When Sustainability Feels Out of Reach: Define your Why.

Running a small business has always been an act of courage. It’s a leap of faith, fueled by passion, belief in your craft, and a desire to make a difference. While challenges are a given, I’ve been reflecting on how these challenges shape us and push us toward growth—even in times that feel uncertain.

Food prices are soaring, utilities seem to rise with every bill, and life has its way of throwing curveballs. Personally, I’ve faced some extraordinary hurdles—a situation with my ex-husband left me sorting through an abandoned cabin full of his belongings, a burden I’ve carried for over a year. Yet, as heavy as these experiences have felt, they’ve also taught me resilience and the importance of focusing on what truly matters.

Numbers on a spreadsheet don’t tell the whole story of what it means to be a small business owner or a parent. They don’t capture the late nights filled with brainstorming, the heartfelt connections with customers, or the quiet determination to keep going. Sustainability—a word that once evoked thoughts of eco-friendly practices and efficient operations—now feels richer, more complex. It’s about balance: finding ways to show up for my family, my business, and myself.

This business is more than a job to me. It’s a place where I’ve built relationships, shared values, and created a space for sustainability—both in products and in mindset. And yes, it’s hard when customers, who once bought from me regularly, now say, "It’s not in the budget this month." But these moments remind me of why I started this journey: to make a difference, no matter how small.

I’ve read stories about entrepreneurs who closed their doors, not because they weren’t talented or hardworking, but because the circumstances felt insurmountable. Those stories once felt distant; now, they’re a reminder of how critical it is to adapt. But fear, while daunting, is also a call to action. It’s a reminder to get creative, lean on my community, and revisit what’s most important—for my family, my customers, and myself.

Sustainability, to me, means the ability to keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear. It means adapting my business to rely less on tangible goods and more on services, knowledge, and experiences. It’s about taking each day as it comes, knowing that every small step forward matters. Mistakes will happen. Hurdles will arise. But resilience isn’t about avoiding falls; it’s about rising, every time.

To my fellow small business owners, customers, and families navigating rising costs and uncertainty: You’re not alone. Let’s redefine sustainability together, focusing on balance, kindness, and showing up for the things and people we love. Whether it means cutting costs, taking a moment for yourself, or simply reaching out for support, sustainability starts with the small steps we take every day.

Thank you for reading and being part of this journey with me. Together, we can find our way through these challenges and emerge stronger, more compassionate, and more inspired than ever.

Drink water, breathe deeply, and take care of yourself,

Mel