Am I Really Still Doing This?!

When I wrote my first blog post back in June, I was still catching my breath from those first few vendor markets—wide-eyed, overwhelmed, and wondering what the heck I was doing. Somehow, here I am—still doing this—and I’m proud to say this little idea of mine isn’t so little anymore.

Back then, I said I had a good feeling about Acquired Taste, and I wasn’t wrong. But I didn’t know how much this journey would stretch me. Between markets, packaging orders, trying new ideas, and balancing my 9-5, I’m learning what it really means to see an idea through to the end.

Big Wins Worth Celebrating

Let’s start with some exciting news:

• My First Wholesale Order – I’m thrilled to share that Eskell in Chicago picked up my Kicks and Sticks incense holder, and they’re loving it so much they’ve already come back for more! 

• Local Love – You can also find my Mixed Tape Holder and Kicks and Sticks Holder at Plant Party, a beautiful local shop here in Austin. Seeing my creations on shelves—whether across the country or right here in town—has been an incredibly proud moment.

This little ‘ole idea is blooming - watching Acquired Taste grow has been humbling and wildly energizing.

What’s Changed (and What Hasn’t)

• The Markets Keep Teaching Me
  Vendor markets? Still unpredictable. Some weekends, I pack up with a grin and an empty product bin; other times, I walk away with a full table and a heavy heart. I’ve learned to redefine “success” beyond just sales. Maybe it’s the one customer who tells me how my incense made their house feel more like home. Or a chat with a fellow vendor that sparks a new idea.
• Your Feedback Changed Everything
  You all showed up for Earthy Aura samples, and wow—your comments blew me away. Hearing how “sweet earth and clay” made you feel grounded gave me the confidence to move forward with it. Your feedback has become one of my most valuable tools, and I hope to keep inviting you into the process.

The Long Game

I’ve been putting in the work behind the scenes, learning about things I never thought I’d care about—like SEO and Google Ads. Okay, correction: we’ve been putting in the work.

My amazing, supportive, and downright incredible girlfriend Nicole has truly stepped up and taken charge of this. Every night, she’s been diligently researching, checking, and helping me grow. She’s been my rock, my cheerleader, and—honestly—my not-so-secret weapon.

Nicole, if you’re reading this (and I know you are): thank you. I can’t even type this without tearing up. Your support means everything to me, and I’m so lucky to have you. You’re the help I always dreamed of having, and you’ve shown up in ways I didn’t even know I needed. (Also, yes, you’re my favorite little free employee—paid exclusively in love and kisses, consensually, of course!).

And guess what? It’s working. Orders are coming in from around the USA—from people, I don’t know! That feeling is surreal. It’s proof that these little, consistent efforts add up. The long game of strategy and patience is paying off—little by little.

The Social Sacrifice

Here’s the tricky part: chasing dreams comes with sacrifices. Balancing Acquired Taste, my 9-5 job, and life has made it hard to find time just to be social. Austin is buzzing with events, markets, and fun experiences, and sometimes, I just don’t have the energy to show up for it all.

Not to say I’m not making time for myself or my partner—trust me, I’m trying—but it’s a challenge. I’ve realized that while I love creating, it can also be overwhelming. The ideas come in fast and furious, and managing them—writing them down before they float away—can feel like a job in itself.

But I’m learning to slow down, take a breath, and make space for a different kind of fun. I love creating, but I’m looking forward to giving my brain a break soon and reconnecting with friends, my city, and the things that light me up outside of work.

More Connections, More Dreams

This year has been about growth, not just for Acquired Taste but for my other passion project: Vendor Voices. I launched this initiative to give small business owners a space to share their experiences with vendor markets, and I’m so excited to focus on this more in 2025. There’s so much potential to build a stronger community of vendors and hosts, and I can’t wait to see where it goes.

What’s Next

• Local Pickup and Delivery – It’s on my 2025 list of goals.
• More Local Shops – I’d love to get Acquired Taste into more spaces around Austin and connect even deeper with this community.
• Increase My Online and Local Presence – Little by little, I’m building that foundation.

A Reminder to Keep Going

The more I grow, the more I realize that success isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about staying curious, celebrating small wins, and showing up—even when it’s hard.

If you’re reading this and working on your own “big idea,” let this be your sign to keep going—even when you’re asking, Am I really still doing this? I’m right there with you, figuring it out as I go.

Thank you for continuing to support Acquired Taste, for giving me feedback, for sharing your stories, and for joining me on this ride. I’m so happy for the connections I’ve made, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Here’s to the hustle, the growth, and the moments of fun that keep us going.