Rise Up Designs

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.

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 wasn’t packed with pop-ups or new launches—it was something even more important: showing up where it matters. I started the weekend at the Heart Walk, which reminded me how much I love being part of something bigger. Walking alongside friends, survivors, and supporters grounded me in the work I get to do every day. The rest of the weekend? It wasn’t flashy. It was real life. Taking care of my mom (she is sickies). Making sure she had what she needed. Slowing down when it counted. I kept up with Etsy orders (shoutout to everyone who placed an order—y’all keep me going!), but otherwise, I gave myself the gift of presence. 💛 Sometimes self-care looks like slowing your pace. 💛 Sometimes “productive” means prioritizing the people you love. 💛 And sometimes the most creative fuel doesn’t come from crafting—it comes from connection. So today, I’m sipping slow, soaking in the little things, and getting ready for whatever next week brings. Here’s to love, family, and the kin...

☕  Sippin’ Sunday: The Long Game  and  a Great Time This week, I hosted a wreath party that was creative, joyful, and truly special. It was a smaller group than usual, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure how it would all play out. Normally, I make a little profit from the party itself—but where I usually see the bigger return is from guests purchasing wraps or crafts afterward. That didn’t happen this time. At first, I’ll admit—I was a little bummed. But as the evening unfolded, I realized this party was a win in  so many other ways . ✨ The energy in the room was so fun, relaxed, and creative. ✨ Every guest left with a  gorgeous, completely personalized  wreath. ✨ I left feeling creatively recharged and  so proud  of what we made together. And here’s the exciting part: 💫 Three guests asked about hosting their own craft parties. 💫 One mentioned bringing in a church group to do a group event. 💫 Several others shared ideas and tagged me on socials aft...

This week, World Mental Health Day landed right in the middle of a hectic season—and it was a reminder I didn’t know I needed. Between prepping for holiday markets, running Rise Up Designs, crafting orders, hosting mobile parties, and keeping up with everyday life… it’s easy to forget to check in with yourself. But the truth is: when you are the business, your energy, your clarity, your peace—they matter more than any product drop or social post. So today, I’m giving myself a little space to breathe. To slow down. To say “I’m doing enough. I am enough.” And if you’re reading this and feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, or like you’re running on fumes—I see you. Take that pause. Even a small one. Your future self will thank you. 💛

This week, I’ve been thinking about how important it is to have a support system—especially when you’re building something from the ground up. Support looks different for everyone. Sometimes it’s your family reminding you how far you’ve come. Sometimes it’s your friends hyping up your latest product drop. And sometimes… it’s that fellow crafter on Instagram you’ve never met in person, but who always shares your posts or checks in to say,  “Keep going.” Whether it’s a pep talk when doubt creeps in, an extra pair of hands at a pop-up, or a quick message that says,  “You’ve got this,” —it matters. A lot. So if you’ve ever supported Rise Up Designs with your words, your clicks, your orders, or your encouragement: Thank you. You're part of my why. Here’s to showing up for each other—and remembering we don’t have to do it all alone. 💛

This week I followed up with someone who had inquired about a big order—a bulk request for 40 wraps. I sent a kind message, just touching base, and she replied that she’d reach out when the time was right. That moment? It was a gentle reminder that not everything has to be rushed. And that sometimes,  trusting the timing  is the boldest business move you can make. So while I wait to see how that opportunity unfolds, I’m not standing still. I’m focused on what’s right in front of me: ✨ Prepping for the holidays ✨ Stocking up for my fall and winter pop-ups ✨ Growing my mobile craft parties ✨ Making sure I have the product (and support!) I need to show up fully It’s easy to get caught in the cycle of “more, faster, now.” But this season? I’m choosing peace over panic. Alignment over urgency.  Trust over hustle. So today, I’m sipping on some calm confidence—knowing that if it’s meant for me, it’ll happen. And in the meantime, I’ll keep showing up, shipping joy, and building s...

This week, I did something both exciting and terrifying: I placed my largest wrap order ever with my printer. 😳💥 As I’ve shared in past posts, my Texas college sports wraps have been doing so well—better than I even expected. Sales picked up fast, inventory went down even faster, and I found myself in a bit of a pinch: I haven’t even started my fall markets yet, and I’m already selling out. I knew I needed to restock—and not just a few sheets here and there. I needed to go big. I sat with it. I prayed over it. And deep down, I knew: this wasn’t just spending. This was investing. Investing in momentum. Investing in quality. Investing in the Create-a-Cup Bar I’m planning for my pop-ups. Investing in myself. So I reached out to my vendor, made the call, and placed the order. Was it scary? Absolutely. Was it the right move? 100%. Because sometimes, growth looks like risk. And sometimes, faith sounds like clicking “confirm” on your biggest order yet. Here’s to trusting your gut. Here’s to...

This week didn’t come with a huge launch. No new product drop. No market event. No flashy sales numbers. But something even better happened. I had a few small moments—tiny little nudges—that reminded me why I love running Rise Up Designs. Like: A returning customer who left the sweetest message in the notes section. Someone tagging me in their story using a wrap they bought months ago. A five-star review that said, “I’ll definitely be back.” It doesn’t take much to recharge a maker’s heart. Sometimes just knowing that something I created—wrapped, shipped, and hoped would bring a smile—did bring a smile… is all I need to keep going. The world is loud. The algorithms are wild. But the real wins? They show up in quiet little ways that feel personal, genuine, and earned. So today, I’m sipping on gratitude. For the small things. For the quiet encouragement. For the people who take the time to say, “Hey, I see you.” Because in this business? A little really does go a long way. 💛

This week, something I’ve been working on quietly behind the scenes finally went live—my Texas College Football Wraps officially launched! 🏈✨ Check them out! They’re bold, fun, and full of hometown pride—just in time for tailgate season. And what’s made this even more exciting is that the launch wasn’t even in my original plan. It came from a message. One of my customers reached out asking if I had a certain school… and that was the spark. I started designing, testing, and listing—and before I knew it, I had a collection forming. The response so far has been incredible. Orders are rolling in, and I’m already adding more based on continued feedback. This week’s reminder? Listen when your customers speak. Their ideas might just unlock your next great product. So today, I’m sipping on some Sunday gratitude: for community, for college football, and for all of you who continue to cheer me on (even when it’s not your team). 😉

This week I stepped a little outside my usual creative lane—and honestly, it was kind of exciting. I don’t do T-shirts very often. I have a Cricut and a heat press, and I’ve used them here and there for simple designs—usually gifts for friends or family. But this week? I had the chance to take on a project for a local bank right here in town. Vinyl cutting, weeding, pressing… all the things. It was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. There’s something satisfying about the rhythm of it—design, cut, press, repeat. The final product wasn’t flashy or over-the-top, but it felt good to deliver something clean, crisp, and custom. What surprised me most was how this little detour energized me. It reminded me that even if I don’t do shirts all the time, I still can. The creative spark doesn’t always look like glitter or tumblers—it shows up in small presses and unexpected opportunities, too. So today I’m sipping on a sense of accomplishment—and gratitude. For new chances. For returning tools ...

It’s still August. The sun is blazing, school supplies are everywhere, and pumpkin spice hasn’t even hit full force. But me? I’m sipping my coffee and already thinking about tinsel, ribbon, and holiday bundles. Because when you run a small business—especially one that’s creative and seasonal— Christmas doesn’t start in December... It starts now. Over the past week, I’ve been busy behind the scenes: 🎃 Creating Halloween bundles 🎄 Designing new Christmas bundles 📦 Working with my printer to prep fresh stock 🛍️ Updating my listings and thinking ahead for mobile craft parties with a holiday twist I’m also brainstorming a Christmas wreath-making class —something fun, easy, and affordable. I've seen beautiful ones out there, but $75–$80 for a class just isn't doable for everyone. I want to create an experience that’s accessible, festive, and gives people the joy of crafting without the stress of overspending. So here’s my message to you: If you're a maker, a small...

A Sippin’ Sunday reflection on identity, small biz ownership, and choosing your message. ⚠️ Heads up : This post contains a pretty big spoiler from the new Superman movie. So if you haven’t seen it yet and plan to — go sip your iced coffee, buy your movie ticket, and come back later. I won’t be mad. Pinky promise. This Sunday I’m sipping on a protein iced latte with sugar free creamer, staring at my wrap orders and thinking about… Superman’s parents. (Yes, this is where we are now. Go with it.) 🛸 The Message from Krypton In the movie, Superman finds this old holographic message from his Kryptonian parents. At first, it’s beautiful: "Be a light. Protect this world. Lead with purpose." I was like: YES. King behavior. Give us legacy. Give us hope. But later — plot twist — the rest of the message plays. And let me tell you, it’s giving... red flag energy. Suddenly it’s: "Rule over these weak people. Take multiple wives. Spread your Kryptonian DNA far and wide....

This week, while having my morning coffee and loading new listings, I caught myself thinking… “Am I posting this back-to-school item too early? It’s June!” 🎒✏️ But here’s the thing — as shop owners, we HAVE to think ahead. Customers need time to: ✅ Find us ✅ Save our items to their favorites ✅ Come back when they’re ready to buy I just listed my Teacher Survival Kit (fun canvas bag with a keychain, jumbo paper clip, sanitizer, tissues, pens/pencils, gum + mints). 🎁 It’s the perfect little gift for teachers, but if I waited until August? I’d be late! Same goes for my upcoming Wicked Wraps launching later this summer — gotta give products (and my tags!) time to work their magic and reach the right people. ✨ Lesson of the week: 📅 Plan ahead. 📢 Post early. ⏳ Give your customers — and your products — time to do their thing. Happy Sippin’ Sunday, friends! ☕️💛 Until next time… Jecca

This week’s cup of cafecito comes with a side of graduation glitter, family feels, and a  little  rock ‘n roll. ☕💃🏽✨ Let’s start with  Gracie , my little star who just graduated  5th grade ! 💐🎉 This was no ordinary graduation—she’s part of the very first class to go from Kinder all the way through 5th. From district honor choir to silver medals in roller skating, this girl is already collecting wins like it’s her job. Middle school better  bring it , because Gracie’s coming in hot. 🔥 Then there’s  my nephews, Ricardo and Ralphie , who both graduated in  Laredo, TX  and reminded me that our family doesn’t just show up—we  shine . ✨ 🎓  Ricardo  graduated from  Alexander High School , earning  Magna Cum Laude Honors 👏🏽. I didn’t make the ceremony but I  did  attend the celebration—and let me tell you, that party brought so much joy. What made it extra special? His band with his brother  Benny  did ...