Rise Up Designs

 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...

This week, while having my morning coffee and loading new listings, I caught myself thinking… “Am I posting this back-to-school item too early? It’s June!” 🎒✏️ But here’s the thing — as shop owners, we HAVE to think ahead. Customers need time to: ✅ Find us ✅ Save our items to their favorites ✅ Come back when they’re ready to buy I just listed my Teacher Survival Kit (fun canvas bag with a keychain, jumbo paper clip, sanitizer, tissues, pens/pencils, gum + mints). 🎁 It’s the perfect little gift for teachers, but if I waited until August? I’d be late! Same goes for my upcoming Wicked Wraps launching later this summer — gotta give products (and my tags!) time to work their magic and reach the right people. ✨ Lesson of the week: 📅 Plan ahead. 📢 Post early. ⏳ Give your customers — and your products — time to do their thing. Happy Sippin’ Sunday, friends! ☕️💛 Until next time… Jecca

 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...

We’ve all heard the tips: 🧼 “Spring clean your Etsy shop.” 🔍 “Audit your listings and keywords.” 📸 “Make sure your photos are top-tier.” And yes — all of that does matter. But the biggest shift I’ve made in the last 3.5 months? It’s not about aesthetics. It’s about alignment . Let’s Talk Real Etsy Life: Since launching in February, I’ve had a front-row seat to the evolution of my shop. I’ve experimented. I’ve tested. I’ve rolled with it. And here’s what I found: 💡 Premade glasses and cup kits — these crush it in person. At craft fairs and pop-ups, people love to see, touch, and personalize. They get it instantly and it’s an easy sell. 💡 UV DTF Wraps and digital-style listings — these sell better online . Etsy is full of DIYers who love the flexibility of customizing their own glassware, and they’re happy to buy just the wrap and add their own spin. That tells me everything I need to know: 🛍️ The same product doesn’t always work on every platform. The Shift I’m Ma...

This weekend, I took a break from the hustle of Rise Up Designs to support my niece at her artistic roller-skating competition in Waco, TX — and I came back with something unexpected: A heart full of inspiration… and a phone full of photos and ideas. 😍 I didn’t bring my Cricut, my tumblers, or my sticker stash. What d id I  bring? My eyes, my heart, and a quiet reminder that even when you’re not “on,” creativity doesn’t clock out. What I Noticed from the Sidelines: 🎨 The bright, joyful color palettes in every costume — from neons and glitter to soft pastels and bold contrasts. Instant design inspo. 👟 The skaters ranged from tiny beginners to full-grown adults — all ages , all abilities , all showing up . 💪🏽 The dedication was unreal. Every spin, every jump, every flourish — the result of months (years!) of practice. I watched families cheer, kids adjust costumes, and competitors walk off after a routine with smiles and tears. And it hit me: This is a whole creative c...

 While everyone’s out here planning pool days and vacations, small biz owners? We’re over here thinking about seasonal trends , inventory shifts , and how to make summer sales sparkle . This week’s Flex Friday isn’t about slowing down — it’s about leveling up with intention . Because if you’re an Etsy shop owner (or building any creative biz), summer is the perfect time to: ✅ Refresh. Rethink. Realign. Here’s what I’m doing right now (and maybe you should too): ✔️ Auditing my listings – Are my photos clear? Are the tags and titles still working? What needs a glow-up? ✨📸 ✔️ Looking at seasonal trends – Am I aligned with what people are shopping for right now? Think: weddings, travel gifts, end-of-school, sun + fun! ☀️ ✔️ Checking analytics – What’s selling? What’s not? What needs to be featured more? (Yes, data can be cute.) 📊 ✔️ Planning content – From social posts to product drops, summer is a great time to get ahead — or at least feel a little more in control . 📅 ...

There’s this thing no one tells you when you start juggling a full-time job and a side business: Rest isn’t a luxury — it’s a requirement. 🛑💆🏽‍♀️ Over the last couple of weekends, I finally gave myself a little breathing room. Family time, quiet moments, less hustle, more peace. 🌿✨ And this week? I went all in. I took a full day off — not just from my 9–5, but from Rise Up too. 🙅🏽‍♀️💻 No orders. No Canva. No posting. Just me. Lunch at my own pace with my sis. 🥗 A few errands without rushing. 🛒 No pressure, no lists, no multitasking. And let me tell you…I didn’t even realize how much I needed it until I felt myself exhale. 🧘🏽‍♀️ Here’s what I’ve realized: 👍🏽 When you’re constantly creating, planning, working (and let’s be honest — stressing), it’s easy to believe the lie that says “You have to keep going.” 🚨🚀 But the truth is: You can’t be your best, most creative self when you’re running on fumes. ✨ You can’t pour into others when your own cup is dry. ☕️ ✨ You can’t serv...

Starting something new always feels a little exciting… and a lot nerve-wracking. 😅 When I launched Wrap & Rise , my idea for a mobile craft party experience, I didn’t know if it would land. I just knew I wanted to create something that brought people together in a creative, fun, low-stress way. 🎨🛻💕 And now that I’ve hosted a few? I’ve learned a lot — about people, about crafting, and about how joy can show up in the smallest details (like picking the perfect tumbler wrap). ☕️🌸 Here’s what I didn’t expect: How much people LOVE choosing their own designs 🖼✨ How relaxing it is when you don’t have to bring supplies or clean up 🧼 How often someone says “I’m not crafty” — and then totally nails it 🎯 How loud the laughs get when the music’s on and everyone’s just playing 🎶😄 How powerful it is to watch people create something with their own hands and feel so proud of it 🙌 Why I Keep Saying Yes to This Idea 👍🏽 Because it’s not just about tumblers. It’s a...

Let’s talk about the past couple of weeks… because WOW. I hit two milestones that made me pause, sip my coffee, and maybe get a little misty-eyed (in a good way). ✨ 100 sales on Etsy ✨ 250 new Instagram followers Like… WHAT?! I’m not saying I ugly cried, but I definitely did a happy dance in my craft room. 100 Etsy Sales = 100 Reasons to Keep Going Every single order represents something way bigger than the product: ✔️ Someone trusted me ✔️ Someone chose my work ✔️ Someone is out there sipping from my tumblers, using my bookmarks, or gifting something I made That never stops being surreal. 250 New IG Followers = A Growing Community I’ve been sharing more of myself lately — not just the products, but the process, the chaos, the craft fair prep, and all the glittery highs (and shattered glass lows). And it’s working. More people are showing up, engaging, and feeling the Rise Up vibe. So if you’re new here — hi! Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. If you’ve bee...

This weekend, I hit pause on the hustle and gave myself a full-on San Antonio-style staycation — right in the middle of Fiesta. And let me tell you — it was exactly what my creative soul needed. What Even Is Fiesta ? 🪅🎉 If you’re not from here, picture this: An 11-day explosion of color, music, food, culture, parades, and puro San Antonio pride. Originally started in 1891 to honor the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, Fiesta San Antonio has grown into the city’s biggest celebration — with proceeds going to scholarships, non-profits, and community programs. It’s joyful. It’s loud. It’s gloriously extra. It’s puro SA !! And we LOVE it. Staycation Highlights To soak in the full experience, I stayed at the Emily Morgan Hotel — a historic, slightly spooky icon right next to the Alamo. (Yes, I absolutely peeked down the hallway for ghosts and heard things at night but no regrets.) 🏨👻 We had dinner at Lone Star Café overlooking the Riverwalk — the gorgeous day the big a...

Sometimes the biggest wins don’t come from big crowds or big booths… They come from a two-hour craft fair at an elementary school , under paper flowers, surrounded by community, family, and the unexpected magic of handmade joy. This week’s flex? A Fiesta-themed event hosted by my niece Gracie’s school , and y’all — it ended up being everything. Gracie, the Accidental CEO 👧🏻✨ Knowing she might get a little bored, I brought Gracie some silicone beads to play with while she sat at my booth. You know, just something to keep her busy. Cut to: Gracie crafting up the cutest little keychains you’ve ever seen , and casually laying them out on the table like she’s been doing markets for years. No sign. No price. Just sitting there being adorable. Then it happened… A woman walked by, picked one up and said, “Oh my gosh… these keychains are BEAUTIFUL!” 😍 I blinked. Gracie blinked. I said, “Yep! They’re for sale!” ( Internally: Are they? They are now. ) The lady BOUGHT it. Gra...

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...

Let’s be real—running a small business doesn’t stop just because you’ve got plans, a trip, or in my case… a weekend cheering on my superstar niece Gracie at her roller skating competition. (She crushed it, by the way. Proud Tia Moment™.) But even while I was away from home, my shop didn’t slow down—I got four or five Etsy orders in a matter of days. And you know what? I made it work. You can absolutely handle orders while you’re on the go—with a little planning, a little communication, and a lot of grace. Here’s how I do it: 🕰️ Step 1: Build in Buffer Time Before I even packed my bag, I updated my Etsy processing times. I always give myself a cushion—usually 1 to 2 business days—so that if life throws me a detour (or a glitter explosion), I’ve got time to breathe and still meet expectations. That extra day of processing time? It’s not about slacking—it’s about delivering without panic. 💬 Step 2: Communicate Like a Human (Not a Bot) Etsy does automatically notify customers when you sh...

 Let’s be honest—when you’re shopping on Etsy for something custom, you’ve probably got questions. And as someone who runs a small biz with ✨a lot✨ of product options, I get it . So today, I thought I’d round up some of the most common things I’m asked on my Rise Up Designs Etsy store and give you the real answers—no fluff, just facts (and a little sparkle). ✨ 💬 “How do I take off the wrap?” Short answer? You don’t. UVDTF wraps are made to stay once they’re applied. They’re basically the “ride or die” of wrap options. 💪🏽 Could you peel it off if you really wanted to? Sure. Would I recommend it? Not unless you enjoy glue residue and heartbreak. 😬 So choose the design you love—and I’ll make sure it’s applied with care before it even gets to you. 💬 “Can I put a wrap over a wrap?” Oooo girl. I see the creativity—but this one’s a no from me. 🙅🏽‍♀️ Once a wrap is on the glass, adding another layer just creates… chaos. We’re talking bubbles, peeling, uneven texture—not ...

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...