5 Things I Did Not See Coming in 2025!

January 6, 2026

Reader

It is 2026 and I am ready to enter into this year with a hopeful attitude! As I look back on this past year, I’m struck by how many beautiful opportunities unfolded that I never could have predicted. They came from showing up, doing the work, and staying open.

I hope you do not mind me sharing five things I truly did not see coming in 2025 — and what they reminded me about creative business, faith, and growth.

1.Licensing children’s bedding designs I never imagined licensing six designs for children’s bedding to a home décor company. What began as creative exploration - attending the High Point Market turned into a door opening I couldn’t have planned. It reminded me that exploring and stepping out of my comfort zone matters, even when you don’t know who’s watching yet.

I learned so much from this venture! Licensing, working with a company that had specific requirements! I will share more in the coming months about all of this!

2. Turning a photograph into a wall mural A special memory from a photograph became something immersive. Seeing an image expand into an entire wall reminded me how stories grow when given space. Sometimes our work just needs room to breathe before it becomes what it’s meant to be.

I learned that selecting the RIGHT company to produce this large size photo is very important! I used Colorchrome in Atlanta. They are the best in the business -

3. Designing alongside an interior designer. Creating custom designs for an interior designer stretched me in new ways. This collaboration was rooted in listening and trust. A beautiful reminder that our work often comes alive when we allow others to bring us into their process.

Relationship building is an important factor! I can't stress how much putting yourself out there and having a servant heart is the key. I love hearing "the customer loves their space."

4. Working with a homeowner on custom designs for wallpaper and fabric for a home renovation was deeply personal. This wasn’t about trends — it was about creating something meaningful for someone’s everyday life. Design rooted in home is design rooted in heart.

I have so many important jewels to share with designers on this project! Which is still not completed yet. I will be sharing - it is an experience of a lifetime.

5. Creating my first woven fabric! This was something I saw as a plus for my portfolio. Woven fabrics have a rich texture and weight that was necessary for 2 products I was working on; heavy weight draperies and a dining chair. I actually designed 8 dinning in collaboration with my client, Kindly Woven, and Kravet - Yes...Kravet!

Partnering with a manufacturer was something new! It was a tremendous learning experience. Put yourself in the big rooms, be willing to learn. The chairs are being constructed and will be complete very soon I absolutely can not wait to share this!

Looking back, I see a clear thread: none of these opportunities came from rushing or forcing outcomes. They came from planting seeds, caring for them faithfully, and trusting the process.

One verse has stayed close to my heart this year:
“Do not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

If you’re in a season where things feel slow, unseen, or uncertain, I hope this encourages you. Keep creating. Keep learning. Keep reaching out. The work you’re doing matters — even when you can’t yet see the full picture.

In the coming months, I’ll be sharing more about how I develop new collections, how I reach out and build genuine relationships, and how those relationships — with interior designers, homeowners, and renovators — slowly turn into meaningful, sustainable business.

For now, I’d love to hear from you.
What’s one seed you’re planting this season?

With gratitude,
Lori