Some days I wake up and immediately wonder if I’m doing it all wrong.
Sales are down. My to-do list feels impossible. The pressure to figure it all out, to be everything... maker, marketer, accountant, CEO that's always smiling cheerleader... it’s a lot.
And in those moments, the voice in my head gets really loud.
“What are you doing?”
“Should you even keep going?”
“Is this working?”
“What if you’re wasting your time?”
Working for yourself is beautiful, but it’s also brutal. Especially when you’re a perfectionist. Especially when you’re the one who carries the entire weight of the brand, the vision, the future. It can feel like a lot, and if I'm being completely honest, sometimes too much.
But then something happens.
Something small.
But so powerful.
A review comes through.
A customer stops me in person.
Someone says, “I don’t remember your name, but I remember that candle I got from you… it was so good.”
Or, “I gave your candle to a friend, and they asked where I got it.”
Or, “I’ve been meaning to tell you how much I love what you’re doing.”
And just like that, I exhale.
Because I remember: That’s why I’m doing this.
For the person whose spirit lifted... even 1%.
For the stranger who smelled something that made them feel home.
For the little moment someone thought was gift-worthy.
The truth is, I might not be here without that encouragement.
I’m five years in, and I still find myself back at “square one” all the time! Second guessing, reevaluating, changing things, chasing what feels true. That’s where the name Love Square One came from. It’s about falling in love with the beginning. With the process. With being willing to start again.
Every product I make, every jar I pour, every fragrance I blend... carries that energy. And every word of encouragement I receive? It carries me.
So if you’ve ever bought from me…
Or told a friend about Love Square One…
Or sent a kind message or left a 5-star review…
Please know this:
You helped keep this dream alive.
And if you’re someone who’s building something of your own right now, and you’re wondering if it’s worth it, or if you’re doing enough... I hope this post feels like your reminder. You’re doing more than you know. You’re making an impact, even if it’s quiet. Even if it’s not measurable yet.
Sometimes the thing that changes everything isn’t a huge break.
Sometimes it’s a kind word.
A small order.
A single person who believes in you when you’re not sure you believe in yourself.
That’s what you’ve been for me.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
With love,
Joanna
Love Square One