A final thought as the year comes to a close

As I’ve been thinking about what to share as a final note for the year, and realizing I may have been putting a bit too much pressure on it, I thought about a recent conversation I had with Polly Wales.

She talked about her Skull Ring and how bringing it to shows for years didn’t lead to immediate success. Buyers weren’t responding. Instead of cutting it from the collection, Polly and her team believed in the design, so they kept it. Over time, it found its audience and eventually became one of their best sellers.

What stayed with me wasn’t just the outcome, but the patience behind it. The willingness to stand by the work before the market understands it. The restraint it takes not to abandon something simply because it hasn’t found its audience yet.

Building a strong, sustainable jewelry business takes time and effort. Years of small growth, repetition, and showing up consistently. If you’re committed to the work and genuinely passionate about what you’re creating, success often comes slowly, and sometimes quietly, before it becomes visible.

I know many designers are feeling burnt out heading into the new year. You’re not alone. I’ve had my own ups and downs this past year and more than a few moments where I questioned everything. But I keep coming back to the same thing: reconnecting with your creative vision matters. Success comes from embracing what makes you different and staying with it, even when the response feels slow.

As the year comes to a close, I hope this serves as a reminder to stay focused, keep showing up, and trust the work.