Rise Up Designs

​ There’s something really powerful about women supporting women. This Mother’s Day, I found myself thinking not only about moms, but about all the women who step into nurturing, encouraging, mentoring, and supportive roles every single day. Some are mothers by title, some are mothers by heart, and some simply show up for others in ways that leave a lasting impact. Growing up, I was surrounded by strong women who believed in working hard, speaking honestly, loving deeply, and showing up when it mattered. My mom especially has always been one of those people. She calls it like she sees it, works hard without complaint, and somehow still manages to encourage everyone around her. Even now, she continues to inspire me with her strength, resilience, and unwavering support. As I continue building Rise Up Designs, I realize more and more how important encouragement is. Sometimes it’s a friend sharing your post. Sometimes it’s another vendor cheering you on at a market. Sometimes it’s your ...

 Sippin’ Sunday ☕✨ This weekend marked my first full market of the season—and it was a big one. Over 50 vendors, beautiful weather, and a chance to really see how my products show up in a larger space. Here’s the real takeaway… ✔️ My book lover theme? A HIT.   ✔️ “Blind Date with a Book”? Even bigger hit.   ✔️ Totes? People loved them.   And honestly… that felt really good. But here’s where the growth comes in: My glasses didn’t move the way I expected—and that tells me I need to rethink how I bundle or present them. I also offered a 20% discount… but didn’t clearly post it. Lesson learned: if people don’t see it, it doesn’t exist. This is why I love markets. It’s not just about sales—it’s about real-time feedback you can’t get anywhere else. So I’m walking away from this one feeling proud… but also focused. Small tweaks. Smarter strategy. Same vision. 💛 Let’s go, season. 🙌 #SippinSunday #SmallBusinessGrowth #MarketSeason #VendorLife #RiseUpDesigns

  This weekend looked a little different for me—and honestly, it needed to. Usually, my weekends are full of prepping, creating, and getting ready for upcoming markets. There’s always something to do, something to make, something to improve. But this weekend? I took a step back. I spent time with my family, went to the Fiesta Flambeau Parade (one of our yearly traditions), and just allowed myself to be present. And it reminded me of something I think we all need to hear every now and then: 👉 Rest is part of the process too. Of course, I still had a little bit of that business mindset in me—I made Fiesta t-shirts for my family (which I also sell), and it was actually really fun to have people stop and ask where we got them. I handed out a few business cards and even made a couple of sales without even planning to. But the best part wasn’t the sales. It was the balance. It was being able to enjoy the moment while still seeing how my business naturally fits into my life—not t...

  Last week I shared about hitting one year in business. And with a full year under my belt, I’ve started noticing something really important: Patterns matter. When you’ve been in business long enough to see your busy months and your slower months, you stop reacting… and you start preparing. Whether you’re on Etsy, Shopify, Square, doing manual tracking, selling at craft fairs, or running an online shop — the data is there. You just have to pay attention to it. For me, February was slower than January this year. Still grateful for every sale. Still moving. Just… slower. And instead of panicking, I prepared. That slower month gave me space to: Prep inventory Test new products Organize bundles Get ready for my first craft fair in March That’s the shift. Slow doesn’t mean failing. Slow can mean building. When you start recognizing your own rhythms — seasonal shifts, market cycles, customer behavior — you can move with them instead of fighting them. Busy months are fo...

This week was heavy on the work side of life—but something happened in my shop that stopped me in my tracks in the best way: 🛍️ I had repeat buyers. Multiple, in fact. And not just “I forgot I already ordered this” repeat… but intentional, came-back-for-more kind of repeat. The kind that said: “I loved what I got last time. I trust your quality. I want more.” It gave me that pause—the kind where you exhale and smile and whisper, “Okay… this is working.” The truth is, I’m picky about my wraps. I vet my vendors carefully. I care about packaging and customer service and making sure things go out right the first time. And when people notice? When they come back for round two (or three)? That’s the flex. So this week, even though I haven’t had a ton of time for new product uploads or content, I’m still celebrating. Because when someone hits “Buy Again” in your shop, it’s not just a sale—it’s a reflection of trust, consistency, and connection. And honestly? That feels like the bi...

Let’s talk about momentum — that magical mix of consistency, hustle, and a little caffeine. 😅 I’m 4 months into running my Etsy shop, and recently someone asked me, “How are you keeping things going?” Honestly, it’s not one big secret… it’s a bunch of little habits that keep the wheels turning. Here’s what’s been working for me: Social Media Consistency I show up. Not perfectly. Not every day. But enough to stay top of mind with my audience. Whether it’s showcasing new wraps, behind-the-scenes packing days, or DIY inspiration — I keep it real and keep it moving. SEO Tags Matter (a lot) Y’all, don’t sleep on your product tags. I regularly check and tweak mine to make sure I’m being found. Etsy is a search engine — help it help you. Using AI (hey, bud 👋🏽) I lean on tools like AI (hi again) to help with writing, brainstorm ideas, and streamline my content. It’s like having a little business partner that never sleeps. Better Photos Every Week I’m always updating my pics — new ba...