Rise Up Designs

When I first started selling my handmade products, pricing felt like a guessing game. I wanted my items to be affordable, but I also knew I needed to cover my costs and actually make a profit.  Fast forward to today, and I can confidently say I’ve learned A LOT about pricing —mostly the hard way. 😅 If you’re a fellow maker struggling to price your work, here’s what I wish someone had told me sooner. 1. Your Time Has Value (Charge for It!) In the beginning, I priced my tumblers based on materials alone. Big mistake. I wasn’t factoring in the time it took to design, prep, apply, package, and ship each order. If you’re not charging for your time , you’re essentially working for free. And last time I checked, exposure doesn’t pay the bills. 💡 Lesson: Calculate how much time it actually takes to make each item and include that in your pricing. Your skills are valuable! 2. Stop Worrying About Being “Too Expensive” One of the hardest lessons to learn? Not everyone is your cus...

Let’s be real— bad reviews suck.  They’re like getting a pop quiz on a Monday morning or realizing you sent an email with  "See attachment" —but forgot the attachment.  No matter how much heart, sweat, and late-night crafting sessions you put into your business,  one day, you’ll get a review that makes your stomach drop.  And guess what?  It happens to EVERY business owner.   So, what do you do when it happens to you? Take a deep breath, and let’s walk through it. Step 1: Feel the Feelings (But Don’t Stay There) The first reaction to a bad review?  Panic. Then sadness. Then rage.  You might think: 😡  "Are they serious?! My work is amazing!" 😭  "What if this ruins my business?" 😨  "Should I just delete everything and move to a remote island?" I get it. I  just got one myself.  And yes, it was my fault. I fixed it immediately, but dang…  it still stung. 💡  What to do:  Let yourself feel the frustratio...

Another craft fair is in the books! And let me tell you— this one had it all : gorgeous weather (for a while), a fresh new setup, an exciting way to engage with customers, and… oh yeah, a  windstorm that turned my booth into a glass-breaking disaster zone.  😬 Let’s get into it—the good, the chaotic, and what I’m taking away from this experience! What Went Well: The Setup & The Interactive Experience ✨  New setup, who dis?   This was the first time I changed up my booth display, and  I LOVED it.  It felt  pretty, engaging, and easy to shop —exactly what I wanted. ✨  DIY Cup Creations = Huge Success!   For the first time, I brought  blank glaases and let customers pick their UV DTF sticker designs  so I could create their cup  on the spot.  And guess what?  It was a hit!  Customers loved being part of the process, and honestly,  I had the most fun with this.  A bulk of my sales came from  people...

So, you’ve prepped, packed, and set up your booth like the craft fair boss that you are. You’ve got your tumblers, totes, and all your handmade goodness beautifully displayed. Your “Follow Me” QR code is prominently placed (because we learned from last time), and you’re ready to make some sales. And then… the people come. Ah, the craft fair crowd. A delightful mix of art lovers, bargain hunters, supportive shoppers, and—let’s be real—some people who have no filter whatsoever. If you’ve ever done a craft fair, you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, let me prepare you for what’s coming. Because it’s a ride. Buckle up. 1. The “That’s Too Expensive” Customer Ah yes, the person who picks up your item, admires it for a moment, then loudly declares, “Wow. That’s expensive.” First of all, ma’am, this is not Walmart. Handmade = time, skill, materials, creativity, and love. You’re not just paying for the product—you’re paying for the craftsmanship, the unique design, and the fact ...

This Saturday, I’m heading into another craft fair adventure, and let me tell you—preparation is EVERYTHING . My first craft fair? Let’s just say it was a learning experience. I showed up with my products, my display, and a whole lot of excitement… but I completely forgot a “Follow Me” QR code and business cards. Yep. Rookie mistake. Turns out, a lot of people browse at fairs but prefer to buy later—so if they don’t know how to find you online, you’re missing out on future sales! Lesson learned. Now, I have a tried-and-true Craft Fair Prep Checklist to keep me on track, and I’m sharing it with you! 1. Products & Display Setup Inventory Ready to Go: Pack every product you plan to sell—plus a few extras! Price Tags & Clear Signage: Nobody wants to awkwardly ask how much something costs. Display Setup: Whether it’s a table or full booth, make sure your layout is organized, inviting, and easy to shop. Tablecloth : Because nothing says “I’m a professional” like a clean, polished set...

There comes a moment in every small business owner’s journey that feels like a rite of passage. No, I’m not talking about picking the perfect logo or finally figuring out how to price your products without second-guessing yourself (although those are both real struggles). I’m talking about The First Sale. Not the “Oh, honey, I’ll buy one” from your mom. Not the “I love your work! Do you take Venmo?” from your bestie. Not even the “I’ll support your business!” purchase from your cousin who still owes you money from 2009. I mean the first REAL sale —from a complete stranger. Someone who doesn’t share your last name, isn’t in your group chat, and gasp actually wants what you made! How It Happened So, there I was, minding my own business (literally), when I got The Notification. You know the one. 📩 Cha-ching! You’ve made a sale! At first, I assumed it was my sister or a coworker trying to be sneaky. But when I checked the order details… I didn’t recognize the name. I blinked. Could...

Hi there! I’m Jecca, the creative force behind Rise Up Designs, and I am so excited to finally start this blog to share my journey as a small business owner. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion into something more, you know how exhilarating (and let’s be real sometimes overwhelming) the process can be. That is exactly where I am right now. I have always loved crafting wreaths, tumblers, totes, soda glasses, shirts you name it! But taking that love and transforming it into a business? Thats a whole new adventure. Why Rise Up Designs? The name Rise Up Designs is more than just a brand, it’s a mindset. It’s about creativity, resilience, and making things that bring joy to others. Whether a custom tumbler that becomes your favorite go-to or a tote that makes the perfect gift, my goal is to create pieces that feel personal, special, and full of heart. The Journey Begins Starting a business is a mix of excitement, self-doubt, learning curves, and small wins that feel huge. Fr...