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Showing posts with the label Small Business Journey

Sippin’ Sunday: In the Middle of It All ✨

​ This week officially kicked off my spring market season—and if I had to sum it up in one word, it would be:  learning. My first Fiesta-themed markets are officially behind me, and I’ll be honest… they weren’t my strongest. I stepped a little outside of what I normally do to lean into the Fiesta vibe, and while everything didn’t land the way I hoped, I’m really glad I tried it. Because that’s part of this journey, right? Trying something different. Seeing what works. Figuring out what doesn’t. And adjusting for next time. And speaking of next time—I’m really excited about what’s ahead. I had the chance to collaborate with  @customcreatedbyjess  on a few pieces that complement my product line, and I’m looking forward to introducing those at my May market. That’s one of the best parts about doing in-person markets… the connections. Not just with customers, but with other creatives who are building something of their own. That part never gets old. This week also came with a...

☕ Sippin’ Sunday: Creating the Experience

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  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:...

Flex Friday: Hello, 2026 ✨

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  No hustle. No to-do lists. Just gratitude and good vibes. As we step into 2026, I just want to say thank you — to everyone who supported my small business, shared my posts, shopped my creations, and cheered me on this past year. Here’s to a new year filled with: ✨ Possibility ✨ Growth ✨ Dreams coming true ✨ Peace, purpose, and good energy May 2026 be kind, abundant, and full of beautiful moments — for you, your family, your goals, and your heart. Happy New Year, friends. 💛

Flex Friday: Prepping, Balance, and Counting My Blessings ✨

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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...

🤝How to Support Small Businesses (Even If You Can’t Buy Everything)

If you’re building a small business—or you love cheering one on—you already know: This journey is amazing, but it’s not easy. Starting and growing a business is full of excitement, late nights, proud moments, and yep, plenty of challenges too. (Hi, have you seen the cost of supplies lately? Thanks a lot, tariffs and inflation.) 📈 And while every sale matters to a small business like mine, support doesn’t always have to mean pulling out your wallet. Sometimes the biggest impact comes from the little things that cost zero dollars but mean the world. ❤️ Whether you’re a fellow maker or a supporter on the sidelines— So how can you support a small business (even if you can’t buy right now)? ✅ Follow Their Social Media Pages Whether you’re a fellow creative or just someone who loves small shops—following matters. The more followers a small business has, the more credible and visible they become. (And yes, it gives us a little happy dance moment, every single time. ☀️) ✅ Like, Comment, ...

Market Recap: The Wins, The Wind, and The Lessons Learned

Another craft fair is in the books! And let me tell you— this one had it all : gorgeous weather (for a while), a fresh new setup, an exciting way to engage with customers, and… oh yeah, a  windstorm that turned my booth into a glass-breaking disaster zone.  😬 Let’s get into it—the good, the chaotic, and what I’m taking away from this experience! What Went Well: The Setup & The Interactive Experience ✨  New setup, who dis?   This was the first time I changed up my booth display, and  I LOVED it.  It felt  pretty, engaging, and easy to shop —exactly what I wanted. ✨  DIY Cup Creations = Huge Success!   For the first time, I brought  blank glaases and let customers pick their UV DTF sticker designs  so I could create their cup  on the spot.  And guess what?  It was a hit!  Customers loved being part of the process, and honestly,  I had the most fun with this.  A bulk of my sales came from  people...