(Next restock 2/17/15 at 7 PM EST. Follow on instagram or subscribe to the newsletter through the homepage for updates.)

After a few weeks with the new bigger kiln firing I've learned a lot about my business, production routine, and what works and perhaps most importantly, what doesn't work for my growing studio. I've been impatiently waiting to add a larger kiln into the studio for years. As many of you may know, kilns are very expensive and they often require expensive wiring. My waiting for a new kiln was in part financial, but more than that, it was instinctual.

I'm one of those people who lives by their gut feelings. Intellectually I knew a big kiln was imperative to moving forward, and that I could technically afford the purchase. But in my gut, I had this slow, gnawing feeling that the timing wasn't quite right. I still don't have a firm answer as to why I felt that way. Certainly, production is mucheasier now that I have the bigger kiln firing. And arguably I could have experienced this relief and ease sooner if I'd taken the plunge. But it just didn't feel right. I've been working this one over in my head for some time, and I think that I simply wasn't ready for my business to grow in this way until now.

In today's online world there is a constant momentum, a rushing, flooding, pounding feeling of forward driven pressure. I knew the demand for my work was enough to justify the kiln purchase, but I wanted to take some time to stand still and think; instead of giving in to the undertow, and propelling forward into the unknown.

I'm still learning about my business and what I want it to become. It's exhilarating to know that there is such interest in my work, and I hope with the new kiln to better satisfy that growing demand. But it is very important to me to remember to trust the process, and to actually experience this time of growth, rather than blurring through it. I want to end up somewhere that I want to be. And I want my business to grow with me, instead of away. 

The new weekly updates are my solution to this time of growth (next update 2/17/15). This working schedule allows me to identify which products are of greatest interest, and to focus on higher production of these items. It also provides me with the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind pieces to showcase and sort of, audition each week, to see what will make the cut into the official Suite One Studio lineup. This is an exciting time of change in my business and I'm so thankful for each one of you who have shown me such support over the past few years. 

If you're currently in the midst of a big decision and you're feeling hesitation and doubt, I would encourage you to ask yourself these questions:

Why am I hesitating?

What is the true risk of moving forward?

What is the possible reward of moving forward?

Will this step bring me closer to myself and where I want my future to be?

These are the questions I regularly ask myself when making business and life decisions. Anytime I answer with a fear-based answer I dig a little deeper. Fear itself should never be the thing holding you back. But, I'm a huge advocate of helping yourself get to the right emotional and financial place before diving into something big. That's where trusting your gut comes in. Just remember that it's okay to slow down a little and feel the current with your feet fully planted, without getting caught up and swept away by it. Even good things like business growth can make you a passive participant in your own life. So take some time to make sure you're ready, and then you can actively participate in the new chapter you've created for yourself.