Running a Small Business - February Update 2026

Hi, I'm Susie, the face behind Cards and Crafts by Susie, a small handmade card business based in Australia.

Welcome to my February studio update! This month has been full of exciting new opportunities, creative projects, and plenty of time spent making, designing, and restocking. From joining a brand-new collective to preparing for Valentine's Day and creating new products, here's a look behind the scenes at everything that's been happening this month.

One of the biggest highlights came on the very first day of February when I joined a new collective in Goolwa. It was such an exciting milestone for my business, and to make the day even more special, someone purchased one of my handmade cards while I was still in the shop. It felt like a wonderful sign that this new opportunity was off to a great start.

Later in the week I designed some new Poppy Kits for the website and finally launched my new "Better Together" card designs. Seeing new ideas go from my craft table to my online shop is always one of my favourite parts of the creative process.

• What I'm learning: Small steps completed consistently move the business forward far more than waiting for everything to be perfect.
• Tip: Don't wait until you have lots of new products before updating your website. Adding products regularly keeps your shop fresh and gives customers reasons to return.

Having a business meeting last night was a bit tricky with this little one sitting on my laptop! 😂 These are the behind-the-scenes moments that don't always make it onto social media, but they definitely make running a small business memorable.

While watching television with my son, who I hadn't seen for six weeks, I spent the evening making cards for Lemon Fizz. It was a lovely reminder that creativity doesn't always have to happen in the craft room, it can fit around family life too.

• What I'm learning: Not every productive day looks the same. Sometimes the best work happens in the quiet moments at home.
• Tip: Share the real side of your business as well as the finished products. Customers enjoy seeing the people and stories behind handmade businesses.

Valentine's Day itself was a little different this year, as my husband was away for work. Even so, he surprised me with twelve beautiful red roses and chocolates, making the day feel special despite the distance.

Another exciting addition this month was finally having the wardrobe installed in my craft room. Every improvement to my workspace helps make creating easier and keeps everything more organised.

Towards the end of the month, I worked on social media graphics for an upcoming market vendor spotlight and received an order for a large Get Well card, which I was able to create and send out the very same day. It reminded me that there may be room to expand my range of larger handmade cards in the future.

The month finished with even more creating as I designed duck and bunny lollipop holders for my niece's birthday, made new gift boxes, assembled card-making kits, and restocked both Lemon Fizz Mt Barker and Lemon Fizz Blackwood.

• What I'm learning: Running a handmade business means wearing many hats. Every day brings something different, and that's one of the things I love most about it.
• Tip: Be open to where customer orders lead you. Sometimes a single custom request becomes the inspiration for a whole new product range.

Looking back, February has been a month filled with exciting opportunities, creative ideas, and meaningful moments. From welcoming my cards into a new collective and refreshing seasonal displays to creating products for family, customers, and the website, every project has helped my little business continue to grow.

I'm finishing the month feeling grateful for every opportunity, every customer, and everyone who continues to support Cards and Crafts by Susie. I'm looking forward to seeing what March has in store.

Susie x