Starting From Scratch: The Journey of Penny's Dream Note Card and More
Five months ago, Penny's Dream Note Card and More began as an idea—a spark of creativity and hope that felt too big to ignore. Opening a new business was thrilling but also terrifying. It’s stepping into the unknown, not knowing if your vision will resonate with others or if your dream can stand up against the challenges ahead.
The Fear and Uncertainty
Those first days were full of questions: Will people like what I create? What if this doesn’t work? Am I really cut out for this?
With every new product, there’s a hope that it will connect with someone, that it will bring joy or meaning to their day.
But then come the moments when sales are slow, the excitement fades, and doubt starts to creep in. You question everything—your ideas, your approach, even the decision to start the business in the first place. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions that swings between hope and worry, optimism and fear.
The Creative Process: Both Rewarding and Challenging
Pouring your creativity into new products is an incredible experience, but it’s not always easy. There’s so much effort behind every note card and handcrafted item, from brainstorming designs to turning ideas into tangible creations.
Some days are full of inspiration, while others feel like you’re hitting a wall. Even when you’ve done your best, there’s always the lingering doubt: Will this be good enough? Will someone else see the value in it the way I do? It’s a vulnerable process, putting a piece of yourself out there and hoping it’s met with appreciation.
Moments of Connection
And then come the moments that remind you why you started. A customer shares how a note card brightened their day, or someone stops by your booth at an event and says they love your work. It’s these little moments that make all the struggle and self-doubt worth it.
The journey of the first five months hasn’t been easy, but it’s been full of heart. Each connection, each small success, is a reminder that dreams take time to grow—and that even the slow days are a step forward.
Looking Forward
As Penny’s Dream approaches its 5-month milestone, it’s a moment to reflect and celebrate—not just the wins but also the lessons learned along the way.
Building something from nothing takes courage, and every challenge has been an opportunity to grow stronger. There’s still so much ahead—new ideas, new events, new connections—and we’re excited to keep pushing forward, fueled by the hope and determination that got us here.
To everyone who’s been part of this journey so far: thank you for believing in Penny’s Dream Note Card and More. We’re still at the beginning, but it’s a beginning filled with hope, creativity, and resilience.