Rise Up Designs

Let’s talk about something that’s not often covered in the small biz playbook: Donating your work. Not just for kindness (though that’s a big part)… but as a meaningful, strategic , and feel-good way to grow your brand. ✨ Recently, I donated some of my products—tumblers, shirts, and bags—for giveaway bags at an event. And let me tell you… it wasn’t just “oh cool, free stuff.” It was purposeful, branded, and impactful. 💡 Why I Did It I love supporting good causes—and if my work can bring someone joy and get my name out there? Even better.  Here’s what I focused on: Making sure every donated item represented my brand vibe Including a thank you card or branded tag with each piece Using it as a way to show people the quality of my work in a hands-on way No pressure to buy—just a moment of “oooh, this is cute!” that connects them to Rise Up Designs. 🧠 It’s Not Just Free Stuff… It’s Brand Awareness Think about it: That person uses the tumbler at work Someo...

Okay okay— can we talk about what just happened?? I woke up, opened my Etsy dashboard, and saw something that made me do a double take before the coffee even hit: FIVE SHIRTS SOLD. OVERNIGHT. Like, while I was literally asleep. 😴👕✨ Even better? They were two different designs —three of one, two of another. That’s not a fluke. That’s a flex. 🎉 This Was a High I Didn’t See Coming I just recently added print-on-demand (POD) to my shop. It was one of those quiet decisions like, “Let’s just test this and see what happens.” Spoiler alert: THIS happened. And it was magic. It reminded me that sometimes, the things we quietly create behind the scenes are the exact things people are out there looking for. ⚙️ But POD Has Rules... And You Gotta Follow Them If you’re using systems like  Printify , or any other POD platform—let me hit you with some tough love: The setup matters. A lot. They’re not hard to use, but they are specific. If you don’t follow the instructions o...

We’re heading into that magical, chaotic stretch of the year when all the things happen at once: 🎓 End of the school year ✏️ Teacher Appreciation Week (first full week of May!) 🎉 Graduations 💐 Mother’s Day 👔 Father’s Day 🛍️ Spring markets And yes… summer is peeking around the corner It’s A LOT. And if you’re a maker, seller, or even just someone who lives in a group chat, you already know: 👉🏽 You’ve gotta get ahead of it. 💡 What I’ve Learned (Sometimes the Hard Way): Running my Etsy shop while also working full-time has taught me that you can’t wait until the week of to start promoting seasonal gifts. People are already searching, favoriting, adding to cart—and Etsy’s algorithm? She prefers the planners. The early birds. The “I posted it three weeks ago and pinned it twice” crowd. 🗓️ So Let’s Break It Down: ✏️ Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6–10, 2024) Start posting: Mid-April Gift ideas: Name tumblers, cute little bundles, custom tags, gift-ready cups with sweet notes 💐 Moth...

When I first started selling my handmade products, pricing felt like a guessing game. I wanted my items to be affordable, but I also knew I needed to cover my costs and actually make a profit.  Fast forward to today, and I can confidently say I’ve learned A LOT about pricing —mostly the hard way. 😅 If you’re a fellow maker struggling to price your work, here’s what I wish someone had told me sooner. 1. Your Time Has Value (Charge for It!) In the beginning, I priced my tumblers based on materials alone. Big mistake. I wasn’t factoring in the time it took to design, prep, apply, package, and ship each order. If you’re not charging for your time , you’re essentially working for free. And last time I checked, exposure doesn’t pay the bills. 💡 Lesson: Calculate how much time it actually takes to make each item and include that in your pricing. Your skills are valuable! 2. Stop Worrying About Being “Too Expensive” One of the hardest lessons to learn? Not everyone is your cus...

So, you’ve prepped, packed, and set up your booth like the craft fair boss that you are. You’ve got your tumblers, totes, and all your handmade goodness beautifully displayed. Your “Follow Me” QR code is prominently placed (because we learned from last time), and you’re ready to make some sales. And then… the people come. Ah, the craft fair crowd. A delightful mix of art lovers, bargain hunters, supportive shoppers, and—let’s be real—some people who have no filter whatsoever. If you’ve ever done a craft fair, you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, let me prepare you for what’s coming. Because it’s a ride. Buckle up. 1. The “That’s Too Expensive” Customer Ah yes, the person who picks up your item, admires it for a moment, then loudly declares, “Wow. That’s expensive.” First of all, ma’am, this is not Walmart. Handmade = time, skill, materials, creativity, and love. You’re not just paying for the product—you’re paying for the craftsmanship, the unique design, and the fact ...

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...

There comes a moment in every small business owner’s journey that feels like a rite of passage. No, I’m not talking about picking the perfect logo or finally figuring out how to price your products without second-guessing yourself (although those are both real struggles). I’m talking about The First Sale. Not the “Oh, honey, I’ll buy one” from your mom. Not the “I love your work! Do you take Venmo?” from your bestie. Not even the “I’ll support your business!” purchase from your cousin who still owes you money from 2009. I mean the first REAL sale —from a complete stranger. Someone who doesn’t share your last name, isn’t in your group chat, and gasp actually wants what you made! How It Happened So, there I was, minding my own business (literally), when I got The Notification. You know the one. 📩 Cha-ching! You’ve made a sale! At first, I assumed it was my sister or a coworker trying to be sneaky. But when I checked the order details… I didn’t recognize the name. I blinked. Could...

Hi there! I’m Jecca, the creative force behind Rise Up Designs, and I am so excited to finally start this blog to share my journey as a small business owner. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion into something more, you know how exhilarating (and let’s be real sometimes overwhelming) the process can be. That is exactly where I am right now. I have always loved crafting wreaths, tumblers, totes, soda glasses, shirts you name it! But taking that love and transforming it into a business? Thats a whole new adventure. Why Rise Up Designs? The name Rise Up Designs is more than just a brand, it’s a mindset. It’s about creativity, resilience, and making things that bring joy to others. Whether a custom tumbler that becomes your favorite go-to or a tote that makes the perfect gift, my goal is to create pieces that feel personal, special, and full of heart. The Journey Begins Starting a business is a mix of excitement, self-doubt, learning curves, and small wins that feel huge. Fr...