When I left my career as an educator after 15 years to pursue web design full-time, I knew I was stepping into the unknown. Over the last 9 months, I have dedicated countless hours to learning my design platform (Showit), mastering the backend of running a business, refining my skills, building a portfolio, and learning how to market my services across platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.

I’ve worked with clients, studied branding, logo design, and color theory, and gained firsthand experience in resilience—navigating unexpected challenges, less-than-ideal timelines, and the inevitable learning curves that come with building something from the ground up.

This journey has been deeply rewarding, and it has stretched me in ways I never could have imagined. And that’s to say nothing of my roles outside of being a web designer and business owner—namely wife and mother.

As I grind away daily, pushing my business forward, I can’t ignore the world around us. The past several months have been filled with uncertainty—politically, economically, and socially. The stability many of us once relied on feels distant, and it’s clear that we are in a season of change.

With So Many Unknowns Ahead, How Do We Move Forward?

It would be easy to let fear or uncertainty dictate my next steps. But I refuse to live in a mindset of scarcity or anxiety. Instead, I’m choosing to focus on what I can control: my decisions, my actions, my preparation, and my perspective.

Rather than waiting for things to stabilize or for someone else to create a sense of security for me, I’m focusing on building my own stability. That means making smart, strategic decisions—not just for today, but for the long term.

Balancing Growth with Caution

A big part of navigating these times is learning how to balance growth and caution. It’s about knowing when to take bold steps forward and when to pause, evaluate, and adjust. Here’s how I’m approaching that balance:

Strengthening the foundation of my business. I’m continuously refining my processes, improving my marketing, and making my client experience seamless. The stronger my business is, the more secure it will be—even in uncertain times.

Exploring additional income opportunities. While web design remains my primary focus, I’m also realistic about financial security. Whether through education-related work, consulting, or something else that fits my skills, I’m staying open to options that align with my experience and long-term goals.

Investing in financial preparedness. This isn’t the time to be reckless with money. I’m making sure we have a strong financial plan, saving where possible, and making smart choices that allow for flexibility in the future.

Keeping my eyes and ears open. The political and economic landscape is changing rapidly. I’m staying informed, listening to experts, and making sure I understand how potential policy shifts might impact me as a business owner.

At the same time, I refuse to let fear drive me into inaction. I’ve come too far and put in too much work to let uncertainty hold me back.

Choosing Resilience Over Fear

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past year, it’s that resilience is everything. Starting a business, pivoting careers, navigating financial and personal responsibilities—it all requires the ability to adapt, to problem-solve, and to keep pushing forward, even when things feel uncertain.

Resilience doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges; it means facing them head-on with a mindset of strength and adaptability. It means knowing that obstacles will come, but also trusting that I have the skills, experience, and support to navigate them.

I know I’m not the only one trying to figure out what comes next. So if you’re in a season of transition, uncertainty, or reevaluating your path, I want to encourage you: you are not alone. We are all adjusting, planning, and doing our best to build stability in a world that feels anything but stable.

What’s Next for Shine & Pixels?

Even as I remain thoughtful about my next steps, I’m incredibly excited about where my business, Shine & Pixels, is heading.

Continuing to take on client work. I’ve been working with some incredible clients to bring their visions to life, and I’m excited to keep growing in that space.

Bringing my beta round to an end. I’ve been offering my services at a discounted rate as I refined my processes, but soon, I’ll be transitioning to offering my services at full price. It’s a big milestone that marks the next phase of growth for my business.

Building a website template shop. This is something I’ve been dreaming of and working toward—creating beautiful, functional website templates for business owners who want a stunning online presence without the cost of custom design. I can’t wait to bring this to life.

Moving Forward with Intention

No matter what happens in the world around me, I’m committed to building a career and life that align with my values—one that allows me to show up fully for my family, my clients, and my own creative vision.

For those of you who are also navigating big decisions, I applaud you. Let’s continue to support each other in this journey.

Thank you for being part of mine.