5 Lessons We've Learned in the Past 5 Years as a Small Business

Five years ago, I created Unwind Studio driven by an old love for needlepoint. It’s hard to believe how much has happened since then—the challenges that I and the team have faced, the milestones we’ve celebrated, and the invaluable lessons we’ve learned along the way.

Running a small business is an ever-evolving journey, and as we mark our fifth anniversary, I want to share five key lessons we’ve learned throughout the years. These insights have shaped our path, and we hope they resonate with you, whether you’re a fellow business owner, an artist, or a supporter of small businesses.

5 Lessons We've Learned in the Past 5 Years as a Small Business

1. A Small Business is a Rollercoaster (and That’s Okay!)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the journey of running a small business is anything but linear. There are incredible highs—successful launches, moments when everything clicks, and those times when a customer’s feedback makes your heart swell with pride. But there are also those crushing lows—slow sales periods that hit harder than you expect, projects that fall flat, and days when you question everything you’re doing.

I’ll be honest: when sales are low, it’s tough. Morale takes a hit, motivation feels like it’s slipping through your fingers, and doubt creeps in. You start wondering if you’re on the right path or if all the effort is even worth it. But then, just when you need it most, you receive an amazing message from a customer. They tell you how much our product meant to them, how it’s has improved their mental health, and suddenly, everything makes sense again. That’s the moment you remember why you started this journey in the first place.

The reality is, unpredictability is part of the process. Instead of fearing the ups and downs, I’ve learned to embrace them. Every challenge has made me and the team stronger, and every success, no matter how small, has been worth celebrating. The key is to ride the waves, hold on during the tough times, and let those moments of connection with customers remind you that what you’re doing matters. Tough times don’t last, but the passion behind this work? That’s here to stay!

2. Passion Alone Isn’t Enough—You Need Strategy and Resilience Too

I started Unwind Studio with a love for needlepoint, and in the beginning, it was all about stitching, dreaming, and thinking creatively. But I quickly learned that passion alone isn’t enough to sustain a business. Over time, the hours spent on spreadsheets, logistics, and the not-so-fun stuff have grown—way more than I ever imagined. Yet, I’ve come to realize how necessary it all is. Being strategic, using data to make the best decisions, and staying resilient when faced with what seems like an impossible problem are what keep us moving forward.

While creativity still fuels our designs, strategy and resilience are what truly keep us going. From planning product launches to managing inventory, setting realistic goals, and continuously learning about marketing and operations, we’ve realized that structure and adaptability are just as important as inspiration. There have been moments when things didn’t go as planned, but having a clear strategy—and the determination to adapt when needed—has helped us navigate challenges and grow sustainably. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s worth it.

3. There’s No Such Thing as 'Doing It All'

In the early days, most business owners believe they have to juggle everything for as long as they possibly can. But the truth is, you need help sooner than you think. It's was very scary to make the first hire - my mind was flooded with doubts: Will I be able to pay their salary? Will they care about this business as much as I do? Can they really do the job as well as I can?

What I’ve learned, though, is that some things won’t go as planned—and that’s okay. Frustrations happen, mistakes are made, and not every detail will be flawless. But the most important lesson has been this: prioritizing, trusting the team, and delegating are not just necessary—they’re liberating. Letting go of the pressure to “do it all” has allowed me to focus on what truly moves the business forward. Adaptability is key, and learning to lean on others has been one of the most freeing (and rewarding) parts of this journey.

4. Trends Come and Go, But Staying True to Your Vision Matters

In today's world, trends can be irresistible to chase. They bring visibility and excitement, but we’ve learned the importance of staying true to our core values and vision. While we embrace trends that align with our brand, we always take a step back to ask: Does this reflect who we are? Does this serve our community?

Our modern and unique needlepoint kits are what sets us apart, and we never want to lose that. By consistently reconnecting with our mission of helping people find their inner calm and creativity, and what makes Unwind Studio special, we ensure that everything we create is meaningful, authentic, and true to our original purpose. Plus, with social media these days, trends are often short and pass by super quickly, so it usually shouldn't be something to depend on.

5. Community is Everything

If there’s one lesson that stands above all, it’s this: our community is what gives this business purpose. Every decision we make—from new designs to improvements in our products—is guided by our customers and their feedback (P.S. we love the ritual of preparing our annual customer survey!). 

We would not be here without their support, encouragement, and enthusiasm. Every order, review, comment, and message fuels us to keep going. And there is truly no feeling like seeing our designs stitched by someone else—each shared picture is a reminder of why we do what we do. Our community is at the heart of Unwind Studio, and we will always keep them in mind as we continue to grow and evolve!

Some designs stitched by customers over the years:

 

Thank You for 5 Amazing Years

As we celebrate this milestone, we really want to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has supported us along the way. Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just recently discovered Unwind Studio, we appreciate you more than words can express. Here’s to the next chapter, to continued creativity, and to building an even stronger community together!!

All our love,
Cristina & the Unwind Studio Team