How Far We’ve Come: A Year of Growth, Learning, and Big Smiles
When I look back on this past year at Stay Sea Smiles, I feel equal parts pride, gratitude, and awe. What began as an idea rooted in creativity and a want to see people smile, has grown into something far bigger than I ever imagined and this year, in particular, has been one of learning and growth.
If you’ve ever run a business, you know that progress rarely comes without challenges. This year brought its fair share. There were label revisions…so many label revisions. Fonts that looked perfect on screen but not in print. Colors that shifted. Sizes that needed tweaking. Countless test runs to get everything just right. Each adjustment taught me something new, and every mistake helped refine the brand into what it is today.
Then there were vendor events. Oh, the vendor events. Setting up tents in unpredictable weather, and smiling through sudden rainstorms or heat. There were early mornings, long days, and tired feet, but also laughter, kind customers, and the joy of seeing people genuinely connect with our products. Every market helped shape not just our displays, but our confidence.
Through all of it, Stay Sea Smiles kept growing so much that it took us by surprise.
We learned how to streamline processes, plan ahead, adapt quickly, and trust our instincts. We learned what customers love, what scents speak to them, and how important storytelling is in every candle, oil, and gift we create. Most importantly, we learned to give ourselves grace during the busy seasons and patience during the slower ones.
Creativity has always been at the heart of Stay Sea Smiles. Some ideas come together effortlessly, while others take time, and that’s okay. This year reminded us that creativity isn’t rushed. It’s nurtured.
And now, we’re stepping into an exciting new chapter.
In January, Stay Sea Smiles will open a storefront at the Hurlburt Field Exchange Mall. That sentence still feels surreal to write. What started with tents and tables is becoming a place, one where customers can walk in, take their time, and experience the brand in a whole new way. While change always brings new challenges, it also brings opportunity, and we are incredibly grateful for the support that made this possible.
This year was not perfect, but it was purposeful and prayed over.
Every challenge, every late night, every adjustment helped shape the business Stay Sea Smiles is becoming. Thank you to everyone who shopped with us, shared kind words, stopped by a booth in the wind, or cheered us on behind the scenes. You are part of this story.
Here’s to the coming new year and all the smiles still ahead.
Stay Sea Smiles LLC
How Far We’ve Come: A Year of Growth, Learning, and Big Smiles
