It’s no secret I love pink. So it should come as a surprise to nobody that Valentines is one of my favorite seasons- yes it’s a season not just a day. Which is exactly how I approach designs for Valentine’s Day. I know we all love classic symbols- Valentine’s Day cards, cupids and candy hearts. But let’s be real- isn’t it better to invest in timeless pieces that capture the spirit of all the things we love about Valentine’s Day and probably could get away with wearing from now till Summer?
That is exactly how I approached these collections. I know I know- our inner Miranda Priestley’s are subconsciously proclaiming “florals for spring? Groundbreaking.” But I do love a good floral print- add some bows and sprinkle all the best shades of pink and we have some truly iconic season of love pieces.
Also- this past weekend I launched a new category, bookmarks! I was not anticipating the overwhelming love these designs got. Full transparency- last year was a roller coaster. To be fair though I think that will always be the nature of business. I know at a big box level even luxury brands and department stores experience this. Nobody sets the bar higher for success than we do for ourselves- sales wise, last year was the worst performing since opening my shop almost 6 years ago. Sign of the times. 2025 was just hard for everyone. I mean really when the year starts with one historically massive fire storm I feel like that kind of set the tone for the rest of the year. So with that in mind, 2025 was the year of pushing myself into new categories. Handbags which were a success! Not as big as I was hoping but grateful for all the love and support they got. Plush bag charms which were an epic fail- lesson learned but more on that later. Alas- I am still trying to figure out that next big thing. Straw charms were such a hit for so long. But I like to think that me and my fellow charm makers did our job and you guys have the best collections full of all the designs that bring smiles to your face anytime you take a sip from your favorite cup. So it was inevitable that business would slow down. So bare with me friends while I navigate new products and categories. Life for the past year has just been throwing ideas at the wall and seeing what sticks. So for anyone asking why bookmarks? Why not? I love creating designs- yes I create all my designs in house which I didn’t realize was not the norm till venturing into the world of wholesale but that’s for another day.
But in the chaos and frustration and feeling of giving up there were also way more moments and “signs” if you will of optimism. Little moments that felt like something bigger was saying keep going. Like being able to collaborate with one of the most globally known companies? That definitely was not on the vision board for 2025 and one of those pinch me moments. For those that don’t know or missed it I had the tremendous opportunity to create product for a local McDonald’s and their marketing campaigns.
I don’t know what 2026 has in store but I’m definitely going in more focused, more determined and more optimistic whatever way the cards fall.