Counting, Sorting, and Cleaning - Oh My

When people think about a creative business, they usually picture the fun parts, like hours of leisurely stitching, new pattern releases, colorful threads, and neatly wrapped orders ready to head out the door.

And yes, those moments are some of my favorites, but they aren't the whole story.

For every finished pattern or package that leaves my studio, countless hours go into work that most people never see. Some days are filled with sketching new ideas or stitching samples. Other days look a lot less glamorous.

This means counting embroidery hoops, organizing thread, updating stock levels, and making sure everything is exactly where it belongs. It isn't the kind of work that makes for exciting photos, but it's one of the most important jobs in a small business.

Keeping track of inventory means I know what's ready to ship, what needs to be reordered, and which supplies are becoming customer favorites. It also helps me spend less time searching for materials and more time creating tutorials, designing new patterns, and packing orders quickly.

One of the unexpected joys of inventory is rediscovering things I'd almost forgotten about. Sometimes I find a supply I forgot to list in my shop or one that sparks a new project idea or reminds me of a pattern I've been wanting to finish.

Running a creative business is a balancing act. There are days for dreaming and designing, and there are days for spreadsheets, labels, and counting supplies. Both are equally important.

I've learned that creativity isn't only found in the finished pieces. It's also found in the behind-the-scenes work that makes those finished pieces possible.

So if you've ever wondered what happens between product launches or while the shop seems a little quieter, chances are you'll find me somewhere in the studio surrounded by stacks of embroidery hoops, colorful thread, and a notebook full of inventory counts, trying to keep everything running smoothly.

Thank you for being here and for supporting every part of this journey, not just the finished products. I'm so glad I get to share both the beautiful moments and the ordinary ones with you.

Sometimes, the work nobody notices is the work that keeps everything running. What's one behind-the-scenes job that makes your work possible?