Here's to two years since I first started THINKING about making photo magnets.
I ordered my very first press, and it arrived in the middle of September. It still works perfectly today.
Looking back, I am not where I was two years ago.
I've quietly passed so many milestones. Every small win gave me more energy to keep going, led to new milestones, and filled my workspace with little notes, sketches, and ideas. These days, I have to write every idea down before another one takes its place.
I'm genuinely happy with the chapter I'm in right now while still evolving with every new idea.
There have been plenty of nights spent finishing orders until sunrise. Seeing a customer receive something made just for them makes every late night worth it.
And then there were the days when everything felt overwhelming. A small part of my website wouldn't work… A design wasn't coming together… A problem seemed impossible to solve…
Do you know what I did?
I went to bed.
Sometimes I slept on it. Sometimes I took a day off. Occasionally, I stepped away for an entire week and worked on something completely different. Then I came back with a fresh mind—and somehow, I figured it out.
I've stopped stressing over things I can't solve right away.
Everything has its time. Some ideas and some problems simply need space before they make sense.
Watching another large custom magnet order being cut reminded me that growth rarely happens all at once. It happens one order, one customer, one idea, and one small step at a time.
So if you're wondering whether you're making progress... just keep showing up. But don't forget to step back once in a while. Sometimes the best ideas come when you stop trying so hard.
Your next chapter may be closer than you think.
Mine is still being written.
I've learned that today's best often becomes tomorrow's learning curve. That's what growth looks like.
It starts with one small corner. One desk. One idea.
And before you know it, you've slowly taken over an entire loft with supplies, machines, notes, and dreams that are becoming reality.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Cheers to Year Three! 🥂
#SmallBusinessJourney #EntrepreneurLife #MakersGonnaMake #HandmadeBusiness #KeepShowingUp
Starting and growing a handmade business, especially one focused on custom creations like photo magnets, is a journey filled with many emotions and learning moments. One thing I’ve realized from personal experience is how vital it is to embrace both the successes and the struggles along the way. Like the story shared about two years of developing photo magnets—there are intense bursts of creativity and productivity, but also moments where stepping back makes all the difference. I found that documenting every idea, sketch, or inspiration really helps keep the momentum going. It’s easy for fresh concepts to slip away if not captured immediately. Also, don't underestimate the power of rest. Sometimes a full night's sleep or a day away from your work can reset your mind and reveal solutions that felt out of reach before. Customer feedback is another crucial piece. Seeing the joy in someone receiving a personalized product you made creates a rewarding cycle that fuels late nights and hard work. At the same time, don’t get discouraged by setbacks such as website glitches or design challenges; these are normal hurdles. Growth often happens one small step at a time—whether that’s fulfilling one order, improving a design, or organizing your workspace. I learned to celebrate these small wins instead of only focusing on big achievements. For those considering or currently building a handmade business, keep showing up consistently but also remember to pause. Giving yourself space fuels creativity and prevents burnout. Your best ideas and breakthroughs may come when you least expect them. In summary, a handmade business like making photo magnets is a blend of passion, perseverance, and patience. Each day contributes to a story that only you can tell, and every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.