ORIGINALLY POSTED 9/10/2024

I Made It Through Year One of Enchanted Papier! 🥳

I can hardly believe it—I’ve made it through my first year of founding and managing Enchanted Papier! This journey has been filled with ups and downs, but every twist and turn has been worth it. The lessons I’ve learned as a first-time business owner are treasures I’ll keep forever. But before I dive into those nuggets of wisdom, let’s rewind to where this all began...

The Birth of Enchanted Papier 🌱Before Enchanted Papier, I dabbled in digital design and opened an Etsy shop (which is still open, by the way) for about a year. During that time, I was struggling with burnout and my mental state wasn’t great—though I didn’t realize it at the time. I kept designing, hoping my stuff would sell, and started taking drawing classes to improve my graphic design skills. What I eventually noticed was that being creative again was helping me heal and find myself. That realization led to the birth of Enchanted Papier—a place where people of all artistry levels can find themselves and express themselves through creativity. This journey has led me to my first milestones and the hard lessons of running a business.

Product Launch 🚀During my first launch, I introduced not one, but two creations: the Self-Discovery journal prompt cards and the Life Is Art art prompt cards. I poured my heart into these cards, stepping into uncharted territory with excitement and nerves. And guess what? The sales were barely a blip. (Cue the sad trombone: Womp Womp.) But that little flop turned out to be a gift. It forced me to listen, adapt, and truly hear what people want rather than just chasing my own ideas. That led to my next big lesson...

The “I Know Nothing” Mindset 🤯

Here’s the thing: I actually know a lot. But as an entrepreneur, I’ve learned to approach my business with the mindset that I know nothing. Why? Because the journaling world is packed with ideas, products, and voices. To stand out, I constantly ask myself: How can Enchanted Papier be different? How can I add real value? How does my work make a difference in my customers’ lives? Asking these questions keeps me humble, curious, and always evolving. It’s a reminder to get out of my own way and let the business become what people truly need.

There’s Room for Everyone! 🎉

This is more than just a lesson; it’s a mantra I live by. Whether it’s making space in my ever-shrinking home office or carving out my own niche in a crowded market, there’s room for all of us. The journaling world is vast, but none of those other brands have me—and that’s my superpower. Enchanted Papier brings my unique perspective, and no one else can replicate that. Remember: there’s room for you, me, and every creative soul out there.

My First Market (and Falling in Love with the Unexpected) 🛍️❤️

When I started Enchanted Papier, I was still finding my footing. Honestly, I wanted to hide in my basement and keep my business strictly online. But thanks to a little nudge from a friend, I took a leap and signed up for my first market. Spoiler alert: it was the best decision ever! I set a goal to attend eight markets this year and ended up committing to fourteen! From sharing stories with strangers to seeing the sparkle in someone’s eyes as they discover my products, these markets have become the heartbeat of my business.

Expect the Unexpected 🌈

Here’s a little secret: my very first market was also where I launched my “We Should Celebrate Journal,” my first-ever guided journal and coloring book combo. I had envisioned that my carefully crafted gift boxes would be the stars of the show, especially with Christmas just around the corner. Guess what? I was wrong! The journal stole the spotlight, and my heart was full. That experience taught me to stay open, be adaptable, and roll with the surprises. Now, every market and product launch is a new adventure, a new chance to learn and grow.I am excited to see what the next year brings for Enchanted Papier. Thank you to everyone who has supported me over this past year. I couldn’t have done it without you. Cheers to many more years (and lessons) to come!