A New Year, A Softer Pace

2 min read
A cosy illustrated desk setup with whimsical screens

There’s something about the start of a new year that always feels a little quieter.

After the rush of Christmas, the lists, the deadlines, the constant go-go-go, January arrives almost politely. The decorations come down, the inbox slows, and suddenly there’s space to breathe.

As I step into 2026, that’s exactly what I’m choosing to do.

A softer pace. More intention. Less rush.

Looking back at a full year

2025 was busy in all the ways small business tends to be busy. New ideas, new products, long evenings, late nights, and the constant juggling act of running Ally’s Personal Touch alongside real life.

There were moments of excitement and pride. Watching orders go out the door never gets old, and it still makes me smile knowing something made here has found its way into someone’s celebration, memory, or milestone.

But there were also moments of overwhelm. Times where the pace felt fast, expectations felt loud, and it was easy to forget why I started in the first place.

What I’m leaving behind

This year, I’m gently leaving a few things where they belong. The pressure to do everything at once. The idea that bigger always means better. The rush to keep up with trends that don’t feel like me.

I’ve learned that constantly pushing forward without pause doesn’t create better work. It just creates tired hands and a noisy mind. And that’s not how I want Ally’s Personal Touch to feel, for me or for you.

What I’m carrying into 2026

Instead, I’m stepping into 2026 with intention. More thought, less rush. Fewer launches, done properly. Products that feel meaningful, not just seasonal.

I want this year to be about creating things with care. Gifts that feel considered. Orders that are packed with the same attention I’d give if I were making them for a friend.

Because personalisation isn’t just about adding a name. It’s about slowing down long enough to make something for someone.

Moving forward, gently

Ally’s Personal Touch has always been about the little things. The moments worth celebrating. The details that make something feel special. That isn’t changing. If anything, it’s becoming more intentional.


If you’re here browsing, ordering, or just reading along, thank you. Supporting a small business doesn’t go unnoticed, and neither does the trust you place in something handmade.

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Here’s to a calmer start and a thoughtful year ahead. 🤍