The September Business Diary: Behind the Scenes of a Mum-Owned Small Business

September 2026 Roundup

Welcome back to my new mini-blog series, where I reflect on what happened while running my UK small business over the past month. Check my roundup for July/August 2026 here.

September is usually the month when I start to see the start of the Christmas sales season. Although slow, sales are slowly starting to go up again.

My son went back to school this month, and as a result, the school runs begin again. But I do really love the mornings when he is holding my hand and talking to me (and he does talk a lot). But although I have the school runs to do, I have been getting a lot done.

It may still be slow, but September has still been busy.

So let’s break the month down and take a snapshot look at what’s been happening.

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Sales Snapshot 📦

Overall, sales for September have been slightly better compared to the summer months.

But with the Festive period starting to build, I expect it to start getting busier.

Overview of Shop Stats:

• Best Seller: Sci-Fi Door/Wall Sign

• Unexpected Performer: Cake Queen Apron – Sent my first sale to the USA. I can't wait for them to receive it.

• Slower Product: Drink Tea, Read Books, Repeat coaster. Usually a good seller.

Website had issues with the security certificate, so visits have been nonexistent. Once my husband has it sorted and is able to post more frequently, then I expect the visits to go up.

Repeat Customers: I had two repeat customers this month — One from the USA and another closer to home. So glad they came back for more.

What Worked Well: Social media has remained steady. Slight increase in visits from social media.

What I’m Changing for October: With Christmas around the corner, my focus will shift to gifting and gift ideas for under £10/£5. Also focus on some aesthetic images as well to help customers imagine my products in their home.

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Product Development Corner 🎨

I launched 2 new products and 2 new gift bundles in September.

I managed to launch:

• New mug design

• Tea Towel

• 2 New gift bundles

I have a new coaster design, adapting a current popular Christmas decoration, a new festive mug, a sticker sheet, and I am currently developing a new custom tin design.

Newly added to my Cake Queen collection: The Pumpkin Queen mug and the Ready. Steady. Bake. Tea towel

New gift bundles. The Bakers Gift Bundle and the Cute Desk Bundle. Bundles cheaper than buying the items individually.

Looking ahead to October, finishing up the autumn-inspired ideas and starting to bring in Christmas designs and products.

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Community & Connection 🤍

The small business community still continues to amaze me.

Right now, it’s incredibly difficult for many handmade businesses. We are all supporting one another through these tough times. The biggest cheerleaders are other small businesses.

More than ever, supporting small businesses truly matters

Big shout-out to Creative Kinsfolk for their support and inspiring reminding us about how creativity can bring us joy.

And another lovely shout-out to Bitsy Boutiques for the lovely comments she has left on my posts on Instagram.

Please do check out their pages if you love discovering other small businesses.

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The Reality Check

The summer months are behind us now and we start to look forward to the busiest time of year for many businesses.

It’s time to get organised:

• Print off enough thank you cards

• Check and order more stock, especially for popular products

• Get Christmas products out as soon as possible

• Pre-press non custom items so they are ready to go

Taking advantage on the slower days to ensure everything is ready to go when the orders really do start to come in.

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Life Behind the Desktop☕

September may marks the early beginning of a christmas sales season, but I’m incredibly grateful for the flexibility this business gives me around home and school life.

This month, I:

• Updated more listing photo’s

• Updated listing descriptions

• Launched new products

• Review of listing tags

• worked on future product ideas

The income I make help during the early autumn and late summer months go towards my Christmas stock so every sale really matters to me.

It can absolutely be hard at times, but it’s still worth it.

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Looking Ahead to October

As October arrives, I’ll be promoting Autumn cosy vibes and the start of the Christmas promoting. I will also get then last few Autumn and Christmas items out in time for when christmas gifting becomes the main key word for everyone.

I will continue to update listing photo’s and descriptions but not at the same pace as what I have been, in anticipation of a busy few months.

New launches are also planned for June, including:

• a festive storage tin

• a christmas sticker sheet

• a updated design for popular christmas decoration

• New festive coffee mug design

And of course, school life is about to get busier again, with halloween disco, Harvest festival, and more kids birthday parties to attend..

October is definitely shaping up to be another busy month behind the scenes.

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Until Next Month

Thank you for supporting my little business this month. Whether you ordered, shared, liked or simply cheered me on — it truly means everything.

If you’re a fellow small business owner, I’d love to hear how your April went. Why not share your own reflections in the comments?

Until next month 💛