Running a Small Business - May Update 2026
Susan HollittHi, I’m Susie, the face behind Cards and Crafts by Susie, a small handmade card business based in Australia.
This is a behind-the-scenes look at what running my small business has looked like throughout May, from new creations and restocking to the everyday moments in between. To some useful moments that I hope you can use in your own small business journey.
The studio has been busy with new sympathy cards and Mother’s Day designs being created for the shops. These kinds of cards are always so different to make, one celebrating love and appreciation, the other offering comfort during difficult times, but both are a reminder of how meaningful handmade cards can be.
What I’m learning: Not every card has to be elaborate to mean something. Sometimes the simplest designs are the ones people connect with the most.
Tip: When creating cards, focus on the feeling behind them first, the design often comes together more naturally after that.
One very exciting moment this month was having South Aussie with Cosi visit the shop. It was one of those surreal small business moments where you stop for a second and think, “This is actually happening.” Seeing local businesses being supported and shared always means a lot, especially in creative communities.
What I’m learning: Small businesses grow through connection and community just as much as products.
Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of showing up, networking, and saying yes to opportunities, even the unexpected ones.
Just before my birthday, I also received a large order for 100 coloured butterflies. It quickly turned into an all-hands-on-deck situation, with my mum and sister jumping in to help me get them all finished. There was a lot of cutting, sorting, and organising happening around the table, but honestly, it made the whole project even more special.
What I’m learning: Sometimes asking for help is part of the process, not a sign that you can’t do it yourself.
Tip: Big orders can feel overwhelming at first, so breaking them into smaller tasks makes them far more manageable.
Outside of the studio, May also brought a pretty big milestone! I turned 40! We celebrated with a party surrounded by family and friends, and it felt really nice to pause and actually celebrate for once instead of immediately moving onto the next task.
Not long after, I headed off to Brisbane to visit my best friend Kelly and see the Five concert together. It was the perfect mix of nostalgia, fun, and a chance to properly step away from work for a few days.
What I’m learning: Creativity needs balance. Taking time away from work often leaves me feeling more inspired when I come back to it.
Tip: Rest and fun are productive too, especially in creative businesses.
Back at home, one of my favourite additions to the craft room this month has been a new peg board my husband made for me. It’s such a simple thing, but having a more organised and functional workspace has already made a huge difference. Plus, it looks pretty good too.
What I’m learning: Small changes to your workspace can completely change how you feel while creating.
Tip: Organising your creative space doesn’t have to be expensive, even simple storage solutions can make a big impact.
This month has also been full of planning and creating new ideas behind the scenes. I’ve started working on four brand new activity boxes. Beach, Princess, Ballet, and a Pink Positive box. Each one has been slowly coming together with its own theme, colours, and activities, and it’s been really fun letting my creativity move beyond just cards.
What I’m learning: Trying new product ideas keeps creativity fresh and helps me continue growing the business in new ways.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different products, sometimes your next idea comes from simply trying something new.
Another exciting project this month has been designing my own printed wrapping paper using some of my pun card designs. Seeing my illustrations transformed into something completely different has been such a fun process, and it’s exciting seeing my designs grow into new products.
What I’m learning: One design can often be used in more ways than you first realise.
Tip: Look at your existing products and think about how they could be adapted into something new before starting from scratch.
And finally, I’ve also been preparing for a brand new opportunity to stock my cards down at Christies Beach. This has meant plenty of creating, organising, and making sure I have enough cards ready to fill the space. Opportunities like this are always exciting, but they also come with a lot of preparation behind the scenes.
What I’m learning: Growth often arrives quietly, one opportunity, one new shop, and one step at a time.
Tip: Preparation is key when expanding into new spaces. Having enough stock ready helps make the transition feel much less stressful.
Looking back, May has been full in so many different ways, creative projects, personal milestones, exciting opportunities, and moments that reminded me why I love running this small business.
This month has taught me a lot about balance, consistency, asking for help when needed, and trusting new ideas even before I know exactly where they’ll lead.
For now, I’m ending May feeling grateful, inspired, and excited to see where the next month takes me.
Susie x
