Reflections on small business life, creative projects, and learning as I go.

In the beginning…

Before I talk about where things are now, I want to be honest about what the last stretch actually looked like.

It wasn’t a clean transition. It wasn’t a Hallmark movie montage of inspiration and everything magically falling into place.

There were months when bills were behind. Months when the vision wasn’t clear. A lot of confusion, frustration, and more than a few arguments about what we were doing and whether it was even going to work.

Some days felt gritty and uncertain. The kind where you’re following gut instincts because there isn’t a clear roadmap yet. Listening to podcasts or motivational talks for small hits of inspiration—sometimes even a Mel Robbins clip here or there—just trying to keep your head in the right place while things still feel shaky underneath.

In a lot of ways, it was messy. Funky. A little scary.

But somewhere in that stretch, without much announcement, something began to shift.

Not a big breakthrough.
Just the smallest sliver of light.

Enough to start seeing where the path might actually be forming.

That’s where this story really begins.

The Unexpected Pivot I Didn’t Plan

A funny thing happens when life starts shifting directions.

Sometimes the change is dramatic and obvious.
Other times it happens quietly, almost without you noticing at first.

Over the past year, I’ve found myself stepping into a new role: becoming an administrative assistant within my husband’s business.

I had once pondered this role but mostly waited on the sidelines. When I finally started stepping into it, there was its own tug-of-war between what was required of me and what ideas I brought to the table—some good, some not. But over time, the role began to take shape.

What started with collecting expense receipts on a spreadsheet and doing a little driving around slowly turned into more and more side projects, along with the indispensable parallel management of our household and extended family—some blood, some not.

In some ways, the work has drawn on skills I’ve carried through different seasons of life before—especially in roles where helping people navigate systems, solve problems, and find workable solutions mattered.

And while this shift wasn’t something I completely mapped out years ago, it has been developing alongside something else that is very important to me.

Something of My Own

Alongside supporting his work, I’ve also been continuing to develop my own long-term project: Daring to Mend.

What began as a personal writing space has slowly evolved into something much larger than I originally imagined.

It’s becoming a place where I can explore:

• personal writing
• creative reflection
• healing themes
• thoughtful storytelling
• practical tools for growth

And like most creative projects, it’s evolving in ways I couldn’t have predicted when I first started.

The Side Projects That Are Becoming Real

One of the interesting things about this season is how many ideas are beginning to take shape at once.

Some of the things currently in progress include:

• reselling my old clothing or other used clothing I find through places like Poshmark
• experimenting with AI design projects (which I am also doing for my husband’s business)
• developing print-on-demand products (which I am also doing for my husband’s business)
• creating digital downloads and resources
• outlining future books and written projects
• learning new technology and IT skills that will help support everything I’m building
• beginning independent study in hands-on crafts like acrylic painting, sewing, and a few top-secret ones I will share once they actually produce products

Some days it feels a little like building several small bridges at the same time, and my mental—and actual—open browser tabs are far too many.

But each one connects back to the same bigger vision: creating meaningful work that blends creativity, technology, and personal expression.

Learning as I Go

One thing I’ve learned during this process is that you don’t have to know everything before you start.

You just have to be willing to learn as you move forward.

Working inside a small business environment has given me a deeper appreciation for how many moving parts exist behind the scenes—organization, communication, systems, and problem-solving.

At the same time, some of the skills from my past vocational work have quietly resurfaced. Recently I’ve found myself helping a family member with a reading disability navigate assistive tools, develop practical literacy strategies, and learn how to better advocate for themselves within different systems. It has been a reminder that access to information is not always as simple as it seems, and that patience, creativity, and the right tools can make an enormous difference.

It’s a small side note in this season of life, but it connects deeply to work I’ve cared about in the past.

This season has also reminded me how important self-care truly is, and that the goal with housework is for it to be managed, not perfected.

At the same time, the technology side of things has been fascinating to explore.

Artificial intelligence tools, digital design, and online publishing are opening doors that simply didn’t exist for independent creators even a few years ago.

And I’m excited to keep learning.

What This Season Looks Like

Right now, life looks a little like this:

• helping support my husband’s growing business
• continuing to develop Daring to Mend
• experimenting with creative and digital projects
• slowly building skills in technology and systems
• working toward future books and content
• practicing self-care
• accepting that the kitchen and laundry may only be fully finished a couple of times a week—and that’s okay

My routine map may have a few anchors, but most days it probably looks like a lot of squiggly lines.

And that is okay, too.

The Long Game

What I’m building may take time.

But I’ve realized something important.

Even when the audience is still small…
Even when the projects are still forming…

The work itself still matters.
Self-care still matters.

Because sometimes the most meaningful chapters begin quietly, long before anyone else realizes something is taking shape.

And maybe that tiny sliver of light we finally started seeing…
was simply the first sign that we had already made it through the darkest stretch.

If you enjoy following creative projects as they grow, you’re welcome to follow along here at Daring to Mend.