It's been a while since I've given you a proper business update, so I thought I'd check in and pull back the curtain on everything that's been happening here at Simply Lettered. There's a lot going on — a new workspace, a new machine, new products in production, and a big handwriting program on the way. Grab a cup of tea and let me walk you through it.
We Finally Moved Off the Kitchen Table
The biggest change first: we've moved into a dedicated workroom and storage space, away from my kitchen table. It's home to all of our updated machines and supplies, and having a real spot to work means we can keep packing and shipping boxes as quickly as possible while still making room for all the fun new things in the works. It's a small milestone, but if you run a business from home, you know exactly how big it feels.
A New Machine: Our xTool Laser Engraver
We've added a new xTool laser engraver to the studio, and it's already helping us produce a couple of new products I'm not quite ready to reveal yet. I was a little nervous about the learning curve, but it's been surprisingly approachable — my husband jumped in on the software side — and after great reviews and zero problems so far, I'm a fan. (If you're a small business owner in the market for one, I've linked the exact machine in the video description.)
First New Product: Print & Cursive Flash Cards
Here's the sneak peek I'm most excited about: our new front-to-back flash card set. It's both print and cursive in one box — the front of each card has a sound cue, and the back shows the handwriting strokes for that letter. Our sample was just approved, they're in production now, and they'll be launching in the next couple of weeks. I'll do a full video dedicated to them soon, but I wanted you to see them first.
These flash cards are our first big product launch of the year, and they're designed to work hand in hand with our Cursive Connection box.
The Simply Lettered Learning Journey
Speaking of Cursive Connection — we're sending out boxes every single day, and I'm so grateful for your support. So many families have been asking for a print companion, and I'm happy to say it's almost ready. My goal is to have the full Simply Lettered learning journey ready for the new school year, which will include:
The Print Program — our new print handwriting curriculum
The Cursive Connection Program — the cursive box we're already shipping daily
A mini transition program in between, for kids moving from print to cursive
The whole thing is meant to be flexible. You can start with just print, start with just cursive, or move through all of it — whatever fits your family best.
The Books Are Still Coming (A Labor of Love)
I'm also still working on the books I've mentioned publishing. That project is very much a work in progress — I'm still hoping to have it ready for the school year, and I'm still happy with Lulu for publishing. But building a workbook-style book means a lot of behind-the-scenes work, so I'm giving it the time it deserves.
The Not-So-Glamorous Side: Packaging & Manufacturing
One thing I love sharing is the part of small business you don't always think about — the logistics. A lot of what we do requires ordering in bulk and planning way ahead.
For example, we just finished a new product on the laser engraver (still under wraps!), and I had to order its packaging in advance to make sure the item and all its pieces would fit. Those fun fabric bags came in a bulk order of a hundred at a time, and it took about six weeks to arrive. Because I couldn't order a single sample in the exact vibe I wanted, I actually ordered two sizes — and one is probably too big, which may be a small loss, though I'll find a use for it. That's the reality of ordering in bulk: you commit before you know for sure.
A little transparency on sourcing, too: everything for our Cursive Connection boxes is printed and, for the most part, sourced in the United States and assembled right here in my workshop. A few items — like some packaging and our custom journals — are manufactured in China and stocked in bulk as I need them. It's all part of getting the quality right.
Stay Tuned — Good Things Are Close
If you've been waiting on new products, I so appreciate your patience. I keep getting asked, and I promise the wait is because I want to put out something high quality and beautiful that will actually last. There are some really great things right around the corner — especially the print program for all of you already using the cursive one.
Thank you for following along on this journey. And if you're a fellow small business owner, I'd genuinely love to hear how you're doing it — leave a comment and let me know.