Rise Up Designs

  One of the things I’ve been thinking a lot about lately is the experience behind a gift. For a while, my shop focused mainly on individual items — cups, wraps, and other pieces people could purchase on their own. And those are still a big part of what I do. But lately, I’ve been experimenting with something new. Instead of just selling a single item, I’ve been asking myself: How can I turn this into a whole experience for someone? Because the truth is, most of the time when people are buying something from a small shop, they’re buying it for someone else. It’s a birthday gift, a thoughtful surprise, a little something for a friend, or a “just because” moment. So this year I’ve been stretching a little creatively. One thing I’ve been testing is notebooks with custom designs, pairing them with matching glass cups to create a ready-to-gift bundle. Something that someone could pick up and immediately think, This is perfect. I’ve also been experimenting with a few other ideas:...

My very first big pop-up is almost here— October 4th —and I’m feeling  all the feelings . Excited? Absolutely. Nervous? You bet. Getting ready for something like this takes a lot of work: the hours spent creating, labeling, pricing, and planning. The mock setups in the backyard to figure out my booth layout. The bundles I’ve been building for the holiday season. Every detail matters—and when you’re a small business owner, it’s all on you. And with all that effort, it’s only natural to feel a little anxiety about the outcome. Will people show up? Will they love what I’ve created? Will all the prep be worth it? Here’s the truth I keep reminding myself:  I can only control what I can control.  The rest? That’s where I put my faith, my trust, and my positive energy into the universe. 💖 I see all the hard work that the other makers and vendors put into their businesses, too. It’s inspiring, and it reminds me that we’re all in this together—hoping for good things, showing up w...

This Saturday, I’m heading into another craft fair adventure, and let me tell you—preparation is EVERYTHING . My first craft fair? Let’s just say it was a learning experience. I showed up with my products, my display, and a whole lot of excitement… but I completely forgot a “Follow Me” QR code and business cards. Yep. Rookie mistake. Turns out, a lot of people browse at fairs but prefer to buy later—so if they don’t know how to find you online, you’re missing out on future sales! Lesson learned. Now, I have a tried-and-true Craft Fair Prep Checklist to keep me on track, and I’m sharing it with you! 1. Products & Display Setup Inventory Ready to Go: Pack every product you plan to sell—plus a few extras! Price Tags & Clear Signage: Nobody wants to awkwardly ask how much something costs. Display Setup: Whether it’s a table or full booth, make sure your layout is organized, inviting, and easy to shop. Tablecloth : Because nothing says “I’m a professional” like a clean, polished set...