Sippin’ Sunday: Sometimes You’re Making More Than a Product

Grab your coffee—although this morning, mine happens to be in Guadalajara. ☕️🇲🇽

I’m heading home later today after a wonderful few days here for a family wedding, and somewhere between the celebrations, food, laughter and probably a little too much wine, I had a small-business moment that made me smile.

Before our trip, I decided to make custom tote bags for the ladies traveling together.

Nothing complicated.

Just something fun that said Guadalajara Gals — October 2026, with each one made in a different color.

At the time, it was simply a cute idea for our trip.

But then I saw everyone carrying them here.

We took pictures with them. We used them while we were out. People chose their colors. We laughed. And suddenly those little canvas bags weren’t just something I made with my heat press before vacation.

They became part of the trip.

And it reminded me of something I sometimes forget when I’m busy thinking about inventory, markets, pricing, packaging and sales.

Sometimes We Make Memories

As makers, it’s easy to look at what we create as products.

A tote is a tote.

A tumbler is a tumbler.

A bookmark is a bookmark.

Until somebody gives it to a teacher who made a difference.

Or puts together a custom gift for a friend going through something difficult.

Or orders something for a birthday, wedding or family trip.

Then it becomes attached to a person and a moment.

That’s one of the things I love about doing custom work.

Someone can come to me with an idea—even if it’s just “I need something for six women going to Guadalajara”—and we can turn it into something personal.

And sometimes I get lucky enough to actually be there when it becomes part of the memory.

☕ Sippin’ Sunday Takeaway

As I head back home today and get ready for the busiest couple of months of my small-business year, this was a nice reminder.

Of course I want to sell products.

I’m running a business. 😂

But I also want to create things people are excited to give, receive and use.

Things that remind them of someone.

Or somewhere.

Or a really good weekend in Guadalajara. 🇲🇽

Sometimes we’re making products.

And sometimes we’re making a little piece of somebody’s story.

Those are my favorite ones to make. ☕️