We've made it through 2024 and I've managed to notch up another year of Bornella Fabrics. I honestly can't tell you how proud that makes me feel. As a small business owner you literally feel every bump in the road, every take off, every landing. It's a wonderful rollercoaster to be on and all the emotions are way over the top.
I'm not a big one for resolutions at this time of year. I'm more of a 'decide-something-on-a random-Tuesday-afternoon-and-go-for-it' sort of a girl. BUT I am keen to have goals to aim towards. Research says if you tell people your goals then you're more likely to stick to them. My experience says otherwise. But in the spirit of the New Year, I'll do it anyway. So here are my business, and personal, goals for 2025:
Do more sewing
I did a woeful amount of sewing in 2024. Life just seemed to get in the way and I didn't prioritise it. I need to fix this for 2025!! My aim is to carve out a bit of regular sewing time every week, so I know that whatever happens, I'll be able to do it. I might try other strategies, like grabbing 20 minutes here and there. It's not very easy for me as I do all my sewing at the kitchen table so getting the stuff and out and putting it back takes 20 minutes in itself. But I'm going to start positive...
Go to more in-person events
Before I started my online business, I assumed that I'd never meet other sewists. I cannot tell you how far this is from reality - I love the in-person side of sewing so I'm going to make sure I do more of what I love!
I've got a couple of big sewing shows lined up for 2025 - Stitch Festival and Thread.. a festival of textiles, in Farnham and ambitions to do at least another 2 big shows. Plus I've got a HertsSewcials day booked for a couple of weeks time and hopefully I'll make it to a SurreySews event this year. I'm going to make more of an effort to get to out and about and chat to awesome other sewists!
Sort out my space
For those who don't know, Bornella Fabrics is a small business, run out of a small room. And my hope is that 2025 will see me move into a studio of some sorts. I'm currently on a LONG waiting list. But if that doesn't happen for a while I'm going to have a rejig of the space I have so it works better for me. Tidy space, tidy mind.
Push myself to be more ambitious
I'm a naturally risk-averse person, so stepping out of my comfort zone isn't always my first choice. But I'm going to give myself permission this year to take risks. I've already set the ball rolling with trying to design some new haberdashery (watch this space... it's definitely NOT my comfort zone but I'm going to relish the challenge.) I'd also like to push that into sewing - trying some new styles and stepping out from the 'jeans and a nice top' hole that I currently seem to be down.
Put myself first more often
Which is ironic as I've put this as my last resolution! 2025 will see me taking on more caring responsibilities for my family, so this one is really a reiteration of resolution no. 1: Do more sewing. It's my happy space, my me time and my mindfulness in one. Plus you get a nice frock to show for it! So I'm going to put myself first a couple of times a week, and sew!!
Let's chat back at the end of the year and see how I got on, shall we!? A very happy New Year to you and I wish you a wonderful 2025.
Happy sewing,
Tanya xx
