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...

The Sunday after Thanksgiving usually means rest for some—but not this time around. My little shop has been in full-blown holiday hustle mode. Where I used to average around 10 orders a week, I’ve been packing and prepping 10 orders a day lately 😅 and loving every chaotic minute of it. A huge milestone this week? I got my first international orders—one from Mexico and one from the United Kingdom. Y’ALL. I literally gasped when I saw the addresses. The idea that something I crafted with my own two hands is now heading out into the world beyond the U.S.? That feeling is hard to describe… but it’s somewhere between teary-eyed pride and squealing excitement. I’ve got my last market of the season coming up and I’m hosting a cozy little open house for friends to swing by and grab last-minute gifts (and maybe a cup of cafecito). I’m feeling a mix of blessed, anxious, and excited—just grateful for the love, support, and the wild joy that creating brings. Let’s go finish this year strong. 💪...

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...