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April 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 March 2026 here.

Well, April 2026 has been an even slower month for sales. This may have been due to the School Easter holidays and rising petrol prices, resulting in less money for people to spend. But 2026 has not been a great year for sales so far.

It has been the school Easter holidays for 2 weeks, so I have not had much of a chance to work on my latest designs.

As I mentioned, I just came off the School Easter holidays, so I have been busy with lots of Easter trails, gardening, and trying not to go mad after being asked for a snack for the one millionth time.

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

Sales Snapshot 📦

Overall sales have been very poor for April. It seems 2026 is not the year for small businesses, especially mine. It just means I have a chance to really push some design ideas to help boost sales.

Overview of Shop Stats:

• Best Seller: Sci-Fi Door/Wall Sign
• Unexpected Performer: Binary Code Mug – New sales for this popular product
• Slower Product: Book Lover Coaster, this is usually a good seller, but there have been no sales for April.

Views on my website have been steady. I am aware my shop page isn’t working on my website, waiting for my husband to find the time to help fix it. However, Etsy has been very up and down in views and visits.

Repeat Customers: One repeat customer from Northern Ireland who sent a lovely supporting message to me.

What Worked Well: I have been working on Pinterest a bit more, and it has started to bring in more interest and a couple of clicks through. No sales yet, but fingers crossed soon.

What I’m Changing for May: I am going to go through my listings and start to updating my photos, as I feel they need a decent update.

Product Development Corner 🎨

April has been mostly spent on development for a new product range based on the Cake Queen tote bag. Different cake options and quotes to boost sales, and exploring the possibility of gift sets/bundles.

I’ve had some door hangers since I started sublimating, and I finally had an idea for them. Again, part of my potential Cake Queen range.

Two ideas so far, but my supplier no longer sells this door hanger, but another one does, just not in the same style, so it may not look the same by the time they are ready to sell.

I am hoping May will keep me busy with development, as this is the part of being a small business that I enjoy the most.

Community & Connection 🤍

Small business friends are just amazing.

It’s never been about out-selling one another; it’s about supporting one another through the ups and downs.

Big shout-out to Cam at VibeQuiz for his award-winning gifting quiz and for accepting me and my Binary Code products onto his VibeQuiz platform. Check it out if you’re struggling for gift ideas.

Social Media shout-out to Paper and Moon Studio for her supportive comments on my posts and messages. She also has some lovely self-care posts on her Threads and Instagram accounts.

The Reality Check

Another month of challenging sales counts. It seems I am not alone in this, so if you are shopping, please shop small for 2026.

I am planning to make changes to the look and feel of my listings as they seem disjointed again and look way too busy. Just not appealing for customers browsing the Etsy website.

Despite the slow sales, I am still proud of myself and value every sale that comes in. I still pinch myself when someone spends their hard-earned money on one of my products.

Life Behind the Desktop

Things slowed down a bit with the Easter holidays. But grateful I managed to get the time with my son and work around that. But I am back at the desk and getting back to my usual schedule.

The 2025 tax year has come to an end, and it’s now time to file my tax return. Yes, I am one of those people who likes to get it out of the way early.

But I’m incredibly thankful to have the flexibility to work around school life. The money I do make goes towards fun days out and constantly restocking the fruit bowl (because children are bottomless pits). And maybe the odd treat for myself.

It’s hard at times, but it is worth it.

Looking Ahead to May

As May goes on, I will be pushing Father’s Day gift ideas and continuing the spring campaign and starting to look. I will also be promoting gift ideas for teachers for the end of the school year.

Primary focus will be on the Cake Queen design range. I will be looking at new products to sublimate as well. I will also be slowly updating my listing images, especially now that the weather is nicer for photos.

May has 2 Bank holidays and the May half-term at the end to juggle.

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 💛

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Autumn has officially arrived!

It’s my favourite time of year. There is something about it that really gets me feeling creative and happy.

I guess Autumn is the time to feel cosy and renewed. And can’t forget the gorgeous colours that are starting to arrive. I love walking during Autumn, you can feel the freshness in the air.

Now that Autumn is here, it is time to launch a new range of Autumn-themed products for 2025. Why not take a look below and tell me which one is your favourite?

Autumn 2025

I offer wholesale as well as individual sales, so if you’d like to order in bulk or make a special custom request, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

You can purchase from my Etsy shop. I also have many other Autumn designs to choose from.

Which one is your favourite? I personally love the Cat tote bag, I now have one for myself.

I am currently working on my Winter/Christmas range. Make sure to follow me on social media for the latest works in progress and updates (As well as everyday life of a mum stuff)

Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to visit my website and read my blog. If there is something you would like to see more of, then please comment below.

Until next time…

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Happy New Year everyone! What a year 2023 was.

Our small business receive an increase in sales as well as social media followers last year. Which is amazing since the business only began back in 2022.

And it’s all down to customers and some amazing people who showed support on social media.

Customers are obviously the driving force for any business. But last year I had some lovely new customers as well as plenty of return customers too. Some had left some absolutely lovely reviews. Just makes me smile when I re-read them when I am feeling down.

Social media plays a big part in almost everyone’s day to day life. And it has been lovely to have support from other small businesses. I have also been tagged in a couple of social media posts by customers showing off their buys. Always lovely to see my products in the wild. So to you heroes, Thank You!

Here is to 2024 and hopefully see more customers and more small businesses growing strong.

I have been doing a lot of planning for this year. Not only for products but for blogs and social media content. Is there anything you would like to see? Any suggestions? Let me know in the comments below or use the contact us form.

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As 2023 comes to an end, we prepare to slide into a Christmas cheese coma, while enjoying Wallace & Gromit, it’s time to set our sights on the upcoming year. My business journey, started as a way to earn extra income while managing childcare, has evolved into a promising venture. With a brand-new website and a growing customer base, it’s crucial to plan for the challenges that 2024 may bring.

So, lets jump in.

Financial Goals:

With a successful profit margin achieved in the business’s inaugural year, our primary financial goal for 2024 is to build upon this success. We will be investing in expanding our product offerings, including the exciting prospect of incorporating a self-built laser cutter machine by my creatively-inclined husband. This addition will enable us to introduce new designs and personalization’s, enhancing our market appeal. We will also be increasing advertising investment to drive more traffic to both Etsy and our website, with an aim to increase sales.

Lifestyle Goals:

Amid the pursuit of business success, maintaining a well-balanced life is paramount. Reducing screen time and embracing quality family moments become focal points. As we look forward to expanding our family, achieving balance assumes even greater significance, necessitating efficient time management and avoiding burnout.

Impact Goals:

With the introduction of our new website, a commitment to giving back to the community comes to the forefront. Plans include sharing insights on starting a business, providing sublimation tutorials, and potentially offering free templates. Leveraging my background as a video editor and graphic designer, I aspire to create engaging content to reach and assist a broader audience.

Creative Goals:

In 2024, I wish to push creative boundaries and delve into new artistic territories. While digital drawing remains a staple, I’m eager to revisit watercolours—a nostalgic passion. Additionally, experimenting with new sublimation materials, such as cushions, tea towels, and makeup bags, promises to infuse fresh creativity into our product line-up.

Optimization Goals:

This is an area I am not well versed in so will be dedicating focus on SEO, keywords, and listing titles. The new blog will take centre stage, with meticulous SEO optimization, followed by an emphasis on social media growth. Continuous reviews and adjustments throughout the year will be pivotal for sustained growth.

Reputation Goals:

A more cohesive and universally recognizable brand identity is on the horizon. Striving for a seamless brand experience across all platforms, coupled with the creation of valuable resources on the website, will contribute to an enhanced reputation. Commitment to stellar customer service, evident in glowing Etsy reviews, will remain a priority, with a pledge to further refine and elevate service standards.

Other Goals:

Embracing courage is the final frontier. Stepping out from behind the scenes, I commit to being more visible on social media, sharing more than just a few photos. This newfound bravery is essential for personal and brand growth.

As I unveil my business goals for 2024, I invite you to share your ideas and offer any suggestions. Together, let’s make the upcoming year a transformative journey towards success.

All hail the cosmic Koala!

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Laser Cutting and Engraving: Coming Soon to Panda Motion!

Ever fantasized about wielding sci-fi tech from the 23rd century? Well, buckle up, space cadets, because that day is nearly upon us at Panda Motion! We’re on the cusp of introducing our very own, DIY-built 90-watt CO2 laser cutter, transforming sci-fi dreams into reality.

What’s All the Fuss About Laser Cutting and Engraving?

Imagine a laser, not just any laser, but one that can cut and engrave with the precision of a master craftsman. That’s what we’re talking about here. It’s a futuristic technique, once a figment of science fiction, now a tool in our very own workshop.

The Laser Line-Up: A Trio of Light Sabers

So, how does it work? In the world of laser cutting and engraving, there’s a veritable constellation of laser types. While several varieties exist, three have become the stars of the show these days:

1. CO2 Lasers: The workhorses of the laser family. Our 90-watt CO2 laser is a bit like a Swiss Army knife – capable of everything a diode laser can do, and then some! It’s a master at slicing through materials like wood and plastic and can intricately etch designs onto tougher surfaces like slate. The CO2 laser’s versatility is unmatched, making it a go-to for a wide range of creative exploits.
2. Diode (Solid-State) Lasers: The new-comers of the laser realm, these lasers have evolved from their humble beginnings in laser pointers and CD players (remember those?). Now, boasting up to 40 watts of power, they’re the sleek, more compact cousins of the CO2 laser, adept at cutting wood and marking a myriad of materials. They do, however, shy away from transparent materials, preferring the mystery of opaque surfaces.
3. Fibre Lasers: The aristocrats of laser technology, fibre lasers are a bit pricier but pack a punch with their high-powered pulses. They use a doped fibre optic strand, which is essentially a fibre optic infused with special impurities, to generate a beam potent enough to engrave any metal. These are the lasers that can turn a modest 20-100 watt input into a powerhouse of thousands of watts in bursts.

Our journey into laser technology is ever-evolving. For us, the Co2 laser is the best option all-round. It’s big and bulky but it can do everything that a diode laser can, and more. However, the one thing it can’t do is engrave metal so we would like to add a Fibre laser to our cornucopia of directed energy tools at some point in the future – but let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves…

Panda Motion’s Laser Odyssey

Building my own 90-watt CO2 laser cutter from scratch was a labor of love, stretched over a year and competing with the demands of a lively 3-year-old. Sure, buying a ready-made machine was an option, but where’s the adventure in that? This project wasn’t just for Panda Motion; as a tinkerer and hobbyist ‘maker’ I’ve wanted to build my own laser cutter for many years, before Panda Motion was conceived. This new technological marvel will now contribute both to our business and to my personal projects which I hope to showcase here too.

Now, with a bit more tweaking and testing, we’re almost ready to unveil our creation. Stay tuned for an expanded range of Panda Motion products, all etched and cut with the precision and care that only a laser can provide.

Keep Your Eyes on the Stars… and Panda Motion! (But don’t stare into the beam!)

From simple doodles and designs on a piece of paper that turned into a dream of running a small business from home. That is the story of PandaMotion Designs.

I am Charlotte and Panda Motion initially began as my freelance motion graphics and video editing business. When motherhood came knocking, so did the desire for a flexible income that danced to the rhythm of family life.

With a sprinkle of creativity, a dollop of determination, a bear hug from my husband, PandaMotion Design leaped to reality. Every product you see is a piece of our heart, crafted with care.

For nearly a year and a half I have been working only on Etsy selling designs on mugs, wall signs etc. we now have a website and looking to expand the client base and to work with local businesses. The website is still a work in progress, but hopefully it will begin to develop and find its legs soon. I will be planning more blog posts focussing on behind the scenes, bit of fun, family life and work, maybe a YouTube channel as well and much more.

Please feel free to browse the website and the Etsy shop and let me know what you think. I am also on social media so give me a follow and say hi.

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