14 Reasons I’m Thankful for My Big Sis on Her 14th Hip2Save Anniversary
Many of you know that Hip2Save celebrated its 15th birthday this year. However, what some may not realize is that my big sister, Bryn, played a crucial role in shaping Hip2Save into what it is today.
She’s been with Hip2Save since nearly the beginning, and today is her official 14th anniversary. 🎉
To celebrate her, I want to give a big shoutout to our awesome community (and the whole world) to let them know how amazing she is! 🥰
She’s not just an important part of our company, but she’s been a huge influence in my life throughout all our adventures together.
Truth be told, I never started Hip2Save thinking it’d become a business.
Hip2Save began as my personal journey to climb out of $40K in credit card debt, at the same time, hold myself accountable while sharing money-saving deals with others. When I embarked on this path, my confidence and self-worth were far from rock solid. I’d barely scraped through high school, didn’t go to college, got pregnant at 19, and had a young family to support, all while wrestling with a mountain of debt. Despite it all, one thing burned brightly within me: a fierce passion for helping people save money.
But it was on one unforgettable family vacation that everything changed.
Coincidentally, it was Black Friday week, and Bryn couldn’t help but notice my unwavering determination to catalog every single Walgreens Black Friday deal I could get my hands on 😆. Without a moment’s hesitation, she jumped in to lend a hand. That’s when the real magic began…
Bryn and I are a total yin and yang. My sis, she’s the one with two college degrees, always top of her class, and ended up as a labor and delivery nurse. Now, me? I never stepped into a college, had my struggles with substances and bulimia, and, let’s just say, I was a bit of a “rebel.” You catch my drift.
Bryn believed in me. She believed in what Hip2Save could be and she went all in. ❤️
My sister reached a point while helping me with Hip2Save where she was ready to go “all in.” She left her secure nursing job 🤯 and dived in headfirst with me. To this day, it feels surreal that I get to work alongside her and witness what we’ve built from scratch.
If someone had gone back in time to tell my high school sister, Bryn, that she’d one day be helping to run a company her little sister owns, she’d have thought they were out of their mind. 😉 But here we are. So, without further ado, here are 14 things I’m deeply grateful for when it comes to my sister and the valuable lessons she’s taught me over the years.
1. She has shown me what it takes to be a great leader.
Bryn’s dedicated, hard working, and oozes passion. She’s been a guiding light for our awesome team that we’ve grown over the years. She’s taught me so much about being an incredible leader.
2. How to nurture my kids in the most loving way possible.
I’ve long admired Bryn’s style of mothering. She makes sure to show her kids how much she loves them with simple yet meaningful actions, like hugs, back rubs, and encouraging words. She listens, she plays, and she laughs with them. She truly soaks it all in and doesn’t take motherhood for granted. Her three kids are so blessed to have her in their lives, and I’m so grateful to have learned from her about being the best mom I can be.
A Mother’s love will never end. It is there from beginning to end.
3. That it’s OK to relax and disconnect.
I never knew reading could be so fun until I took note from Bryn. As hard of a worker as she is, she also knows the importance of taking time for herself and disconnecting. Her favorite relaxation method is reading! She’s always sharing her latest reads with the team and she seriously has the BEST book recommendations!
I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a book. – J.K. Rowling
4. The importance of being present.
I’ve come a long way since writing up all those Black Friday Walgreens deals during family vacations, and I have learned so much from Bryn about being fully present.
Whether Bryn’s busy at work or taking time to disconnect, she always makes a conscious effort to be present no matter the situation. So many of us (myself included) are constantly checking our phones and social media, while Bryn has chosen NOT to have a Facebook or Instagram account. She lives in the moment without distraction which to me is incredibly admirable.
Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present. -Bil Keane
5. That compassion is a verb.
Bryn has so much compassion for those around her. She is one of the most caring people I know, and I’ve learned so much from her when it comes to being a support system for others. She’s taught me that compassion is something we all truly need to receive and give.
Compassion is to look beyond your own pain, to see the pain of others. -Yasmin Mogahed
6. Why having passion, drive, and perseverance is so important.
When you need a motivational boost, just turn to Bryn! She’s hands down one of the most driven and hardworking people I know, and she tackles everything with a big grin 😄. Bryn’s all about never giving up, and she’s got that never-say-die spirit and determination to smash every goal she sets for herself. Plus, she’s got that infectious passion that’s just inspiring 🙌.
Passion equals drive, drive equals determination, and enough determination equals success. – Anette Sandberg
7. That working out is good for the body and the soul.
From Orange Theory classes to getting out for a good hike, Bryn is the person you want next to you to kick your butt in gear! She’s always so committed to taking care of herself and is relentless when it comes to getting in exercise with zero excuses.
8. How to laugh… like REALLY laugh.
There’s nothing like the moment when you laugh so hard that you’re either in tears or starting to pee your pants. And Bryn has no problem if either of those things happen! Boy, have we laughed! Bryn has sure taught me that laughter is truly the best medicine.
Life is better when you’re laughing.
9. That it’s hip and cool to save money in unconventional ways.
Bryn is a queen at saving money in not so obvious areas (we get it from our Mama). 😉 Sure, the coupons and deals are a great place to start, but she takes it a step further — like when she reached out to her cable and internet provider to reduce her annual cost and saved herself $600 😮 or when she monitored her rental car reservation daily to watch for price drops. She’s like a money saving ninja even when she’s digging in recycling bins with our sweet mama. 🙌
A penny saved is a penny earned. – Benjamin Franklin
10. How to be effortlessly beautiful.
Being a minimalist at heart, Bryn has a pretty laid back beauty routine — it’s almost non existent! She often has NO mascara or even foundation on, yet she still looks absolutely flawless and totally rocks it. I think there’s truth in the saying, “the happiest people are the prettiest people” and Bryn is living proof!
The best makeup is your smile. There is no beauty like the one that comes from inside of you.
11. How to enjoy the good stuff in life with no guilt.
Bryn lives life to the max, no regrets. Just last year, she took her two teenage boys on an epic week-long White Water Rafting adventure down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. She shared how it felt to be completely off the grid, sleeping under the stars, and how it was exactly what her soul craved. I believe we could all learn a thing or two from her, don’t you?
Enjoy life, eat well, laugh often, love much.
12. That anything is possible if you stay true to who you are, serve others, and work hard at it each day.
Bryn’s the real deal when it comes to dedication and putting in the effort. She’s there day in and day out for me, for this site, and for her family. Her dedication knows no limits, and it’s thanks to her that Hip2Save has become the success it is today. She took a leap of faith with me and Hip2Save, and her commitment has never faltered.
13. What it means to really be loyal.
Oh how Bryn has taught me so much about the true meaning of loyalty. She is fiercely loyal and has always been such a strong support for me, through both the really rough times as well as the awesome times. No matter where life takes us, I know she’ll always be by my side cheering me on.
This description of loyalty so defines Bryn:
Standing by the people and the things you love, even in the darkest times because you’re willing to brave the dark shadows and the monsters in darkness, and even in the greatest of times, because you’re not afraid to let them shine with an intensity so bright, it scorches the ground they walk on.
14. Hip2Save wouldn’t be what it is today without Bryn.
If my sister, Bryn, hadn’t stepped in to help me FOURTEEN Black Fridays ago, who knows where we’d both be today? Or where Hip2Save would be, for that matter. Life’s a wild ride, and you never really know where you’ll end up or what you’ll end up doing. Neither of us had this life in mind, especially working together every single day, but I can’t imagine having started this journey with anyone else. ❤️
Happy 14th Hip anniversary, Bryn! I love you with all my heart!
I don’t know where I’d be without you. I don’t know where Hip2Save would be without you. And I am forever thankful for YOU! Thank you for being the most amazing sister, friend, and team member anyone could ask for.
❤️ Collin
Beautiful! How lucky you are to have each other.
Thank you! We sure are! ❤️
This is so special and forgot you two were sisters. You can be different and still have a special bond that you didn’t know existed. Love and hugs 🤗 ❤️
Thank you!! 🤗
Everyone needs a Bryn in their life!
I so agree! 🥰
What a great story – So Awesome!
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This is such a sweet post! you guys obviously mean so much to each other.
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I loved this post! I’ve always wished for a sister!
what a beautiful tribute!
Congrats Bryn, Happy 14th!!! 💝
🥳🎊🎉
Thank you!
What a beautiful tribute!
❤️❤️❤️
Happy 14th!!!!
Thank you!!
I love this post! ❤️ I’m so glad Bryn took that leap of faith with you all those years ago!
I am so incredibly grateful that she did too! 🥹
You are BOTH INCREDIBLY AMAZING! Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️
And thank YOU from the bottom of our hearts! You all are truly the reason why we get to do what we love every single day. ❤️
What a beautiful way to celebrate your sister! What a beautiful family! What a beautiful friendship! What a beautiful sisterhood! Happy anniversary! I, for one, am SO grateful for all you guys do! <3
Awww… thank you SO MUCH! ❤️❤️
This is such a sweet, heartfelt tribute to your sister. How lucky both of you are to have each other. I envy your relationship, as I’ve never had a sister, but I do have a wonderful bond with my daughter and Mom. Girl love is needed and appreciated!
Thank you for the comment and I totally agree! ❤️🤗
I can’t wait until the movie comes out about Collin’s life story and the success of Hip2 Save. Who ever plays your sister will have a leading role.
😃❤️
so beautifully said! how cool to have such a wonderful relationship with your sister. congratulations to Brynn! you made my day, I have a sister that I love and it makes me happy to see other siblings love each other so much!
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This was wonderful to read. I’ve been following Hip2Save just about from the beginning. It’s been so great following you and you family all these years.
Thank you so much for the kind words and for sticking around since the beginning! ❤️🥹
There is no way I could ever begin to thank you or pay you back for all you have done for our family. You both are angels sent from God. Years ago when I found out about Hip2Save.Com we had lots of debt. I thought we would never be able to pay it off and eventually we would have to file bankruptcy. We got married young and had our kids young. It always seemed like there were more bills instead of less. When we first started using hip2save.com we were very blessed to be told about it by a church member. It was during our almost 7 years of paycuts at our jobs. The first year we made over 5000 less it was very rough for a while. I remember one day I had just paid all our bills and we had less than a dollar left out of our two checks. I felt like crying but then one of our friends called me and she was the only one able to work because her husband had a stroke. I remember thinking everything’s gonna be ok and we were very blessed to both be able to work and not have any major health issues. When I was a young girl, there were times when we were homeless and lived in shelters. There were also times on and off we didn’t have enough food and we would without. My mom would always make sure she didn’t eat and let us have the food during those times. I remember one time we were homeless and we were living in a car that was stuck in reverse, My mom drove everywhere backwards and I was thinking we’re gonna die this is scary. I also remember getting kicked out of the shelter after going to school for only three days. I seriously am not making this up. Luckily by the grace of God, I felt like we only ever had to go without a couple meals before somebody would help us. There are a few stories in particular I can recall that really meant a lot at the time. I remember once when my mom got fired close to Christmas She was sitting on the couch crying and I wanted to be able to help. I felt like there was nothing I could do. I was just a child but I tried to tell my mom everything was gonna be okay. I remember going upstairs and looking out the window. I saw a van drive up in front of our apartment. Shortly after I came downstairs and it seemed as if they were boxes everywhere. I only remember getting one toy but I was so overwhelmed with joy. I was so thankful and couldn’t believe how they cared about people that weren’t their family. I also remember one time I rode the bus and turned in some aluminum cans to buy meat for our family at the meat market. I met this old lady who wondered why I was there by myself I was probably about 10 to 12 years old. I told her I sold cans to get money for meat to surprise my mom. She asked me how much money I had gotten and said she would double it. She gave me more though because she helped me buy more meat. She also gave me a ride home that day. I cannot explain it but I knew I would be ok and that she was sent by God. Thank you for being such a bright light in all our lives. Thank you for all your thoughtfulness and sacrifices you have made throughout the years. You have truly made a difference in our lives. We are debt-free, except for our newly bought SUV last year but we have already paid over half of it in a little over a year. Months ago I started buying toys on clearance for a toy drives this Christmas. I know it has been a rough year for so many with all the natural disasters and life getting a lot more expensive for most people. I do my best to remember all the times people blessed me when I was growing up. I remember how much hope it gave me and just knew I wanted to be able to bless people when I grew up. I have never forgotten the kindness that was shown to me. I try to pay it forward whenever I can. I also do my best to share hip2save.com with as many people as I can. I want them to feel as blessed as I do. I also want them to know they are not alone and we all have struggled and need help sometimes. Happy holidays and blessings to you all 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your story. You sound like a fighter and someone who really cares deeply for others. I am touched that Hip2Save has been such a positive part of your journey. A huge congrats for being debt-free – that is amazing! And happy holidays to you as well!
Happy 14th, Bryn! Love hip2save and a sweet sister story.
Thank you!!
Sisterly love at it’s finest!! I always wished I had a sister!
Thank you for all the kind words from all of you amazing Hip2Save readers. I feel so grateful to get to work alongside Collin and the rest of our incredible team each & every day. The last 14 years have gone by way too quickly… In some ways, it feels like just yesterday when I started on this incredible journey with Hip2Save. It’s been a rollercoaster of both fun & difficult experiences, but I truly have cherished every moment, every challenge, and every success along the way. Time truly does fly when you’re having fun (especially with your sister by your side!).
I found this site 14 years ago. It has been such a great journey. You feel like family. Happy Anniversary to you both!
What an amazing tribute! Love this so much.
Y’all are so awesome! 🤗 Happy 14th, Bryn! 🥂
I know how it feels to have a sisters who are everything that you have mentioned besides the business part. It’s oh so hard also when you lose one to cancer!! I still have my other sister who means everything to me too!! What a lovely tribute to your sister!!
So sweet! You are so lucky to have one another!
Wow! Beautiful tribute! You are truly blessed to have such a strong bond. Love how you work together with your awesome team to help others. You’re the best! Even if I may not be looking to get a particular deal, I read the posts as they usually make me smile! Fun group you are! May Hip2Save, Collin, and Bryn have continued success! ❤️
I love this!!! It’s so inspiring to so many other women out there!! And we are so lucky to share your journey with you!! Thanks for not only finding us great deals but for being a friend and an inspiration! We all appreciate you both! 🥰
I love this post! So much love and great advice!
Cheers to your 14 years Bryn! It looks like the both of you “Chose a job you loved, therefore never having to work a day in your life”!
I’ve more fun one to share that is Hip2Save worthy and speaks to the testament that is Hip2Save:
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do” -Rumi
Happy 14th Anniversary🎊