Hej Hej,

I hope this Journal finds you well, and despite being well into January, I couldn’t let the opportunity pass to share a glimpse into the closing chapter of 2023. Life has its way of throwing curveballs, especially when balancing entrepreneurship and parenthood. It took me a bit longer than planned to pen down my thoughts on the past year, but as they say, better late than never. Juggling the roles of a mom and an independent professional is no easy feat, and I’ve learned the importance of giving myself a little extra room for unexpected turns.

In the grand scheme of things, 2023 was a year of growth and self-discovery. Even with the constant feeling of navigating with the handbrake on, it’s crucial to pause and acknowledge the strides made alongside the journey of motherhood. Let me share with you the highlights, the challenges, and the moments of beauty that defined my 2023. Let’s go!

The Good: Pop-up Shop co-creation and Studio Community
April brought a burst of joy with a pop-up shop that allowed for direct customer interactions. The experience was enriching, and it paved the way for the establishment of a studio community with a prominent storefront. Since December, I’ve been welcoming clients and showcasing my creations in this wonderful shared space. It’s a constant reminder of the joy that personal connections and a physical space can bring to the creative process. And, of course, it makes me quite proud that my self-employment allows me to establish a studio and pursue my work there.

The Challenging: Balancing motherhood with creative pursuits
The perpetual challenge of seamlessly blending motherhood with creative work is a constant tug-of-war. I find myself immersed in work, creating space for my passion, yet accompanied by the ever-present feeling of not doing enough as a mother. Striking a balance between nurturing my creativity and being present for my little one remains a journey of self-discovery and adaptation. Does anyone feel the same way and have some advice for me? Feel free to share.

At the same time, self-employment provides me with the freedom and flexibility to manage my time, allowing us to embark on fantastic outings together and undertake significant journeys. During these travels, I’ve been able to work less on the go, ensuring that we make the most of quality time together. And that is, in any case, what I love most about being self-employed. What us brings to the beautiful aspect.

The Beautiful: Successful collaborations and personal growth
Amidst the challenges, 2023 brought forth two immensely successful marketplace collaborations, providing a sense of sustainability to my creative endeavors. Generating over €15,000 in gross passive income was an unexpected and delightful outcome, underscoring the viability of my creative work. By the way, would you be interested in gaining more insights into my financial outcome? Feel free to respond to the newsletter. I’m contemplating sharing more about it.

Also the expansion of my product range, now available in my own studio, marks a significant milestone. Your unwavering support has been the backbone of this journey, and I’m truly grateful for each one of you who has accompanied me, providing the motivation to pursue what I love.

As the year drew to a close, a particularly thrilling moment unfolded – I received a collaboration proposal from a noteworthy brand. While I can’t disclose too many details just yet, this potential partnership emerged as the crowning highlight of the year’s end. I am eagerly anticipating the possibility of this collaboration materializing and am hopeful that it will pave the way for fresh perspectives and exciting opportunities in 2024.

In the spirit of embracing the unknown and welcoming new challenges, I’m excited to see where this journey takes me. Your ongoing support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to share more of this unfolding adventure with each and every one of you.

Here’s to the promise of new beginnings and the anticipation of what the future holds.

Wishing you a year filled with creativity, joy, and success 🌟

Warm regards,
xx Lisa