Rise Up Designs

This week’s Sip & Sunday looks a little different. Last week, I was in Nebraska watching my niece compete at nationals, and seeing her step onto that floor has been such a reminder of what it takes to believe in yourself. There is the talent people see, of course. But behind that are the hours of practice, the mistakes, the hard days, the nerves, the lessons, and the decision to keep going anyway. Watching her has also reminded me how important support is. Sometimes believing in yourself starts with borrowing a little belief from the people around you—the people who show up, encourage you, remind you how far you’ve come, and see something in you before you fully see it in yourself. I think we all have moments when doubt gets loud. Moments when we question whether we’re ready, whether we’re good enough, or whether we really belong in the room. But doubt does not mean you are incapable. It means you are human. You can feel nervous and still move forward. You can have doubts...

​ 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 time of year gets wild. Between my full-time job, side hustle, holiday parties, shopping, wrapping, planning, and trying to show up for everyone—I’ve been juggling more than usual. And if you’re anything like me, you probably haven’t stopped to check in on the most important piece of the puzzle: yourself. That’s what this week’s Sippin’ Sunday is all about. It’s not always easy to admit when you’re stretched thin. But taking a minute to breathe, to rest, to recalibrate? That’s not just helpful—it’s necessary. We pour into our work, our homes, our families, our customers. Let’s not forget to pour back into ourselves, too. So as the season ramps up, here’s your little nudge to ask: Have you eaten today? Are you hydrated? Have you taken five minutes for you? Can something wait until tomorrow? You can’t wrap all the presents, ship all the orders, and host all the things if you’re running on fumes. You deserve the same care and joy you bring to others. 🫶 Take care of you.

You ever look around at all the progress you’ve made — and still feel like you're trying to keep up with your own dreams? Yeah. Me too. This week, I hit some huge milestones: ✨ My biggest sales month yet ✨ Over 350 followers on Instagram ✨ Month 2 as a Star Seller on Etsy ✨ Launched my mobile craft party website 🎉 And while I am proud (like, squeal-out-loud proud), I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t also… a little overwhelmed. Because sometimes, right behind the “Wow, I’m doing it!” feeling is a sneaky little voice that says: “Can you really keep this up?” “Is this too much?” “What if the next thing flops?” Here’s the thing I’m learning: Doubt doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It just means you’re doing something that matters. 💛 I think it’s okay — healthy even — to pause and admit, “Hey, this is a lot.” Because chasing your dreams while working a full-time job, nurturing your creativity, showing up for your family, and managing all the things? That’s not easy....