Hello 2023!

Happy New Year!
I know it feels a little late as it’s already the end of January, but as my Great Aunt Carol suggested, I’m making February a fresh start. I spent a greater part of January sick in bed, so I feel it only appropriate to give the new year a second chance.

Iris and Evergreen started as a dream and it continues to be a big one for me. I think 2022 was a big growth year for me. While in some ways I feel like my business should be in a different place, I also feel like I am right where I am meant to be. And I need to keep reminding myself that I am new at this! And to take my own advice and give myself grace.

In 2022 I completed 60 paintings. Other than the collaboration project I did with my sister in 2021, I really hadn’t ever painted prior to that. My goal for 2022 was to paint. To practice and produce a lot of art so I could grow as an artist. I really feel proud of the art I made and my progress. I know I will always continue to improve and grow, but I am also really pleased with my creations. My flowers brought me so much joy and my first landscape! Oh my goodness I am still so proud of that one! My painting journey this year may have felt a little meandering, but I’ve learned a lot and I’m excited to see what 2023 brings in terms of art and Iris and Evergreen.

While I am trying not to be stringent with my plans this year (seeing as they typically don’t pan out for one reason or another) I do have some goals in mind. I want to see where the year leads, but I do have some sort of guiding goals as I continue to grow my business.

1. I want to create at least one painting per month.
Now, seeing as it’s almost the end of January, I better get crackin’ on this one!

2. I want to expand my product line to include greeting cards.
This has been a goal of mine and I feel like I am really getting somewhere with the creation and production of these products.

3. I want to expand my current product lines
I have been wanting to expand my print offerings and I have been brainstorming and researching how best to do that—getting close with this one too! I also want to expand my sticker line, which is pretty extensive currently, but I want to offer more stickers that reflect different passions, hobbies, and meaningful sentiments. I have so many ideas!

4. I want to create a community on YouTube
I had a lot of computer trouble last year, but I am hoping this year will allow me to create consistent videos—it’s a lot of fun for me and I hope people will enjoy them!

5. I want to expand my wholesale business
Getting my products into brick and mortar stores and in-person locations will be a big step in my business. I have a few wholesalers, but I’d really like to see those numbers grow this year.

And lastly, I really want to take time to enjoy each day. I have a goal to do something each day to either improve my life or bring myself joy. I don’t know about you but I have a big stack of books I want to read, probably a hundred projects I want to start (or finish), and a Pinterest board full of ideas of things I think would be fun to do. But I feel like I always lose track of time and then the year is over and I haven’t made time for myself. My business really did take precedence in 2022, but I really think I can manage my time differently in order to make a little time for me, whilst focusing on Iris and Evergreen too.

I hope to continue to write these blog posts maybe once or twice a month to connect with you and keep you posted on what’s going on with me and Iris and Evergreen.
As always, thank you so much for being here, and stay cozy!

~S