Winter is the time of the year to heal, be still, and go inward.
Spring always makes me pause for a moment to look back, with gratitude, and move forward with curiosity, goals, and ideas! The last year with All Cheri has been full of growth, some hard decisions, a lot of creativity, and, honestly, more learning than I expected.
For a long time, many of you knew my work for its minimalist style. That part of my jewelry has stayed, but it has also grown. Over the past year, I expanded into bracelets, collar necklaces, and more customizable options. I also experimented with some more artistic, bolder, bigger ideas, and to my surprise, you loved it all. 
This year also brought new stones into my work. I began sourcing from an incredible gemologist in Denver, which opened the door to materials such as Turquoise, multiple colors of Garnet, and many others I had not worked with before. Each new stone felt like a small creative adventure. New stories to explore, and more history to learn.
You may have also seen me in a few new places this year. All Cheri showed up at locations like Findlay Market, HollyDays in Dayton, and several other markets throughout the region. Plus seeing so many of you at the faithful spots of City Flea, Craft SuperMarket, Bloomington Handmade, Work + Shop, Artfest on Main, Power to Pursue events, and so many more was pure joy.
Something else new happened, too. A few of you probably noticed that, occasionally, someone behind the booth was not me.
That alone felt like a milestone. Asking for help is not always easy, but when I did, the right people found their way to me. I am excited to keep growing with others' help moving forward.
This little business has always been built on community, and many of you have helped shape it along the way. I have a feeling a few more wonderful people may join the adventure as it continues to grow.
But the year was not all easy moments.
Intuitive Oracle Card Reading | 1, 3, or 5 Card Reflection Session
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Clarity. Connection. Reflection. What Is an Oracle Card Reading? Much like the crystals that inspire my jewelry, these readings are designed as tools for reflection. They help you pause, notice patterns, and reconnect with the quiet wisdom you already carry.… read more
Some months were hard as a business owner, hard personally, and hard in the world around us. At the start of the year, I honestly had a moment where I wondered if it was time to shut things down. When you run a creative business, there are seasons where everything feels possible, and seasons where you question every decision you have made.
One of the biggest realizations was that classes were no longer my jam. I loved the moments with people. Those conversations and connections were incredible. But trying to balance creating jewelry, sourcing materials, life, and planning classes all at once became too much.
So I made some changes.
I scaled back the classes. I let go of my amazing office space at be. and embraced the reality that I am a night creator. My best work happens when the world is quiet, and everyone else is asleep. I also let one of my newer product lines fade away for now. Those crystal car diffusers and oils were wonderful, and they may come back one day in their own space, but they needed to rest for a while.
I also had to let go of the idea and pressure to document everything I made. Many of you know that a lot of the pieces I create for shows never make it online. I make in the moment, with intention, and it will result in new combinations or creations. I had grand plans to photograph and post every piece. Then reality stepped in. When you are doing multiple markets a week and spending entire weekends at shows, the idea of photographing every item becomes nearly impossible.
Another interesting challenge showed up in a place I did not expect.
Over the past year, I created several digital downloads and educational resources around crystals. Still, as AI tools exploded everywhere, I found myself wondering why anyone would pay for my knowledge when they could ask a chatbot for free.
Imposter syndrome can show up at any stage.
Then I realized something important. My way of talking about crystals is different. I have always been interested in the stories stones carry and the ways different cultures have understood them. love the science, the history, and yes, the metaphysical side too. I like exploring how those pieces fit together in ways that are curious, thoughtful, and sometimes a little funny.
That voice is mine. AI cannot replicate that perspective or the way I share it.
You may start seeing more of that again through blogs, conversations, and maybe even a few classes in the future.
This year also reminded me that the other parts of my life still matter and still shape who I am. Before All Cheri, I spent over seventeen years working in community organizing, advocacy, healthcare, and politics. Helping people find their collective voice and working together for change were huge parts of my life. I loved what I did. It was through my own healthcare journey that I found this creative space and you.
Over the past year, I stepped back into those spaces a bit more. I spent time helping people think about how to bring their voices together and make an impact. It felt good, it felt right, and it is something I will continue carrying with me.
Even with all the pivots and learning curves, there were also some incredible milestones. (Remember, I got some helpers! Thank you, thank you!!...still beaming over that!)
Toward the end of the year, All Cheri found a home inside SoHza Sisters in Covington, KY, and soon my work will also be heading to Midnight Bloom in Centerville, OH. Moving into spaces that align with my values and the spirit of this brand is the right direction for the future.
SoHza Sisters
Midnight Bloom
And then there are the numbers, which still surprise me a little.
Sales grew by 34 percent over the previous year.
More than 2,000 times, someone connected with something I made with my hands…Yay!! Happy Dance!! The average order sale increased by 24 percent, and many of you came back again and again. THANK YOU!!!
That kind of support means more than I can easily put into words.
As I step into this new season, I am excited. Excited about the continued evolution of the work, the creative experiments still waiting to happen, and the community that keeps showing up with curiosity and kindness.
The future of All Cheri is still unfolding, and honestly, I am having a lot of fun discovering what comes next.
Thank you for being part of it!
Autumn M.
