks like I'm running way behind this week, so I'll most likely keep the builds fairly straight forward. I love being able to do elaborate, multi-image posts when time allows, so there will be more of those to come—for sure.

If there's a Journal character you're interested in learning more about, leave a comment.

Currently in the pipeline:

Naomi Prior and her husband, Steve…

Ricky, Isabela and Min…

David Gregory…

Probably need to check in on Elias, too!

This week, Ailana and the others are in South Padre Island. I've got another trip planned for the AGI gang, and that needs to happen relatively soon, so watch for that!

And as always…

Thank-You!

It is my belief that most of you who help with the costs are doing so because you want to support the production process and show your encouragement. I am honored and greatly moved.

I know that I share a LOT of content FREE TO ALL. I'd imagine that you understand why. The stories about giving back and helping seem like they shouldn't be exclusive. Certain plot moments need to be understood by anyone trying to to follow the stories.

With that in mind, I always consider you, the paid members, when deciding how to share content.

My hope is that reserving a few pictures and small sections of the post for you is a modest indication of gratitude!

Thank you very much for your help underwriting the cost of producing AGI Stories content. You can be sure that your paid membership is valued greatly! At the time of this post (not counting hardware or internet connectivity fees) AGI Stories racks up expenses of just over $100 per month. Every supporter is helping!

Again, thank you very, very much.

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