Rise Up Designs

 When I first started creating, my focus was pretty simple: tumblers, wraps, and learning everything I could about UV DTF products. Like many small business owners, I spent countless hours figuring out designs, testing products, and learning what customers responded to. But something interesting happened along the way. I realized the product wasn’t really the thing. The creativity was. The skill set was. The ability to take an idea and turn it into something meaningful was. For a while, UV DTF decals primarily meant tumblers for me. And while I still love creating them, I started asking myself: What else can I do with the tools I already have? That’s where the fun began. The same UV DTF products I was using on tumblers started showing up on: 📚 Blind Date with a Book bundles 🔖 Beaded bookmarks 🔑 Keychains 👜 Book lover totes 📖 Annotation kits 🎁 Reader gift bundles Instead of learning an entirely new craft, I simply found new ways to use the skills I already had....

Yesterday was my first summer kickoff market of the season, and overall, it was a great day. The weather cooperated, customers stopped by, and I had the opportunity to share some of my favorite products with fellow book lovers and market shoppers. But one interaction stuck with me long after the market ended. A customer stopped by my booth and began asking questions. Lots of questions. How do you make these? Where do the materials come from? How much does it cost to make them? Do you make them yourself? Do you buy them premade and resell them? As creators, we pour so much time, energy, and creativity into what we do. It’s natural to feel protective of our work and wonder why someone is asking so many detailed questions. But as the conversation continued, I learned something important. She wasn’t trying to copy my business. She wasn’t looking for shortcuts. She was trying to raise money for her church and was looking for ideas and inspiration that could help support their ...

This weekend I participated in a smaller market at a local coffeehouse, and honestly? It ended up being a really good reminder that growth doesn’t always happen in the biggest spaces. Usually, I work larger markets with a full 10x10 setup. This time, I had to scale everything down into a much smaller 5x5 space. At first, I worried about how much I’d have to leave behind or whether it would still feel like me . But once everything came together, I realized something important: Sometimes limitations force creativity. The market itself is still growing, and this was only their second event. The first time I participated, it rained most of the day, so there wasn’t much traffic. This weekend was different. The turnout was smaller than some of the larger events I’ve done, but the conversations were meaningful, the atmosphere was relaxed, and it gave me the opportunity to really pay attention to how people interacted with my setup. One thing I consistently hear at markets is how cohesive ...

​ 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 ...

The days after Christmas feel different — quieter, slower, and full of space to breathe. With the holiday rush wrapping up, I launched a 35% off sale to clear out over-inventory and make room for what’s next. It’s been a great way to wrap up the season while giving shoppers a chance to grab something special. But I didn’t just pause — I reset. I took advantage of holiday sales to replenish supplies for my mobile wreath parties, setting myself up for what’s ahead. And one of my favorite wins this week? Finally reorganizing my craft room. I created a full wall of cabinets — and let me tell you, there is something incredibly satisfying about creating a space that actually supports your creativity. Clear bins, clean counters, and room to breathe. It feels like I didn’t just reset my inventory… I reset my energy too. This season isn’t about rushing. It’s about realigning. Clearing space. Refilling intentionally. And preparing for what’s next — with clarity and calm. And honestly?...

​ This Flex Friday feels different — quieter, softer, and exactly how it should be. I’m wrapping up my last few Etsy orders before Christmas. No markets on the calendar. No events to prep for. Just packing, labeling, and reflecting on a season that stretched me, surprised me, and filled my cup in ways I didn’t expect. This one isn’t about hustle. It’s about completion. I’m proud of the markets I showed up for. Proud of the craft parties I hosted. Proud of the connections I made, the orders fulfilled, and the risks I took. And just as proud of myself for knowing when it’s time to pause. Sometimes the biggest flex isn’t doing more — it’s knowing when to slow down. So this is my quiet close for the season. A deep breath. A grateful heart. And a gentle transition into Christmas. Here’s to finishing strong, resting well, and letting this season end with intention. 💛

This weekend was full of heart, hustle, and hot cocoa — and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. On Saturday, I set up shop at a local vendor market. Even though there were a few other big events happening nearby, the crowd still showed up strong. The hosts did an amazing job promoting, and it reminded me how important that piece is for small businesses like mine. Every customer felt intentional, like they made a choice to come out and support us. That means everything to a maker. Then Sunday rolled around, and I tried something new — a pop-up market in my own backyard. I didn’t go into it expecting a crowd, just wanted to open my space to friends, family, and neighbors… and wow, they showed up! From sangria to support, it felt like one big warm hug from my community. 💛 These two days reminded me that support doesn’t always look like a crowd — sometimes it’s one person telling a friend, one neighbor popping in, one kind message on Instagram. That ripple of kindness is wha...

  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. ✨

The Sunday after Thanksgiving usually means rest for some—but not this time around. My little shop has been in full-blown holiday hustle mode. Where I used to average around 10 orders a week, I’ve been packing and prepping 10 orders a day lately 😅 and loving every chaotic minute of it. A huge milestone this week? I got my first international orders—one from Mexico and one from the United Kingdom. Y’ALL. I literally gasped when I saw the addresses. The idea that something I crafted with my own two hands is now heading out into the world beyond the U.S.? That feeling is hard to describe… but it’s somewhere between teary-eyed pride and squealing excitement. I’ve got my last market of the season coming up and I’m hosting a cozy little open house for friends to swing by and grab last-minute gifts (and maybe a cup of cafecito). I’m feeling a mix of blessed, anxious, and excited—just grateful for the love, support, and the wild joy that creating brings. Let’s go finish this year strong. 💪...

Last  week was a creative marathon — and every bit of it reminded me why I do what I do. 💛 ✨ We kicked things off with a tween craft party, which was bursting with energy, glitter, and big smiles. ✨ I popped up at a local neighborhood market and made some new connections (and even better — a few future collabs 👀). ✨ And the grand finale? A beautiful wreath-making party with 12 amazing humans — 10 ladies and 2 kids — who made my heart so full. Was it exhausting? Heck yes. Was it worth it? Every single second. There’s something special about creating a space where people can come together, relax, and make something beautiful — and I’m so grateful that this little business gives me the chance to do that over and over again. Next week will be my time to rest and recharge — because we’ve got a big holiday season ahead. But for now, I’m holding on to the joy, the laughter, and the quiet moments in between. Here’s to honoring the hustle and the stillness that follows. I’m movin...

☕  Sippin’ Sunday: The Long Game  and  a Great Time This week, I hosted a wreath party that was creative, joyful, and truly special. It was a smaller group than usual, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure how it would all play out. Normally, I make a little profit from the party itself—but where I usually see the bigger return is from guests purchasing wraps or crafts afterward. That didn’t happen this time. At first, I’ll admit—I was a little bummed. But as the evening unfolded, I realized this party was a win in  so many other ways . ✨ The energy in the room was so fun, relaxed, and creative. ✨ Every guest left with a  gorgeous, completely personalized  wreath. ✨ I left feeling creatively recharged and  so proud  of what we made together. And here’s the exciting part: 💫 Three guests asked about hosting their own craft parties. 💫 One mentioned bringing in a church group to do a group event. 💫 Several others shared ideas and tagged me on socials aft...

This week, I’ve been thinking about how important it is to have a support system—especially when you’re building something from the ground up. Support looks different for everyone. Sometimes it’s your family reminding you how far you’ve come. Sometimes it’s your friends hyping up your latest product drop. And sometimes… it’s that fellow crafter on Instagram you’ve never met in person, but who always shares your posts or checks in to say,  “Keep going.” Whether it’s a pep talk when doubt creeps in, an extra pair of hands at a pop-up, or a quick message that says,  “You’ve got this,” —it matters. A lot. So if you’ve ever supported Rise Up Designs with your words, your clicks, your orders, or your encouragement: Thank you. You're part of my why. Here’s to showing up for each other—and remembering we don’t have to do it all alone. 💛

This week, I did something both exciting and terrifying: I placed my largest wrap order ever with my printer. 😳💥 As I’ve shared in past posts, my Texas college sports wraps have been doing so well—better than I even expected. Sales picked up fast, inventory went down even faster, and I found myself in a bit of a pinch: I haven’t even started my fall markets yet, and I’m already selling out. I knew I needed to restock—and not just a few sheets here and there. I needed to go big. I sat with it. I prayed over it. And deep down, I knew: this wasn’t just spending. This was investing. Investing in momentum. Investing in quality. Investing in the Create-a-Cup Bar I’m planning for my pop-ups. Investing in myself. So I reached out to my vendor, made the call, and placed the order. Was it scary? Absolutely. Was it the right move? 100%. Because sometimes, growth looks like risk. And sometimes, faith sounds like clicking “confirm” on your biggest order yet. Here’s to trusting your gut. Here’s to...

This week didn’t come with a huge launch. No new product drop. No market event. No flashy sales numbers. But something even better happened. I had a few small moments—tiny little nudges—that reminded me why I love running Rise Up Designs. Like: A returning customer who left the sweetest message in the notes section. Someone tagging me in their story using a wrap they bought months ago. A five-star review that said, “I’ll definitely be back.” It doesn’t take much to recharge a maker’s heart. Sometimes just knowing that something I created—wrapped, shipped, and hoped would bring a smile—did bring a smile… is all I need to keep going. The world is loud. The algorithms are wild. But the real wins? They show up in quiet little ways that feel personal, genuine, and earned. So today, I’m sipping on gratitude. For the small things. For the quiet encouragement. For the people who take the time to say, “Hey, I see you.” Because in this business? A little really does go a long way. 💛