Hey lovely folks!! 🖤
How the hell are you? Also...how is it already half way through 2025!? 😳 Although I suppose it has been an...eventful...6 months. 🫤
I have just welcomed a load of glorious new business owners and creators into CanvaOS - which I am VERY grateful for - and I am using this halfway point in the year to have a bit of a review of my business (and life).
I always think this is a perfect time to pause, take a deep breath, and ask yourself if your business (and brand) are heading where you actually want them to go – not just running on auto-pilot... or chasing shiny things because someone on Instagram said “we should.” 🤨
Here are a few simple tips to do a mid-year check-in without spiralling into a spreadsheet-induced existential crisis (or maybe that's just me and spreadsheets? 🤣):
- Allow yourself to be proud
Instead of jumping straight to “what’s next?”, take stock of what you have already achieved. Big or small – every post, every sale, every client, every “you know what, I’m proud of that” moment counts. You’ve done more than you think.
- Check your brand for alignment, not perfection
Look at your content and branding with fresh eyes. Is it still reflecting who you are and what you do now? You’re allowed to evolve. In fact, your brand SHOULD evolve. If things feel ‘off’, maybe it's time to recalibrate and refresh – you don't have to burn it all down!
- Simplify your definition of success
What actually matters to you at this stage in your business? Don't worry about vanity metrics...what figures mater to YOU? Don’t get stuck chasing someone else’s version of success. Come back to your values and think about what ONE thing you can do today move your business forward.
- Progress, not pressure
It’s easy to fall into the trap of “I should be further along by now.” But maybe what you need is less hustle and more honest reflection. Instead of forcing new goals, ask: What’s been working? What have I learned? What do I want to lean into next?
- Re-set with intention
Your January goals don’t need to rule your July. Life happens. Priorities change. Now’s the time to check if your goals still feel good – and adjust them if they don’t. You’re allowed to write new ones that fit the you you’ve become so that they bring you joy.
I love doing this kind of review - and I hope you'll take the chance to do one with me. I have a feeling you don't do No 1 as much as you should...or deserve! 🖤
Meaningful Creations
One of my real design obsessions is things that combine minimalistic shapes with raw, hand-crafted materials. I love that there is elegance, restraint AND a humanity to those kinds of creations.
That's why I love the work of 'Made in the Woodshed' - another glorious female-owned business run by woodworker Helen and her daughter Lucy. Not only are their creations absolutely beautiful, but they bring out the most wonderful textures and patterns in the wood - and everything is done by hand.
Their collections (launched only a few times a year) sell out in minutes, and it's easy to see why. The skill and beauty of the clean, minimalist shapes combined with natural textures speak for themselves.
They have a launch happening later this month. Check out their Instagram for yourself - and tell them I sent ya. 😉
That's it for today folks. I'll be back next week with a new tutorial and other news of what's coming.
I know things are rough out there at the moment, but that's why - now more than ever - we all need to be showing love and kindness, and standing up for what is right in any way that we can manage.
I appreciate you. 🖤
