Rise Up Designs

One of the things you get used to when you run a small business is feedback. It comes from everywhere — customers, friends, family, people at craft fairs, people who see something online. And honestly, most of the time it comes from a good place. People want to help. But if you’ve ever tested a product idea with different people, you know what usually happens. One person will say, “I love it!” Another person will say, “It’s nice, but I’d change this.” Someone else will say, “I like it… but I’d remove that.” And suddenly you’re sitting there thinking, Okay… so what exactly am I supposed to do with all of this? Feedback can be incredibly helpful, but it can also be a little exhausting if you let every opinion pull you in a different direction. What I’ve learned is this: feedback is information, not instruction. Just because someone suggests something doesn’t mean you have to implement it. But it does give you insight. It shows you how people see your work, what catches their at...

  One of the things I’ve been thinking a lot about lately is the experience behind a gift. For a while, my shop focused mainly on individual items — cups, wraps, and other pieces people could purchase on their own. And those are still a big part of what I do. But lately, I’ve been experimenting with something new. Instead of just selling a single item, I’ve been asking myself: How can I turn this into a whole experience for someone? Because the truth is, most of the time when people are buying something from a small shop, they’re buying it for someone else. It’s a birthday gift, a thoughtful surprise, a little something for a friend, or a “just because” moment. So this year I’ve been stretching a little creatively. One thing I’ve been testing is notebooks with custom designs, pairing them with matching glass cups to create a ready-to-gift bundle. Something that someone could pick up and immediately think, This is perfect. I’ve also been experimenting with a few other ideas:...

On February 12, I quietly celebrated one full year on Etsy. One year of listings. One year of late-night packing sessions. One year of figuring it out as I go. One year of truly stepping into my business. And I’ve learned a lot. Not the flashy, viral-growth kind of lessons. The steady, grounded kind. The kind you only learn by doing. 1. Stay in Your Lane If you start a business, especially a creative one, everyone will have advice. “Try this.” “You should sell that.” “Have you thought about adding…?” “You’d make more money if…” And listen — most of it comes from a good place. People mean well. But here’s what I’ve learned: You don’t have to make everything. Just because something sells doesn’t mean it’s yours to sell. Just because someone else is successful doing it doesn’t mean it belongs in your shop. There were ideas I chose not to pursue — not because they weren’t good, but because they weren’t me. And that clarity matters. Your lane is powerful when you stay in i...

It’s  the Sunday after the first full week of the new year—and I’m feeling calm, grateful, and ready. Things have definitely slowed down since the holiday hustle, but I’ve been easing into the year in the best way possible. Orders are still coming in steadily (not at November/December pace, but still moving!), and I’ve already started rolling out new products for 2026. That alone feels like a little victory. This week wasn’t about fireworks—it was about the foundation: Reorganizing inventory Restocking essentials Making sure my printer, labels, envelopes, and supplies are all in check Getting my system back in rhythm after the whirlwind It’s not glamorous work, but it’s the kind of behind-the-scenes stuff that sets the tone for the months ahead. And I’ve realized: January isn’t about rushing. It’s about preparing. It’s a reminder that quiet momentum still counts. That checking off the small stuff matters. And that slow, steady steps often lead to the biggest growth. So h...

​ There’s something about a Sunday that just hits different. Maybe it’s the quiet, maybe it’s the coffee, or maybe it’s the chance to slow down and check in — not just with to-do lists, but with yourself. This Sippin’ Sunday, I’ve been thinking about how much we juggle, especially this time of year. Between the full-time job, the side biz hustle, family commitments, wrapping gifts, and wrapping orders (literally), it’s easy to keep pouring into everything except ourselves. But today, I sat in that reminder. ✨ Check on yourself. ✨ Give yourself some credit. ✨ And if you’re feeling drained, maybe that’s your cue to refill. And speaking of refreshing things — I’m so excited to share a sneak peek of my new 2026 UVDTF glass wrap designs! This photo is a little behind-the-scenes moment with me and some of the new wraps I’ll be dropping soon. They’re playful, vibrant, and full of the energy I want to carry into the new year: bold, joyful, and just a little extra (because why not?). Tha...

​ 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...