What I’ve Learned in the Quiet: Lessons from the "Pause"

Hi girl,

It’s been a little quiet around here, hasn’t it?

The truth is, I haven't stepped away from She Markets per se...

But I decided to really shift my focus to growing my physical storefront and developing new ideas. In the time so far, I learned so much about what it means to scale a brand and as always, I'd love to share my knowledge with you!

I’m not nearly where I want to be yet, but here are 5 tips from my own journey. These aren’t from a place of perfection; just experience:

1. It's Ok to Start Small

I’ve realized that investing in products isn’t about doing it constantly, but about how strategically it’s done. While this may seem obvious, when the creativity takes over, sometimes it's hard to pull yourself back from wanting to launch it all at once. So what I've found is that beginning with niche products but some that can still resonate with more than one segment of your target audience, is the way to go. It’s about intentional variety.

Over the past few months, I also took the time to study international brands - I visited and browsed their websites and social media pages. One consistent trend stood out: many of the most successful brands start with just one or a few staunch, well-crafted pieces or services, and they group them into categories on their sites. They build a name around quality and identity first, and then branch out thoughtfully. This approach is something I’ve taken to heart.

2. Introduce New Pieces/Services in Small Batches

Introducing just a few products or even a single service at a time allows you to test the waters without overextending yourself. It gives you space to observe what truly resonates with your audience, what they’re drawn to, what they return for, and what they tell others about. This approach not only prevents you from holding excess inventory or getting pulled in too many directions with the provision of your services, but it also helps you make smarter, data-driven decisions as you grow. It’s about learning in real time, refining as you go, and building something that’s both intentional and sustainable. I've also come to find that customers appreciate your growth even more, because they see your progress and how you've been intentional with your brand.

3. Take Note of Customer Feedback

Not everything will be actionable, but patterns will emerge. Analyzing feedback for me especially when it comes to QUDO Barbados includes activities such as taking note of who made the comment - was it a new or repeat customer? Was that person stating something worth taking into serious consideration or were they simply being a little ‘malicious’? These are questions I ask myself and I weigh the scenario before acting on the advice that was given/comment that was mentioned. I also tend to take a pause and assess the product/service even more as well as put myself in their position, which then helps me to ask myself if the roles were reversed, would I feel the same? These short activities help me to resolve everything in a quick manner.

4. Test the Waters Before Diving In

It's always good to do some research before going all-in. And while research is expensive, it doesn't have to be. Even if you don’t have a storefront, quite easy and reliable methods are to use free tools like Instagram stories, surveys, or ask customers when they're in your presence what they think about items you may be considering to bring next. I typically use these methods when I am looking to onboard another product. I would show customers pieces in store via a catalog. I sometimes would not ask them outright what they think, but I point out the styles to gauge their reactions. If they seem excited, then I prepare to take the risk and invest in the items, followed by informing them of when I am looking to stock the item. This method has proven to be successful. To sum that all up, first you pique their interest, measure their level of excitement and before stocking the item, give them a heads up on when they can expect the pieces to arrive. This helps to generate leads for when you actually have the pieces in hand. Sometimes I even go as far as taking their contact, so that I can notify them of when the items are in stock.

5. Don’t Reinvest Every Penny

This last tip I'd like to leave is short and sweet! Split your revenue into fixed costs like rent and restocking essentials, a portion for upgrades or new ideas (like packaging or equipment), and savings. And always leave a little to treat yourself even if it’s just a slice of cake. You deserve it.

I know the journey can feel overwhelming at times especially when you're building something you care so deeply about. But I hope these insights serve as a little reminder that slow and intentional growth is still growth. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula, and you’re allowed to take your time, pivot, and learn along the way.

Thanks for sticking with me even during the quiet seasons. I'm truly excited to reconnect and keep pouring into this community. You can expect more of these honest reflections, helpful tips, and resources to support you on your own journey, whatever stage you’re at.

Let’s keep tending to our lemon trees—watering them with intention, pruning when needed, and trusting that with time, they’ll bear the sweetest fruit.

Xoxo,

Christal-Ann