Rise Up Designs

​ It may still be hot outside, but if you’re a small business owner, somewhere in your brain it is already November. At least that’s how it feels for me. The holidays may seem far away, but this is the time I start thinking about them. Not because I want to rush the season. Not because I’m ready for Christmas music in August. But because holiday prep takes time. I’m already thinking about what products make good gifts. What can be bundled together. What inventory I need to reorder. What packaging I want to use. What signage needs to be updated. What markets I want to participate in. What sold well last year. And maybe just as important…what I do not want to repeat. That part matters. Every season teaches you something. There are products you thought would fly off the table that barely moved. There are things you almost didn’t make that customers loved. There are packaging ideas that looked cute but took way too much time. There are products that were great individual...

This weekend was the perfect exhale after an incredible stretch of creativity, connection, and community. On Friday night, I hosted a private wreath party in someone’s home — it was intimate, joyful, and full of laughs. Everyone’s wreaths turned out beautifully, and you could feel the pride in every bow tied and ribbon fluffed. Saturday morning came early, but it was worth it — I hosted a glass wrap craft party at a local church with 12 amazing individuals. Watching them dive into something new, smile through the process, and even say “I think I just found a new hobby!” made my whole day. The church leader was warm and welcoming, and I have a good feeling we’ll get to partner again. Who knows, I may have even found a new church home. This week, I’ll be working just a couple of days before officially shifting into recharge mode — celebrating Thanksgiving, resting up, and soaking in the moments with those I love. Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re crafting with m...