2026 Goals: Leveling Up My Brands and Embracing Being on Camera

 

Happy New Year

Happy New Year, everyone.

Today is Thursday, January 1st, 2026, New Year's Day. What better time to talk about fresh starts, new directions, and the goals I'm setting for the year ahead. New year, new focus. My biggest goal for 2026 is one that's honestly a little intimidating.

I want to get truly comfortable on video. That means showing up on camera during our up north trips, sharing the raw, real moments, and being the face of Sunset Artisan Jewelry and Homestead in the Mitten way more often. Imagine me walking the shores of the Great Lakes, fossil and rock hunting, flipping over stones and showing you what I find right there in the moment.

Exploring new ATV trails with my phone rolling, capturing the windy views. Sitting quietly in different parks with my binoculars, whispering about the birds I'm spotting. I want you to feel like you're right there with me.

Vibrant Jasper Necklace with Sterling Silver Accents

And for the jewelry brand, more behind the scenes. The cluttered studio table, the hands-on polymer clay process, the excitement when a new gemstone bead design finally clicks. I want my face, my voice, my slightly scattered thoughts to become familiar.

Because right now, I've been hiding behind pretty photos for too long. Here's the real talk. My brain jumps around a lot.

It always has. And that energy has definitely spilled into our brands and social media. It might be jewelry one day, a random bird pic the next, then a quick home project.

It feels scattered because I'm scattered. And it's just me doing it all. No team, no fancy scheduler, no content manager.

Just me, my ideas, and a big learning curve that I'm committed to getting better. That's why I've made a realistic plan, posting multiple times per week for both brands. Consistent themes, consistent colors, consistent storytelling.

Homestead in the Mitten will keep feeling like your cozy peek into slow Michigan living. And Sunset Artisan Jewelry will stay your spot for lightweight, colorful, nature-inspired pieces that make you smile. Oh, and we recently upgraded the jewelry site to a faster, cleaner platform.

It's smoother on mobile, loads quicker, and just feels more put together. I'm really happy with it and I hope it makes shopping even easier for you. The link is always in the show notes if you want to take a look and maybe treat yourself for the new year.

All of this. The more videos, more consistency, better storytelling. It isn't just growing accounts.

It's about building toward the life we dream about. One where up north is home base, not just a getaway. These are the seeds I'm planting today, on day one of 2026.

Trilobite tail fossil

So here's to a year of more rocks in my pockets, more birds on my camera roll, more of my real self in your feed, and more intention in everything I share. If you're setting goals today too, getting on video, finding consistency, or chasing your own version of slow living bliss, tell me about it. DM me, leave a comment, tag me in your new year stories.

Let's cheer each other on all year long. Thank you for starting 2026 with me. I'm so grateful you're here as I keep figuring it out, one intentional step at a time.

Now go out there and find something beautiful today. Until next time.