Grit, Grace, and Growing's

Notes on becoming, from my desk to yours.

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One Year Ago, I Leapt. 

One year ago, I decided to do the scariest thing I'd ever done: I dove headfirst into running my art business full-time. I wanted it all. I was ready. Or at least, I thought I was. 

And while I'd love to say it went exactly how I imagined... the truth is: 2024 had other plans.

This past year was full of challenges I didn't see coming, from ghosted wedding clients to a steep learning curve in marketing, portfolio building, and time management.  But it also came with real growth. I'm proud of who I became as an artist, a mom, a wife. and a business owner, even if I have to pivot now. You know what they say, Change or Fail.

 

Here's What I Learned (The Honest Version)

• You need a schedule: Every time I changed mine because of a new idea, I threw off my entire rhythm. I spent months floating around. 
• Give yourself grace: You're learning as you go. You can't master it all in one month (or even a year).
• Organization is your secret weapon: Especially when it comes to licensing. LABEL. EVERYTHING. You'll thank yourself later. 
• Connection Matters: This journey can feel isolating, but building relationships with other artist saved me more than once. 
• Just because it didn't work this time, doesn't mean it's not meant for you: That one? Still makes me tear up. But it's true. 

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What I Didn't Expect: Postpartum Depression + Self-Rediscovery

A few months into working for myself, I realized something was wrong. I cried constantly. I had dangerous thoughts that scared me. I finally opened up to my doctor and was diagnosed with postpartum depression. She helped me get treatment that same day.

Since then, I've slowly started to feel like me again. Mother is beautiful, but also wildly intense. I was trying to build a business and recover my identity at the same time. And now I see how brave that really was. 

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So...What Now?

I'm heading back to the workplace. Financially, that's the best choice for my family right now. But let me be very clear: this isn't goodbye to my art. 

Here's what's still happening:

• My shop is still open
• My licensing portfolio is still growing
• My work is still available for partnerships, wholesale, and collaborations. 
• And I'm still here. Still dreaming. Still proud.

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To My Supporters: Thank You.

Thank you for being here, whether you've cheered me on from day one or just found me. Every message, order, comment, and share meant more than you know. 2024 was hard on a lot of small businesses. If you're feeling like your dream didn't "pop off" this year either, you're not alone. But if you're still showing up? That still counts. 

 

Here's to the detours. The grace. And the reimagining of what's possible. 

 

With Love,

Patricia