Rise Up Designs

One of the things you get used to when you run a small business is feedback. It comes from everywhere — customers, friends, family, people at craft fairs, people who see something online. And honestly, most of the time it comes from a good place. People want to help. But if you’ve ever tested a product idea with different people, you know what usually happens. One person will say, “I love it!” Another person will say, “It’s nice, but I’d change this.” Someone else will say, “I like it… but I’d remove that.” And suddenly you’re sitting there thinking, Okay… so what exactly am I supposed to do with all of this? Feedback can be incredibly helpful, but it can also be a little exhausting if you let every opinion pull you in a different direction. What I’ve learned is this: feedback is information, not instruction. Just because someone suggests something doesn’t mean you have to implement it. But it does give you insight. It shows you how people see your work, what catches their at...

  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:...

It’s  the Sunday after the first full week of the new year—and I’m feeling calm, grateful, and ready. Things have definitely slowed down since the holiday hustle, but I’ve been easing into the year in the best way possible. Orders are still coming in steadily (not at November/December pace, but still moving!), and I’ve already started rolling out new products for 2026. That alone feels like a little victory. This week wasn’t about fireworks—it was about the foundation: Reorganizing inventory Restocking essentials Making sure my printer, labels, envelopes, and supplies are all in check Getting my system back in rhythm after the whirlwind It’s not glamorous work, but it’s the kind of behind-the-scenes stuff that sets the tone for the months ahead. And I’ve realized: January isn’t about rushing. It’s about preparing. It’s a reminder that quiet momentum still counts. That checking off the small stuff matters. And that slow, steady steps often lead to the biggest growth. So h...

​ There’s something about a Sunday that just hits different. Maybe it’s the quiet, maybe it’s the coffee, or maybe it’s the chance to slow down and check in — not just with to-do lists, but with yourself. This Sippin’ Sunday, I’ve been thinking about how much we juggle, especially this time of year. Between the full-time job, the side biz hustle, family commitments, wrapping gifts, and wrapping orders (literally), it’s easy to keep pouring into everything except ourselves. But today, I sat in that reminder. ✨ Check on yourself. ✨ Give yourself some credit. ✨ And if you’re feeling drained, maybe that’s your cue to refill. And speaking of refreshing things — I’m so excited to share a sneak peek of my new 2026 UVDTF glass wrap designs! This photo is a little behind-the-scenes moment with me and some of the new wraps I’ll be dropping soon. They’re playful, vibrant, and full of the energy I want to carry into the new year: bold, joyful, and just a little extra (because why not?). Tha...

​ This past week, I sat in church on Christmas Eve with my family. Truth be told, I don’t usually talk about my faith publicly — not because it’s not important to me, but because it’s personal. But something the priest said really stayed with me, and it felt too powerful not to share. He said something like this: “We spend so much time picking out the perfect gifts for everyone we love… but what gift are we giving to Jesus on His birthday?” Whew. That flipped something in me. It wasn’t guilt. It wasn’t pressure. It was a deep, gentle nudge to pause and ask myself: What kind of human am I showing up as? Am I leading with patience? Am I being kind in the quiet moments? Am I giving my best energy to what actually matters — or just checking boxes on a to-do list? December Is a Lot Let’s be real: this season is full. If you’re like me, you’re juggling a full-time job, a side hustle, family events, shopping, shipping orders, wrapping, entertaining, and trying to be a whole human in t...

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 ...