Today marks one year since I started this crazy and chaotic adventure of having my own business. It has been weird and hard and exciting and filled with lots of joy.

The first time I knew I wanted to start a business was my sophomore year of college. After graduation, I was sucked into feeling like I needed to get a “real job” and put my adventurous ideas behind me until we were settled and had lots of money in our savings account. Then the Lord moved us to the middle of cornfields and Hogs fans (also known as Arkansas), and I found myself saying “why not now?”  My rational side said, “Umm maybe because you’ve only been married two months and you know zero people in this city apart from your husband and you have no idea what you’re doing.” Obviously my rational side didn’t win this fight. And I’m so glad it didn’t.

I can’t explain why, but when so much of life felt new and different and transitional, I took the leap and started Alex Fly Designs.

While I don’t love every facet of entrepreneurship (i.e. taxes, not having a steady paycheck, etc.), the good definitely outweighs the bad. I love starting new projects and making my own schedule and working with customers on their visions. I love dreaming up ideas and writing down everything and working from home and coffee shops. I love seeking out great and inspirational charities and businesses.

I have also learned so much over this past year. I learned about running a business and about making new things and about myself. I learned firsthand that dreams are important and that art matters. The best part is I am still learning, still growing as a business owner and as a person. And I know people probably want to hear that I have it all figured out as a business owner because- you know, they are buying stuff from me and all- but that wouldn’t be the truth and it won’t ever be. Because the day I stop learning new things is a day when I have to somberly re-evaluate what I am doing. Learning is such a vital part of moving forward in life.

So thanks for hanging in there with me this past year through my stumbles and failures and for rejoicing with me in new ventures and ideas. I am eternally grateful that I have a job I love.

To celebrate one year of Alex Fly Designs, there are a few new items for sale along with a 20% discount on everything (just enter the code ONEYEAR) October 8-11. Also, I will be gifting a set of Little Reminders with every purchase over $20 during the sale!