Rise Up Designs

  This Flex Friday is simple — just gratitude . Nothing huge happened this week, no big events or major prep days, but I still had steady Etsy sales , sweet customer messages, and little reminders that people truly support what I do. And honestly? That’s more than enough to celebrate. 💖 I’m heading into this weekend with my last market of the season , and I’m feeling thankful… thankful for the people who shop small, who share my posts, who cheer me on, who believe in handmade, and who remind me why I started this journey. Flex Friday doesn’t always have to be about hustle — sometimes it’s about heart . Here’s to the weekend, new opportunities, and finishing the year strong. ✨

This Flex Friday is a little different — softer, slower, and filled with gratitude. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and for me, that means stepping back from the hustle and leaning into the people who matter most. Next week, I’m taking time off to be with family — cooking, laughing, resting, and just being. Because no matter how busy life gets, no matter how many orders, events, or markets I’m prepping for, this time of year reminds me of something simple and powerful: Your work can wait. Your people cannot. So I’ll be skipping Flex Friday and Sippin’ Sunday next week — not because the creativity stops, but because this season calls for presence, peace, and connection. I’ll be back the Sunday after Thanksgiving with new updates, new energy, and probably a tummy full of leftovers. 😄🦃 This Week’s Reminder 🧡 Give thanks for the people who fuel you — the ones who lift you, support you, encourage you… and even the ones who doubt you, because sometimes they’re the reason...

This week has been all about prepping —getting ready for what’s shaping up to be a very full (and festive!) season. 🎄 Tomorrow, I’ve got another wreath party , and I’m so excited to share photos on Sippin’ Sunday! These parties have been such a blessing—each one has brought new faces, laughter, and creativity. It’s been amazing to watch people come together, make something beautiful, and build a little community in the process. That right there feels like a huge win. 💖 But along with the excitement, there’s also the reality of juggling a lot : ✨ Two markets coming up in December ✨ A glass wrap party with a local church next week ✨ My final wreath party before the holiday season wraps up (no pun intended 😉) So, this week’s focus has been simple: prep and pace myself. Taking inventory, organizing supplies, restocking where needed—all while nursing a pesky cold and managing my usual allergy-season migraines. 🫣 The Lesson This Week 💡 Even when things are going well—and espe...

 Flex Friday this week isn’t loud or flashy — it’s about something that doesn’t always get the spotlight: staying organized so the success can continue. Last weekend, I hosted a wreath party… and it was a huge success. Laughter. Creativity. Women creating something gorgeous with their own hands. My heart was full. 💖 But here’s the part that isn’t glamorous — once the event ended, the work didn’t. I have two more wreath parties over the next two weeks a glass wrap party with a church group two more markets in December (Dec 6 + Dec 10) So as much as I wanted to ride the excitement of the first party forever, this week has been about: ✨ Taking inventory ✨ Organizing supplies ✨ Reordering what’s low (just a few items — nothing major) ✨ Restocking ribbons, wreath frames, and wrap materials ✨ Pre-packing bins so setup is smooth and stress-free Because here’s the truth: Success requires preparation. Fun events only feel effortless when everything behind the scene...

  Flex Friday: Gearing Up for the Holiday Hustle 🎁✨ This week has been all about getting ready for what I like to call the most creative time of the year! 🎄 With holiday pop-ups around the corner, I’ve been busy putting together new bundles , creating more holiday-themed glasses , and securing a few craft parties between now and the end of November. (Spoiler: they’re going to be so much fun! 🙌) I’ve also been double-checking my Etsy listings to make sure my counts are correct and adding new seasonal items — because holiday shoppers are officially on the move! 🛍️ And behind the scenes, I’ve been reviewing my marketing platform , making sure it reflects the shift into the holiday season. It’s easy to let things stay on autopilot, but this time of year, every little detail — from photos to descriptions to tags — matters. This Week’s Takeaway 💡 The holiday season isn’t just about selling more — it’s about showing up intentionally. It’s about creating moments that feel tho...

This week has been all about listening to my customers and pivoting with purpose . I’ve been busy prepping for my upcoming Wine and Wreaths Craft Party this Saturday (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds! 🍷🎀). But between glue guns, grapevines, and ribbon, something else exciting happened — I got feedback that really made me think. Someone said, “I love your products, but what would I get for a man?” Totally fair question. Most of my items lean toward a fun, colorful, or feminine vibe — wraps, bookmarks, keychains, tumblers — all things that make people smile but might not immediately catch a guy’s eye. So I started thinking: What’s something guys would actually love? Then it hit me: beer mugs. 🍻 So I created a new bundle just in time for the holidays — a custom beer mug featuring their favorite college or pro sports team, paired with a pallet coaster, a handful of peanuts, and wrapped up gift-ready in cellophane. It’s simple, it’s thoughtful, and it totally works. Of course, I h...

  This week was all about reflection —a natural follow-up to last weekend’s pop-up. After all the excitement, it was time to slow down, take stock, and make sure everything was in order. I started by going through all my inventory—double-checking counts, making sure nothing was damaged, and seeing which items sold the most. It’s a simple process, but it matters. Because knowing what worked (and what didn’t) helps shape what comes next. What I Focused on This Week: ✨ New bundles: I’m already planning and creating new sets for the upcoming pop-ups in October, November, and December. Customers love when things come together—like a complete set or a ready-made gift—and I love giving them a great deal. 🎁 ✨ Craft party prep: I’ve got craft parties lined up for October and November, so staying organized now means less stress later. ✨ Oopsie listings: I even pulled a few imperfect items from Etsy—ones missing a lid or with a small tear—and listed them at a deep discount. It’s a gr...

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...

Big things are coming! My very first major pop-up event is right around the corner—October 4th—and this week has been all about prep. I’ve been busy creating something I haven’t done before: bundles just in time for the holiday season. Instead of selling items one by one, I’m combining them into gift-ready sets 🎁. Here’s what I’ve been working on: ✨ Tumbler + Wrap + Matching Bookmark + Daisy Coaster all packaged in clear cellophane — ready to grab and go! ✨ Book Lover Bundle for all the readers out there. 📚 ✨ Houston Sports Lover Bundle 🏈⚾ ✨ Dallas Sports Bundle 🏀🏈 So far, I’ve made 10 of these bundles, priced at $25 each. The goal? To increase my ticket price while giving customers ready-made gifts they’ll love. On top of that, I’ve been practicing my setup at home. I pitched my tent in the backyard and mapped out my booth layout so I can be more efficient when the big day comes. Because let’s be real—setup day can be overwhelming. But with a little practice, I know ...

 Sometimes small business surprises come out of nowhere—and this week, I had one of those moments. A customer purchased a wrap she loved. No big deal, right? I thanked her, like I always do with every order, because gratitude is at the heart of this business. 💌 She replied back to let me know how much she loved the quality of the wrap, which already made my day. And then she dropped the bombshell: she wants to order over 40 more . 😲 Talk about a pinch me moment! The Lesson Here Consistency matters: I always take time to thank my customers personally, and that simple habit has built trust. Quality speaks for itself: If the product delivers, customers notice—and they come back for more. Opportunities can grow fast: One order can open the door to something much bigger, so always treat each customer interaction like it matters. This Saturday, we’re talking through all the details—designs, quantities, timeline, and pricing. But no matter how the logistics shake out...

 What. A. Week. 🙌 I’m excited to share a little behind-the-scenes of what’s been going on: ✨ Texas College Football wraps are selling so well that I went ahead and ordered more. And let me tell you—they look gorgeous . ✨ My brand-new K-pop Demon Hunters wraps (designed by yours truly) arrived, and I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out. ✨ I’m officially kicking off market season starting in September, then October, November, and December! That means prepping pricing, labeling everything, making signage, and getting my booth setup ready for my very first one. 🛍️ ✨ I also printed brochures for Wrap and Rise Mobile Craft Parties so I can share them at local events—because you never know when the next party opportunity will pop up. 🎉 And here’s the kicker: I did all of this while fighting off strep throat and a cold. 🤦‍♀️ Because sometimes small business life doesn’t stop for sick days. The Lesson This Week Being a maker and small business owner isn’t about hav...

This week’s Flex Friday comes straight from a moment I had in my own business. ✨ I was given the opportunity to do a large order for a company—one of those projects that makes you stop and think, “Wow, this could be big.” I put together a detailed quote, included everything they’d need, and made sure it aligned with their budget. 💡 When they came back, though, they wanted something cheaper. And here’s where the decision point came in: I could have cut corners, lowered the price, and risked the quality of the work. But I know what my time, supplies, and attention to detail are worth. So instead, I said no—I wasn’t going to go the cheaper route. 🤝 They were kind and professional about it, but in the end, they decided to go with someone else. And you know what? I wasn’t upset. Not one bit. Because at the end of the day, I know what it takes to create something that reflects the care and quality I stand for. 🔥 That’s the flex. Standing firm in your worth is just as important as saying y...

 This week has been a whirlwind 🌪️—traveling for work, flight delays, and then coming home to a stack of Etsy orders waiting for me. On top of that, I decided to try something new: custom T-shirts 👕. Between cutting vinyl, pressing designs, wrapping orders, and shipping them out, it felt like there just weren’t enough hours in the day. And honestly? That’s the reality of being a small business owner. Sometimes it’s long hours. Sometimes it’s late nights with tissue paper, shipping boxes, tape, and a stack of labels staring you down. Sometimes it’s just you—a team of one—doing it all. But here’s the thing: when you’re committed to what you’re passionate about, the hard days still mean something. 💖 The Lessons in the Busy Weeks Remember your “why”: Whether it’s creativity, freedom, or making something special for someone else—hold onto that. Commitment matters: Customers count on you, and showing up consistently builds trust and loyalty. Take care of yourself, too: ...

Oh USPS… where do I even start? 🙄✉️ If you’ve been here a while, you know I take pride in getting orders out lightning fast ⚡ and packed like a little gift 🎁. I double-check addresses ✅. I add tracking 📍. I even whisper “safe travels” before a package leaves my hands. So when a customer messaged me asking about her wrap—one that should have been delivered yesterday—I immediately checked tracking. And there it was: "Arriving late." 😑 Which in USPS terms could mean: It’s sitting in a forgotten corner of a warehouse 🏚️. It took a detour to visit relatives in another state 🗺️. Or… it’s simply vanished into the abyss, never to be seen again 🕳️. The Ouch Part 😣 I watched the tracking for another day, hoping for a miracle ✨. No miracle. So I did what a lot of small business owners dread—issued a refund 💸. Not because it was my fault, but because it was the right thing to do. Here’s the truth: the customer doesn’t see USPS when things go wrong, they see m...

I’m a huge fan of binge-watching. Give me a good psychological twist, a flawed main character, and some next-level drama, and I’m in. Two of my all-time favorites? How to Get Away with Murder and Scandal. Lately, I’ve been deep in Scandal , and Olivia Pope has me in full Gladiator mode. She doesn’t wait for permission. She makes a plan, trusts her gut, and gets. things. done. And that energy? That “it’s handled” energy? It hit me hard this week. Here’s the real-life twist: I’ve been searching for high-quality, Texas college football tumbler wraps—something bold, fan-worthy, and tailgate-ready. But what I found? Didn’t match the vision. So, I did what Olivia would do...I fixed it myself. 🔥 This football season, I’m excited to introduce a brand-new collection of Texas college football tumbler wraps, featuring: 🏈 University of Texas (Hook ’em) 🏈 UTSA (Go Runners!) 🏈 Texas Tech 🏈 Baylor 🏈 SMU These designs are made to hype your game day, wrap your fandom in style, and represent you...

This week reminded me why I started. (Also reminded me that sleep is optional when you're building an empire... but let’s not unpack that. 😅) I got a DM on Etsy from a repeat customer —yes, a REPEAT! 🙌 That alone had me doing a little happy dance in my kitchen (you know the one, messy bun flopping, coffee in hand, my sisters judging me). But then—plot twist—she asked for a bulk order . Like… MULTIPLE ITEMS. Plural. 😭 She said she loved the quality, the way I package everything, and the customer service. Y’all. That hit me straight in the glitter-covered heart. 💘 Because when someone comes back and wants more of what you’re creating? That’s not just a sale—it’s a sign. A “you’re doing something right, girl” kind of sign. And THEN (because apparently the universe was feeling generous), I got to teach a craft class last weekend 🎨✂️. It was so fun to be in my element—teaching, creating, and saying things like “No, you didn’t ruin it, it’s called texture.” 😂 I even made a fe...

 OK, so I did a thing I’ve never done before...I paid to boost one of my TikTok videos. 👀 I know...I know...I’m not someone who throws money at ads all the time — I’m a small business, and I like to keep things lean. But I’ve been curious… what would happen if I gave a solid video a little paid push? I decided to test it out with a behind-the-scenes packing video (because who doesn’t love seeing the magic happen?), and y’all — the difference was noticeable. 📈 Here’s what changed: On average, my TikToks get around 100 views The boosted video? It hit 2,000+ views I saw a spike in Etsy traffic, like alot! Sales jumped from 1–2 a day to 5 in one day , and that stayed steady for a few days after RIGHT!? I also tried boosting a post on Instagram and Facebook , and while I did see traffic, it wasn’t nearly as impactful as TikTok - or maybe it takes more time. TikTok definitely gave me the boost. What I think made it work: I picked a video that was already doing ...

 Let’s talk about something that every shop owner stresses over at some point: “How do I get my listings SEEN on Etsy?” When I first launched Rise Up Designs, I spent hours creating products — tumblers, wraps, keychains — and then stared at my stats wondering why no one was finding them. 😩 Sound familiar? Now, I’m not saying I cracked the Etsy algorithm (I wish! 😂), but I have figured out a few key moves that made a difference in getting found — and getting sales. So for today’s Flex Friday, I’m sharing 3 real things that helped my listings show up more consistently. 1️⃣ Get serious about your titles Your title isn’t just a description — it’s a search tool. I used to write cutesy or vague titles, but now I start by thinking: 💡 What would my ideal customer type into the search bar? Example: Instead of “Sparkle Teacher Cup” I go with:  Teacher Tumbler with Straw – Back to School Gift – Glitter Glass Can – Teacher Appreciation Gift Idea It may sound less poetic, b...

 OK, let’s be real... shipping is one of those “ugh” parts of running a creative shop. It’s not the fun glittery part ✨ — but if you don’t keep an eye on those costs, they will EAT your profits alive! 🐍 Since I run both an Etsy shop and my mobile craft business, I’ve tested all kinds of ways to ship smarter, not harder. So today’s Flex Friday is all about sharing what’s actually worked for me — in real life, with real orders. Here are my top 5 ways to save on shipping (aka: more $$ for Starbucks runs + new supplies 🙌): 1️⃣ Rethink your packaging 🎁 Size + weight = shipping cost. Even shaving 1 ounce or going down one box size can save you money: Use poly or bubble mailers when it’s safe to do so Cut down your box size (no need to ship air!) Keep packaging light — but still pretty for your brand ✨ 2️⃣ Score supplies on auction apps 🤑 One of my favorite hacks: I use local auction sites! 🎯 Here in San Antonio, I use an app called MacBid and bid on returned/overstock shipping s...

 This month has been one for the books — and by “books,” I mean the messy, half-filled planner I keep swearing I’ll update. 😂 But for real, check this out: 🌟 Biggest sales month to date! (cue the confetti… and maybe a mild panic attack) 🌟 350+ Instagram followers — hi, friends! You’re the real ones. 🌟 Month 2 as a Star Seller on Etsy — still pinching myself 🏅 🌟 Launched my Wrap & Rise Mobile Craft Party website — because apparently sleep is optional when you’re chasing dreams 😅 And while I could post the polished version with soft lighting and filter-perfect photos… let’s be real for a second. ✨ I’ve knocked over a tray of glasses thanks to a rogue gust of wind. ✨ I’ve confused two orders and had to channel my inner Sherlock to fix it. ✨ One of my glass straws shattered mid-wrap — RIP, lil’ buddy. ✨ And yes, I’ve stared at the screen wondering if I can juggle it all without turning into a walking UVDTF sticker. But here’s what I’ve learned: You can be wi...