Mid-Year Musings: A Realistic Check-In On My 2025 Goals

Back in January (fresh off the plane from New Zealand, buzzing with inspiration and sand still in my shoes), I sat down and scribbled out some big, hopeful goals for Shiv Textiles in 2025. The usual mix of creative dreams, business ambitions, and personal pep talks. Now here we are halfway through the year and I thought it was the perfect time to check in with those intentions, see what’s working, what’s evolving, and what might need to be gently nudged into the “next year” pile.

Because let’s be honest: small business life doesn’t always follow the plan. Throw in renovating our first home and attempting some kind of work-life balance? It’s a full plate over here. And with October through December being the full-on retail whirlwind it always is, I know that any deep work has to happen now, in this short window of summer calm.

So, kettle on? Let’s have a proper catch-up.

Here’s where I’m at with those 2025 goals…

Upgrade My Website

Original goal: Give my website a much-needed refresh with help from my talented friend Luke.

Mid-year reality: So… this one’s still sitting patiently on the to-do list. I really wanted to give my site a bit of TLC this year, but a few unexpected business costs popped up (classic small biz life), and I've had to park this project for now. It's not a fail, it’s just a “not yet.” I’m calling it deferred, not defeated.

Expand Wholesale

Original goal: Grow the number of lovely shops stocking my weaving kits.

Mid-year reality: Okay, this one hasn’t quite blossomed yet. I had high hopes to dive head-first into wholesale expansion, but other projects have taken the front seat. That said, I’m still working on it! The weaving kits are available for wholesale and I’m even thinking of adding cushions to the mix soon. So if you run a gorgeous independent shop (or know someone who does), I’d love to hear from you. Let’s chat: hello@shivtextiles.co.uk 

Sell More Blankets & Cushions

Original goal: Show my soft furnishings the love they deserve after focusing on weaving kits last year.

Mid-year reality: Since my TV appearance earlier this year (still pinching myself), I've noticed a lovely uptick in interest around the blankets and cushions. That said, summer’s never been the season for woolly things and that’s okay. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a cosy autumn/winter rush. These pieces really are so special, and I can’t wait for them to find their forever homes.

Launch a New Weaving Kit

Original goal: Bring a brand-new kit into the world.

Mid-year reality: It’s coming, I promise! This is my main focus for the summer, and I’m finally making space to finish the design and get it ready for launch. Also side note, I've been a bit distracted with some new cushions and purses I’ve been experimenting with. They’re nearly ready to meet you too, so keep an eye out!

Create a New Weaving Booklet

Original goal: Develop a fresh new guide to accompany the kits.

Mid-year reality: This one’s still brewing in the back of my brain. I’ve made a few small edits to the existing booklet, but the big creative leap is still waiting for the right moment. I think this might be more of a gentle brainstorm task for now, rather than a full-on production mission.

Upcycle More Textile Waste

Original goal: Keep finding new ways to breathe life into deadstock and surplus materials.

Mid-year reality: One I can confidently tick off! This is a value that’s at the core of everything I do, and I’m so happy to say we’ve brought in a few new suppliers and even started experimenting with dyeing our own yarn. I can’t wait to see the grand total of waste saved at the end of the year, it’s a small but mighty part of the sustainability puzzle.

Conquer My Email Anxiety

Original goal: Get better at replying to emails without spiralling into stress.

Mid-year reality: Progress is definitely being made. Some weeks I feel on top of it, other times the inbox is a bit of a beast. But I’m being kinder to myself, hitting send a little quicker, and trying to trust that a typo or two isn’t the end of the world.

Stay in My Lane

Original goal: Tune out the comparison trap and stop obsessing over social media.

Mid-year reality: Still a major work in progress, but I’m getting better. I’ve stopped stressing about posting every single day, especially on those admin-heavy ones when content just isn’t flowing. Social media is such a weird little love-hate relationship. I love the connection and creativity, but the pressure? Not so much. I’m looking forward to creating more relaxed, real content from our new home soon, with my homewares in their natural habitat!

Slow Down & Enjoy the Process

Original goal: Remember why I started this in the first place.

Mid-year reality: This goal has been the biggest shift of all. This year has given me space to reflect on how I work, why I burn out, and what really matters. I’ve been reconnecting with friends, prioritising my health, and realising that slowing down isn’t failure. It’s survival. Even when you love what you do, you can’t run on empty. I want to be present for the big moments and the small ones. That’s the kind of business and life I’m building.

So that’s where I’m at, six months into 2025. Some things are ticking along nicely, others are still finding their feet, and a few have shifted entirely. But that’s the beauty of working for yourself: you can adapt, evolve, and rewrite the rules as you go.

Thanks, as always, for cheering me on through every high, low, and everything in between.

Speak soon,

Siobhan x