Cheers to Progress: My Business Journey So Far in 2026 and the Surprising Twists Along the Way!

A Mid-Year Pause

It's hard to believe we're already halfway through 2026.

When January arrived, I had plans, goals, and a long list of things I hoped to achieve in my small business. Some things went exactly as expected. Others took completely unexpected turns.

Running a small business often feels a bit like planning a picnic and discovering you've accidentally booked a rollercoaster instead.

So, grab a cup of tea and join me as I look back on the first half of 2026—the wins, the challenges, the surprises, and the lessons I've learned along the way.

Starting the Year: My Goals for 2026

Things I Wanted to Achieve

• Grow my Etsy shop
• Increase website traffic
• Launch new products
• Improve my social media presence
• Continue balancing business and family life

What I Thought the Year Would Look Like

I knew 2026 was going to be a difficult year for sales. With the new USA tariff charges, GPSR and the general cost of living, sales were going to slow down.

Rather than focusing purely on sales, I decided to use the quieter periods to strengthen the foundations of the business:

• Develop new product ideas
• Expand my product range
• Improve social media content and campaigns
• Publish more blog posts to increase website traffic
• Create a better customer experience across my shop

I have been working really hard behind the scenes to keep myself busy and working on the framework to improve my business and myself.

Celebrating the Wins 🎉

Product Launches and New Ideas

One thing I'm particularly proud of this year is the number of new products I've launched.

So far in 2026, I've introduced 10 new products, with seven of those belonging to my growing Cake Queen collection.

I came up with a cute cake design after browsing Pinterest for inspiration, and I was inspired to develop further variations. I so far have bookmarks, a mug, a tote bag, stickers and makeup bags.

I started selling sticker sheets back in January with some Valentine's themed stickers.

I will be expanding my Cake Queen collection to include new products such as aprons and notebooks. I am excited about these. 

I will also be launching a new range of gift bundles.

I have more ideas in the framework based on my Cake Queen collection, and some ideas to develop other already established designs onto different products

Business Milestones

So what's happened so far:

• My goal for 2026 was to reach 300 sales. While the year has been slower than expected, I've already made 70 sales by June, which means there are still plenty of opportunities ahead in the second half of the year. (Only another 230 to go—but who's counting?)
• 8 repeat customers so far, and a few have made multiple purchases, which is just amazing. 
• 24 customers have left 5-star reviews
• Website got a facelift (Hint: Ask the little panda pop-up for a joke, or maybe he will surprise you with an offer code)
• Pinterest views are up by 20%, and engagement is up by 16%

Even though it has been slow, things are looking up.

But sometimes the biggest victories aren't measured in numbers.

One of the biggest behind-the-scenes projects this year has been improving my product photography.

I've been gradually creating a more consistent look across my Etsy shop so that everything feels cohesive and professional. Instead of a collection of photos taken at different times and in different styles, the shop is starting to feel much more polished and recognisable.

It's a slow project, but one that's already making a difference.

The Twists I Didn't See Coming

The Christmas Product That Refused to Wait

Apparently, Christmas didn't get the memo that it was only May.

Shortly after restocking my storage tins, two Mrs Claus Bakery tins sold almost immediately. 

A lovely surprise. Making note to myself to make sure I have plenty of these in stock for Christmas.

Behind-the-Scenes Challenges

So far, I have managed to keep a good work/life balance.

The school run can sometimes interrupt my train of thought, especially when I'm in the middle of designing something new. One minute I'm planning product launches, the next I'm discussing PE kits and snack requests.

Not helped when your printer decides to get clogged at the worst possible time. It makes you seriously consider cracking open that box of Thorntons chocolates just so you don't fully lose it.

Business life doesn't always go to plan, but reality can be funny at times.

My Favourite Moment So Far

Receiving a review is always a highlight.

I love reading how my customers love the products. Some even tell me how they are using the product, or even leave a photo of their product at home.

It brings me so much joy knowing that something designed and created from my little workspace in Kent has found a home somewhere else and is making someone smile.

I need to pinch myself sometimes.

Looking Ahead to the Rest of 2026

Products Coming Soon

More products are incoming:

• Notebooks
• Aprons
• Tea Towels
• Gift bundles
• New design variations
• Autumn-themed products in early development

Knowing me, there will probably be three more product ideas scribbled in a notebook by next week.

Business Goals for the Second Half of the Year

I have done a lot so far this year, but still plenty of things to get done before the end of the year:

• Continue work on Pinterest
• Improve Etsy listings and photos
• Launch new designs
• Prepare for Autumn and Christmas

What I'm Most Excited About

I have so many ideas ready to go for Autumn and Christmas. So time to get myself properly organised so I can get these products out in time.

A Note for Fellow Small Business Owners

If your year hasn't gone exactly to plan, you're not alone.

Growth isn't always loud. Sometimes it's hidden in the little improvements, the lessons learned, and the confidence you've built along the way.

Celebrate your progress—even if it looks different from what you imagined back in January.

Final Thoughts: Raising a Cup to Progress ☕

The first half of 2026 hasn't been perfect, but it has been full of growth, learning, creativity, and plenty of unexpected twists.

I'm proud of how far Panda Motion Designs has come this year, and I'm excited to see what the second half of the year brings.

Here's to progress, persistence, printers that behave themselves, and always keeping the kettle on.