Rise Up Designs

This week’s Sip & Sunday looks a little different. Last week, I was in Nebraska watching my niece compete at nationals, and seeing her step onto that floor has been such a reminder of what it takes to believe in yourself. There is the talent people see, of course. But behind that are the hours of practice, the mistakes, the hard days, the nerves, the lessons, and the decision to keep going anyway. Watching her has also reminded me how important support is. Sometimes believing in yourself starts with borrowing a little belief from the people around you—the people who show up, encourage you, remind you how far you’ve come, and see something in you before you fully see it in yourself. I think we all have moments when doubt gets loud. Moments when we question whether we’re ready, whether we’re good enough, or whether we really belong in the room. But doubt does not mean you are incapable. It means you are human. You can feel nervous and still move forward. You can have doubts...

Okay, let’s be real—starting a business is a rollercoaster. One minute, you’re on top of the world , convinced you’re about to be the next big thing in your niche. The next? You’re staring at your shop stats like, “Hello? Is anyone out there?” In my first month of selling on Etsy, I’ve had some amazing wins , but I’ve also had moments of doubt, frustration, and questioning my life choices. ( Dramatic? Maybe. But also… relatable. )  So let’s talk about the real, emotional side of starting a business—the highs, the lows, and what keeps me going. 🌟 HIGH: Making My First Sale Nothing compares to that first cha-ching notification. It happened, and I was thrilled. 🎉 "I DID IT! Someone (who isn’t my mom) actually wants to buy something I made!" 🎉 That first sale felt like validation —proof that this business isn’t just a dream, but something real. 💡 Lesson: That first sale isn’t just about the money—it’s about believing in yourself. ( And yes, I absolutely happy-danc...