Looking Back on 2025 & Setting Intentions for MY BUSINESS in 2026
Before rushing into a new year full of goals, plans, and ideas, I wanted to pause for a moment.
2025 was full—full of orders, full of learning curves, full of motherhood (2 toddlers…whew!), full of trial & error, and full of growth in ways I didn’t always expect. Running a small machine embroidery business alongside family life (plus trying to be a micro influencer) has taught me that not every season looks polished or perfectly planned, but every season has something to teach.
As we step into 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect honestly on what this past year looked like behind the scenes at Heart & Hands Co., and what I’m intentionally carrying forward, to try to help my fellow embroidery friends.
What Running Heart & Hands Co. Really Looked Like in 2025
From the outside, a small embroidery business often looks like beautiful finished products, happy customers, and busy seasons. And yes—there were wins worth celebrating.
The Wins
In 2025, my embroidery business experienced:
Steady growth — every month it felt like it got bigger and better
Returning customers who trusted me again and again, or referred new customers to me
Products that were meaningful to families (birthdays, anniversaries, weddings)
Successful product launches
Trying new ways to get more sales (markets & live events)
Growing confidence as a business owner
Where I started my embroidery journey….
July 2023
How i’m ending 2025!
In my new embroidery shop!
The Challenges
But 2025 also came with its fair share of challenges:
Busy seasons that felt overwhelming (sometimes for months on end)
Custom orders that required more time and mental energy than expected, but not wanting to disappoint customers
Balancing work schedules while attempting to be present with family
Navigating pricing, rush requests, and boundaries
Learning—sometimes the hard way—that saying “yes” too often leads to burnout
None of this is shared as a complaint—only as truth. Running my business this year wasn’t always easy—some days I barely kept up with orders and family life—but I learned that the small wins and figuring things out as I go are what keep a real business moving forward.
intentions for my business in 2026
Instead of a long list of goals, I’m stepping into 2026 with clear intentions for how I want this business to feel.
In the coming year, my focus is on:
A more sustainable pace (HIRE more help)
Continuing to refine skills, quality, and creative approach (there’s always something we can learn in embroidery)
Products that bring joy—not stress—to create (I’m talking about you, applique!)
Intentional launches rather than nonstop production (take a few days to PLAN)
Protecting time for family, faith, and rest (yes, I really am going to try!!)
Heart & Hands Co. is something I want to build for the long term and not get burnt out on.
Reflection for Makers & Small Business Owners
As a fellow maker, I know how easy it is to feel like you’re always behind or doing too much. My encouragement as we step into 2026:
Take time to reflect on what worked—and what didn’t
Focus on what matters most, not what seems urgent
Give yourself grace for mistakes and unexpected changes
Remember that growth often happens quietly, in the day-to-day
An Invitation to Reflect
As we step into a new year, I’d love to invite you to reflect too:
What did 2025 teach you?
What do you want more—or less—of in 2026?
Let me know in the comments of this blog post!
Thank you for following along with this journey, for learning alongside me, and for supporting the creative work that keeps Heart & Hands Co. and KathleenEmbroidery moving forward.
Here’s to a 2026 where we create with purpose, focus, and balance.
XOXO,
Your Embroidery Bestie
Kathleen