Hi there

How are you feeling with the arrival of summer?

I usually have high energy in this season. However, this year, I want to retreat a little, to quietly nurture my ideas. To say no or not yet, and to save all my yeses for the things that truly light me up.

As I write this, and the latest episode of the Brand Seasons podcast reaches listeners, I'm reflecting on what it truly takes to embrace seasonality in business. I'm curious to rediscover my own unique rhythm and remind myself that, much like the dahlia that expands and contracts as it flourishes, growth isn't linear but rhythmic.

When I last met with my coach, Sara Duigou, we talked about spirals and stages of growth. On this spiral, there are times of action and focus, and there are times of pausing and stillness, and we grow through both. And while we can show up in small ways without impacting our creative energy too much, I can sense a deep need to enjoy a digital hiatus and create from a calmer place. I'm not convinced I can do that without breaking away for a short while.

With this in mind, I think my summer will involve less "showing up" online and more showing up for myself. But how will this play out in practice?

1. Slowing down

While I've enjoyed recording and publishing the Brand Seasons podcast, I've decided to take a mid-season break to recharge before it returns. So far, we've explored living and working in alignment with the seasons, sowing ideas that support our vision and values, and tending to our creative foundations. In my latest episode with Laura Blume, we discuss harnessing energy and creating structure and I have one more solo episode coming up, about resourcing ourselves ahead of a launch.

2. Creating less

When focusing on something new, I occasionally forget to stop saying yes in other areas of my life, which can lead to a pretty full plate. To help me avoid this, the plan is to complete client projects, and then free up my resources for crowdfunding plans. It feels like a time to find some flow in crafting my Brand Seasons Playdeck and Paper and allow some excitement to unfold around the opportunity to design two things I’ve dreamt of making for some time.

Did you know you can join the launch waitlist and enjoy the early bird rewards when the campaign goes live?

3. Finding calm

Separating home and work has been on the cards for some time, so I was delighted to find a studio in the nearby town of Melrose, and we moved in yesterday! While the change was about putting some boundaries in place, it feels like I'm turning the page to a new chapter in my work, too. Our landlord has been so helpful, freshening up the space ready for us to make our mark, and I'm eager to get creative with styling but maintain a calm and cosy feel. A home away from home!

This, I hope, will free me up for a summer of fun with the kids, as well as a season of play for myself.

What does summer have in store for you?