Unwind Studio: THEN VS NOW - Celebrating 5 Years of Growth
Five years ago, Unwind Studio started as a passion project—just a small dream to bring creative, modern needlepoint to more people and perpetuate my love for the craft and art/illustration. What began as a one-woman show with a simple setup has since grown into something I couldn’t have imagined back then!
As we celebrate our 5th anniversary, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to reflect on how far we’ve come. Join us as we look back at where we started and how we’ve grown—because this is just the beginning!
OUR SMALL BUSINESS: THEN VS NOW
1. The Team
Back then, it was just me—a new mom with a dream, and a lot of determination and excitement to create something from scratch. I remember spending endless hours creating new products, packing orders, and figuring out how to pivot my love for needlepoint from an hobby into a business. Fast forward to today, and I’m surrounded by an incredible team of five passionate women — each of them bringing something unique to the table, and together, we’re building a community and working to scale our business sustainably.
Adjusting and transitioning from doing everything yourself to relying on others to work for the business was not easy, but delegating and trusting your team is essential. I talk more about this in the blog post 5 Lessons we Learned in 5 Years, where you can follow some of the challenges I faced and what insights I learned over the years in this business.
2. The Studio
Our first “studio” was the guestroom of my house, filled with a few supplies, our first ever canvases and a whole lot of dreams. It was cozy, to say the least, but it was ours! In the meantime, we've moved 2 times, always striving for a bigger place that would match the current needs of the business.
Now, stepping into our new (and third) studio feels like a dream come true. It’s a bright, inspiring space where creativity flows freely. From the walls lined with some of our favorite needlepoint pieces, to the shelves stocked with threads, it’s a place that truly reflects the heart and soul of Unwind Studio. Every time I walk in, I’m reminded of how far we’ve come.
3. The Packaging
Our first packaging was simple but very unique—our iconic tubes, which we still love so much (as well as our customers) due to its portability and beautiful design. But as our product range expanded, so did our packaging. Now, we have beautifully designed boxes that not only protect our kits but also tell the story of Unwind Studio. Each package feels like a little gift, and I love knowing that our customers experience that same joy when they receive their orders. It’s amazing to see how something as small as packaging can evolve into such an important part of our brand and customer experience.
4. Cristina's Girls
When I first had the idea of Unwind Studio, I was on maternity leave, pregnant with Sofia, and dreaming of a creative outlet that would fit into my new life as a mom. Now, Sofia is growing up way too fast, and I have Olivia, my second daughter, who has brought even more love and light into our lives. These two girls have been my inspiration from the very beginning. They’ve watched Unwind Studio grow just as they’ve grown and it’s incredible to think that what started as a way to “unwind” during maternity leave has become such a big part of our family’s story.
5. The Products
Our first collection was small but full of heart—maybe 12 kits that I poured my soul into - a true reflection of my need for modern needlepoint kits, designed by some of my favorite artists that dove head first with me into this crazy project and believed in it as much as I did. Today, I’m in awe of how much we’ve grown. With almost 1,000 variants of kits, materials, and accessories, our product range is a testament to the creativity and dedication of our team. From beginner-friendly designs to intricate masterpieces, there’s something for everyone in our collection. It’s incredible to think about how many ideas and product launches have happened since day 1, five years ago.
Looking back at these past five years, I’m filled with so much gratitude. Gratitude for our team, our customers, our studio, and, of course, my family. Unwind Studio has grown in ways I never could have imagined, but at its core, it’s still the same little passion project I started all those years ago. Here’s to the next five years—and all the growth, creativity, and joy they’ll bring. Thank you for being part of our journey.
With love,
Cristina 💕
