Someone asked me recently if I was enjoying the “post-holiday slow time,” which, for us, usually kicks in around... March? April? Honestly, it’s different every year. But this year? There is zero slowing down happening over here! We’re deep in wholesale fulfillment mode, and when I say deep, I mean biggest-order-in-our-history deep. (Still trying to wrap my head around that one! 🤯) Oh, and shoutout to some incredible new accounts and partnerships—including the Kentucky Derby! 🐎💙
Right now, I feel like I’m in this whirlwind of what-is-even-happening with a side of hold-on-tight, all while living in a constant state of gratitude and disbelief at where this business journey has taken me. Every time I think, "Okay, maybe next season will be a little easier," life laughs and hands me a new adventure. And let’s be real—since 2020, the retail industry has felt like a never-ending game of survival. I’ve had to pivot more times than I ever imagined, but giving up? Not an option. Because I know the impact this business can have. Because I want to spend as much time with my kiddo as possible. Because I want my team to have that flexibility with their loved ones too. So we keep marching on.
So, What Did February Bring?
Oh, just two pop-up markets! We set up shop at Vintage Market Days of Birmingham mid-February, and Cottontails Village Birmingham at the end of February. We’ve got eight pop-up shows on the calendar for 2025, spanning across Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. (Seven are locked in, and we’re hunting for one more—ideally in South Carolina or the Florida Panhandle. Any suggestions? Let me know!) Pop-ups are so much work, but getting to meet our customers face-to-face makes every long day and every heavy load-in so worth it.
A BIG Exciting Update: The STATE FLOWER Series 🌸
It’s official—the State Flower series is now on pretty much everything! 🎉 Notecards, Fine Art Prints, Stickers... you name it, we probably put a state flower on it. Seeing this collection come to life has been such a joy!
Getting Back to My Creative Roots
This year, I am forcing myself (in the best way) to get back to my roots—making art just for the love of it. And honestly? I’ve really been enjoying it. Right now, I’m deep into a lighthouse series for the East Coast (which has been so fun to create), and in April, I have a weeklong art sabbatical planned to focus on fall and holiday designs. I can’t wait to pour myself into that creative space!
What’s Launching Next? 🚀
March is bringing not one but TWO big product launches:
🐰 Easter Collection – Goes live on March 11th!
🎁 Gift Enclosure Cards – Launching sometime next month… as soon as we can get photography, listings, and inventory ready to roll!
And On the Personal Side...
Caedon started gymnastics this month, and he loves it. Like, really loves it. And honestly? I think I might be just as excited as he is every time he goes. Watching him flip, jump, and beam with pride is the cutest thing ever (and yes, I’m one very proud mom over here). And we've had some absolutely beautiful Spring weather here in Alabama, which means we're outside pretty much any chance we get.
The Season of Hustle
I’ve kinda accepted that this is just a crazy, busy season of life, and exhaustion is just part of the package for now. 😂 But at the end of the day? I love being a mom more than anything, and I love running this business for so many reasons. So, I’m doing my best to soak up the moments, make all the memories, and enjoy the ride—chaos and all.
Here’s to another exciting month ahead! Thanks for being part of this journey with me. 💛✨
Comments
I ordered my blue crab today- I love your interpretation of our Maryland crab! I see you will be creating coastal art themes- looking forward to see them, Also, will you be touring the DC, Va, Md area soon? A suggestion, if I may- would love to see more beach life in your blues colors- jelly fish, oyster beds, crabs in crab pots, female and male crabs? Can you tell I love the beach? My birthstone is a seashell! Love your style, Girl!
Hey…you work is always a delight to see. When you have the state tea towels again, please let me know. Time got away from me in the fall. I’d like to order them this year.
Thanks so much
Amanda, I am such a fan! We were planning to paint our guest room around the same time I found your art and have used it to redecorate! We live on the Chesapeake Bay in MD so I bought the crab, seashells, fish and anchor to hang in the room! And now I read you’re doing a Lighthouses of the East Coast series?! SWOON!!! So very excited to see what’s coming!
Also, our son who had boundless energy started gymnastics at 4 years old and he went on to compete through 9th grade. Such wonderful experiences and life skills taught/learned. Best of luck to Caedon as he loves the jumping, flipping, and fun that comes from gymnastics!
Hi Maureen! The Ireland design is done & we’re in the process of getting it ready for printing (we made a post on our social media page recently). We apologize that that artwork is taking longer than anticipated — the entire process from the original artwork is rather involved and that has to be balanced between everything else we have going on. :)
🥲 And still another St Patrick’s Day arrives yet no “Ireland” designed greeting card to send to family and friends. ! Very disappointed as I truly 💚 your beautiful, creative artwork ~ have purchase your various designs ~ and would have loved to have purchased your line to send this year. Promises! Promises! Maybe next year? 💚🇮🇪☘️💚
Amanda, I LOVE keeping up with you and your business! I’m so glad your business is thriving and you are able to spend time with Caedon. I’m still fan-girling about meeting you at Christmas Village last year.
Best,
Pat