SMALL BUSINESS DIARIES 🌸 Juggling my small business during a Tough week & how I plan my time

⭐️ AD A huge huge thank you to Notion for sponsoring todays studio vlog! If you guys would like to check them out for free you can start right here: ntn.so/katnipp🌷
In today's studio vlog we have a challenging week 😅
📦 First we head into the studio and I share all my product Ideas and a challenge I've set myself for a new christmas product range for my small business and most important of all, get to planning to work on those goals!
✨ We then clean up the studio and tidy and arrange everything ready for the working week
😅 We then get some unexpected bad news about my Husband and life throws us a curve ball so we get to work on packing orders and building our resilience during a difficult time
Lets get to work shall we?!
YOU DA BEST
Love,
Catherine
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[@bear.to.viking]

Thank you so so much for the well wishes everyone feeling much better now my ulcer has stopped bleeding and I was given an iron infusion which has made a massive difference, thank you so much your all, Da Best ❤

[@SigritGlück]

We are glad that you feel better Dean 🎉

[@justclaycrochet]

So good to read you're starting to feel better. Take care ❤

[@plumesdesetoiles]

Je suis très contente que tu ailles mieux. Prends soin de toi et reposes toi bien. Kiss from France

[@TheHsallaway]

[@Laura-je2uw]

I hope dean feels better soon. I definitely apprecoate when you show more of the stress and negative sides of running a business. I have a small business myself and most of it is working a lot and having to do repetitive and boring tasks very often. It is a luxury to get to do the tasks i enjoy most. It makes you much more relatable and also more valuable for other business owners IMO when you show the negatives more often....❤

[@meeshelly25]

When you mentioned that you were going to London, I was actually giving you props for taking all of these holidays. because for as long as I have followed you, you’ve always been working, working, and working. I feel like now you are balancing work & life better these days with what you show us. So as a fellow and small business owner, I see that you are taking care of yourself and enjoying the fruits of your labor.

[@Mummy12347]

I think ur absolutely amazing. Your authentic and honest. None of your vlog are misleading or send the wrong messages. The reason why ive watched u from the beginning is because u keep it real u show the good the mistakes and ur always honest. Alot of people these days only show the things they wanna show for likes, they use filters and only capture certain things. Ur not like that Stau true to who u are and keep reminding urself how strong and talented u are

[@Lisasplace]

Quick pro tip, for any part of your business, so including shipping, take out the time to make manuals. If you have someone helping randomly, someone getting sick or if someone leaves you still have that knowledge. They really don’t have to take up much time either.

[@Laura-je2uw]

Exactly, it’s called SOP (standard operating procedure) and it is generally used in businesses that have employees. It also assures that the quality remains consistent and that the process is fullfilled in the fastest and most efficient way juat following the written procedure.

[@user-bi8ko7kc6h]

I agree but she initially had 2 people helping her it's just a very unfortunate situation that both are unavailable at the same time.

[@artbyinky]

That’s a smart idea! She could hire a seasonal temp this way too.

[@KatnippStudios]

Great idea! I think this is needed going forward! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Littlebrittanym]

Feel like this was a very raw side of what can go on behind the scenes, not just in the katnipp world but for you guys as real people. Nobody is perfect and i really appreciated hearing your advice towards the end of the video. Not everyone can manage stress and burn out is a real thing, but you seemingly handle it very well as professionals in your field. I don’t want to say that it’s nice to see you struggle, but I suppose what I’m trying to say is it’s nice for business owners across the world show us that they are just like everyone else and it’s very relatable and comforting in a way. It helps us appreciate watching all of your growth in a new light. Best wishes for Dean!

[@sunnylee_draws4891]

I think you're able to work so much because you also make a lot of trips away from work, and that helps you to balance your work and leisure time. I hope Dean feels better soon, and I'm happy that sales are going up for you all! 🎉

[@jaberjaws00]

I hope Dean gets well soon. You handled the stress very well and I appreciated you showing the lows that comes with having your own business. Big inspiration.

[@artglue2]

Your hair color is awesome…you just keep getting prettier in every vid!

[@andreamoorcroft6127]

Thanks for being so vulnerable and honest at the end. Understanding the ups and doens of business is interesting and your audience will want to be on the journey with you for all of it. X

[@lynnplansahead]

Hoping Dean is on the mend. Your vlogs are always very honest and I truly appreciate all that you do and share. Take care of yourself!

[@ClayDisarray]

Oh crikey, what a week! I hope Dean is feeling much better and you're both able to take some time out as soon as you're able to - you more than deserve it! 💛

[@jennaparamour7169]

Thank you for sharing this aspect of running a small business. It is so easy to get overwhelmed and spend every waking moment focused on the business and forgetting everything else.

[@lindahardman6258]

Prayers for Dean’s quick recovery. Catherine I watch for your flogs and jump right in when I get the notification. I wouldn’t miss a one. You just keep it real on your channel. Go on your trip to London and enjoy it. I also feel the same about your personal channel. Be mindful of the stress level and slow down and get some rest along the way. You and Dean already looking trim! You both have been on quite the journey. Love you and all on Katnipp! 💗

[@trehs98]

Sending prayers for Dean, hope he’s well soon. ❤

[@diyapearlchhetri]

I love your channel so much and your products are so cute In really hope I'll be able to buy from your shop!

[@4140ajj]

I appreciate you showing us the real side of everything. Too many people just show the best parts and it gives people an unrealistic target to aim for (if it's someone they want to be like). Also, I hope Dean is feeling better

[@leeleescraps]

Lol when she asked google what time it is my google went off to tell me the time. Lol

[@joshuaalday5286]

Product suggestion, Curated Gift Boxes, each box is full of products of the same character. :)

[@annavannoni]

We ❤ you. Catherine! Hope everyone is doing okay!

[@mckenziecrawford9171]

I appreciate you keeping it real and always being authentic. You really don’t get to see that a lot on social media because you can’t just edit the unsavory bits out of your life. I’m glad Dean is doing better and don’t worry about disappointing us you are doing great!

[@fuzzydragons]

those pin design are so cute and festive 🥰so glad your phone was ok, you were having a crappy day and that would have been the icing on the cake

[@jessicasuga4108]

I hope Dean is feeling better!

[@TheStainedCanvasArt]

Get well Dean, and wishing you both strength to get through this rough time.

[@LCMontalvo]

Sending you and your family all the positivity & peace Catherine ! You will get through this rainy season 😊

[@lindariola6678]

I hope Dean feels better! You're so good at keeping it real! I have been watching you for years now, and I think you keep it real with your followers. I hope things are better for you now. I know by the time we see this time has passed. Sending love and hugs to you all❤❤

[@bexstynes90]

Hope dean feels better soon and hope u don't get to stressed out bless u ❤ xx

[@shellibelli2890]

OMG you are looking amazing! You are like the glam crafter and inspires me to take care of myself!

[@pamieafg]

Don’t worry about us and give yourself the rest and relaxation that you need. To even put out that much creative/practical products is not easy. Hope Dean is feeling well and that Mike had a good holiday too!

[@LiftedUpandLiving]

Lol I call that wheel the spinning wheel of death as welL! It’s evil 😂

[@MISSLEONAJB]

Hey Catherine 🤗 I’m so happy Dean is doing much better now. You had so much going on 🫣 but you are doing amazing as always ☺️ not long until Florida now 🩷 xxx

[@SuzanneRowell]

Hang in there, love watching you. Being self-employed is hard.

[@mariac1425]

Thank you so much for sharing all that happens on your day to day. The good and the bad. Hope Dean is feeling better, and things start going well for you!! It always seems that one bad thing leads to another somedays. Sending good vibes your way! I love watching you both here and your personal channel!! ❤

[@blacksmithhouseblackforest]

I love watching your vlog because you do keep it real. You tells us the ups and downs, the stresses and the highs. You are right, there are so many vlogs out there that concentrate on the good points. thank you for keeping it real and I hope Dean feels better soon.

[@trisha1220]

U still inspire me Catherine 💕 stay strong!

[@mariayoka_]

Thank you for sharing the reality and stress that comes with running a small business 😊 I love watching your videos. They are always very inspiring 🌟

[@LucyLocksArt]

Im sure many of us apreciate and understand sometimes your working hours are more or less than usual for reasons. As a small business owner, I know how to manage my time and make sure I work the hours I need to so not to get burnout myself, so dont worry about influencing us! youre amazing at what you do and I am in absolute awe at how much you juggle! I hope Dean makes a swift recovery and you do not stress too much! and Mike has a lovely holiday!

[@annavannoni]

❤ this vlog! Yes, do a pin for your first aid kit!

[@rosiemott]

Sending much love! Can highly recommend self-compassion on top of the mindfulness. Your vlogs are always honest, this one even moreso. We love you for it!

[@lilianrieke170]

Just letting you know, your videos are my ultimate comfort thing 💕 I'm having a rough day and seeing that there's a new video made everything feel a bit brighter today. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!

[@budgetwithsiân]

I hope Dean is feeling better! Just catching up on some of your videos. I took the plunge to get a new iPhone recently and also a new MacBook Pro. Editing and exporting videos was taking hours on my old one, such an investment in my time by getting the new one. You are an inspriration, been watching you for years now, and I always wanted to start a channel, which I ended up doing last Dec, so coming up to a year, and I’m so glad I did! I totally get what you say about not over working yourself, I’m terrible with it, working a full time job, running 2 businesses, doing a KZbin channel and also studying for a degree, so I feel ya! You da best!

[@sonatawinchester5951]

Thanks for being so raw and honest about the entrepreneur life. I hope Dean feels better, Mike has a lovely holiday and you had a great time in London. Notion! Yes! I absolutely adore it and would fall apart without it. I use it primarily to plan out my children’s home education subjects/work (five of them, there’s no way I’d keep track of it all otherwise!), but am using it more for my business stuff too. I’m currently experimenting with a Notion to do list that somehow combines my home education to dos with my work to dos, household to dos, and personal to dos. 😅 Ooh, maybe you could do a “tools” series and go into more detail about how you use things like Notion, Skillshare, etc. Great sponsorship opportunities there too!

[@charlottecooper-rose3587]

Sending prayers for dean i hope he’s okay- love how real and honest you are with this vlog❤ i think its so important because social media can be a crazy place so i love that your keeping it real and giving us this reminder🤍🤍

[@jessblessed777]

Thanks for being so honest and open! I hope and pray Dean gets better also! God Bless!

[@Starrskreem3591]

As someone whose also had kidney stones and them being lodged in my tubes - it was the worst experience and pain of my life. I hope he feels/is better soon!

[@vidotter]

😊 thank you for such a lovely spirit as I work through the night myself 😊❤😅

[@NemoCat20]

Hope Fran is feeling better now. 💖 Thank you for your honesty. Makes you very real and relatable. I don’t think you send the wrong messages with your vlogs at all! Yes they are nice to look at, flow well, and have great commentary(😄), but also feel real. I very much appreciate that. ☺️☺️

[@SimpleMandy]

Just signed up for Notion and it's going to be a game changer for me, big time!

[@Phianett]

You really are an inspiration, all of you! Hope Dean is well again, that Mike had a good holiday, and that you were able to get some rest and relaxation also. ❤

[@abundantwildflower1276]

What an emotional video this was! Oh Catherine, I could feel everything you were going through and by the end I was welling up 😢 I just wanted to give you a big hug ❤ Thank you for sharing the difficulties, life can be tough sometimes but we are all here with you, you definitely aren't alone. Hope you're having the best time in Florida, you guys are da best too 😊xx

[@craftyjujudesigns]

Get well soon Dean x

[@SilverFoxForestsDesigns]

In stead of having 4 seasons why not compress it in to Spring /Summer and autumn Winter. This way more time to play and less stress.

[@artbyinky]

I agree! I think too for seasonal stuff people are more likely to buy spring and autumn stuff too because of the holidays around them and festivities.

[@SilverFoxForestsDesigns]

@artbyinky I worry Catherine is risking burn out as well she works so hard and is filled with awesome ideas but her deadlines sneek up way to fast.so anything to help her have more time to create and reduce the presures good

[@Gem.Fearless]

I appreciate your honesty and sharing the hard times as well as the good. It feels like things have been tough for small business the past year and for me it's been a hard year personally and business wise so it's good to feel like I'm not alone xx

[@cosyandcard]

I always enjoy your vlogs. I hope Dean is much better now and I look forward to all your Christmas items! 🤗✨

[@DisneyinDetail]

My iPhone 12 Pro Max has started doing the exact same thing! It’s just got to the end of the 24 month contract and I wasn’t going to upgrade yet but now I might have to! What a chaotic week for you all 😩🩷

[@kerenvalentin7082]

We all have one of those days. Try to take three deep breaths, that will help your body relax. I hope Dean is doing much better by the time you read this. Looking forward to your next vlog. You got this!! 🤗🤗

[@artbyinky]

I appreciate the transparency of this video. I’m sorry you’re dealing with so much ❤ I think too with sales numbers, it’s unrealistic to base stuff off the past few years simply because they were such unusual times. Even now, I’ve been stressed because I’ve had no sales in months, but then I look at how I’m spending and I can’t afford a lot anymore even though I have a full time job and make decent wages. I didn’t even take a real vacation this year and I’m disgusted every time groceries need to be purchased. So, I’m trying to tell myself it’s not a reflection of me or my products. It’s just when people can’t meet their basic needs, they might hold off on buying art or stickers. Hang on like the rest of us, I think we’ll make it out okay! ❤

[@tinkerandteal]

I swear when you do these vlogs its like you are just like speaking to me alone.. Because when you start talking about how when you love what you do its hard to separate and know when to stop and now over do it.. THATS SOOO ME. I absolutely love what i do i love drawing and creating digital illustrations. I do tend to put more pressure on myself to work more bc i get into that mindset that if i work more things will start to happen faster... but thats not true. I really apprecaite your vlogs and how you still give the realistic side of things and how things go wrong that not everything is nice and tidy and perfect. SOOO thank you so much for what you do and being who you are it means a lot and this my friend is why you da best of all!!! xoxoxo

[@mrsbertimus2645]

Thanks so much for these vlogs and I hope you have a wonderful time in London. Sending best wishes to you, hope that Dean feels better soon.

[@piadauspeel2145]

wah, poor deeeaaaan! I hope he feels better soon

[@kimberlynixon2160]

You are amazing! Thank you for sharing the ups and downs. You inspire me to believe in myself and you uplift me with your wonderful videos. I hope Dean feels better soon! Love Ya!

[@sprinkledwithcolor]

Praying for Dean and for you too. Keep looking up!

[@emska_]

That butterfly necklace oh my god 🥺

[@PardonMyImagination]

The biggest save for when your tech breaks, is getting insurance on them. Idk how it works in the UK, but a lot of our phone companies that offer phone insurance you can also get your other tech items covered. I'd definitely look into it.

[@Sonia_g36]

Love your videos very authentic 🫶🏻

[@Crimpycurls64]

Wish Dean better. I hope it’s nothing too serious. Take care of yourself too ❤😊

[@jillsmarrazine]

Sending hugs to you and Dean 🤗 Keep going ❤️ Get well soon Dean 😊

[@tammieh647]

I pray that Dean feels better. I can totally relate I am so glad you are very transparent with us on your vlog. A business can be a mental thing and very burnt out I do take time off to take care of myself. And thank you for sharing all the ups and downs that is very inspiring to me as well to know how to handle things.❤❤❤❤ Keep being you Catherine I love it ❤ The best thing that happen to me is that I found your channel thank you❤

[@littleplutostudio2542]

omg, I hope Dean is feeling better!!! you are doing amazing! been watching for years and I just squealed out loud because we have the same Bambi pjs 😍😍

[@lynnantoniamarley]

I hope dean is feeling better now and you are able to rest too. Thanks for sharing all the ups and downs it really does mean the world. I have been trying to start a business for a while now but crippling imposter syndrome, a sever lack of confidence and just basically thinking I'm not worthy has stopped me every time. I am working on a business idea and your Vlogs have helped me so so much. Thanks so much and lots of love to you both xxx

[@sweetp1015]

Oh I’m so sorry Dean is feeling well. Best wishes to a speedy recovery. I hope you got some footage of your Shopify visit. I use Shopify to run my small business too. And I enjoy your videos here and on the travel or personal channel. Thanks for what you do. Loving my fall deck mat. Hopefully to get a spring one if you have one❤

[@k.ande.southworth9197]

When that happens for me, I take an alcohol wipe and scrub the screen and all the knooks and cranies. it usually means the touch screen has buildup some where that's making a touch connection.

[@thetaffetafox]

Hey, thanks for another wonderful vlog and I hope that Dean feels much better! For me, yes you are very inspiring as a small business and I would love to be where you are but I think more so I watch your videos because of you being you. It's kinda like getting to hang out with a friend (who doesn't know I exist so that sounds kinda weird and stalkerish sorry!) but it's having company while I'm working away alone in my studio too! Thank you for keeping it real and showing when things do go a little bit askew! Looking forward to seeing the London Vlog and 'hanging out' again!

[@zoeb6778]

Burn out is real.. Aug & September was really hard... Was trying to keep going, but just had to slow right down.. doing a bit more now in Oct..but still feeling it. I was working 7 days a week for mths... Today decided not to do any work and HAVE to tidy and clean the apartment! I work from home (small apartment) and work and home stuff have just been mismashed... so need to get this place sorted, so my brain can breath!

[@artbyinky]

We need breaks!! Everything even nature takes a break it’s why in the winter everything pauses or hibernates, everything needs rest. I burned myself out in 2021 trying to do too much too quickly and am now taking a much slower approach.

[@debwill13]

oh wow, it's overwhelming, I so hope everything gets back to normal and Dean is okay. It's easy to say you need to take care of yourself but like you said when you have your own business you have to keep going. Hopefully by the time you read this you'll be at least half way to normal and Dean will be well and back to work with you. I'm looking forward to your London vlogs but if you can't do social media right now you just can't. Something has got to give so you can do the things that need to be done without making yourself unwell. We'll be here for you when things balance out again. You know what they say; "This to shall pass" Believe me, I've said that to myself soooo many times, but it does pass and things get back to "normal". xoxoxo

[@mareeborg1673]

You inspired me in my small business here in Australia

[@leeraxd]

Ahhhh I haven't been here in a while but OMG we're already doing Christmas stuff...I cannot believe that it's NOVEMBER. Like where did the year go???

[@linzertube]

I hope that Dean is well by now. And, I hope that your tech woes have ended, Catherine. You seem very resilient and are an incredibly productive person. Hang in there! ❤

[@Hanna.k_draws]

You are the sweetest ❤ Please you need to relax as well. Hope Dean is better now as well x PS you are so loved!!! Even my partner (who’s soooo not into this style of a vlog 😂) always asks me “when are we watching this northern lady?” 😂😂😂

[@emilyrcollard]

I’m so sorry you had such a tough time!! I really hope you and dean get some good karma! 🥰

[@andreajlmoore]

Awww, I felt so bad for you as everything seemed to be going wrong. Firstly, I sure hope Dean is feeling better. Also, I wished I lived closer and could have run right over to help you pack orders or something!

[@Kissclinicstudio]

can you share which template was the daily one for notion because I def need something like that in my life

[@selinap1458]

Love your Videos!!! Can you maybe sow us, how to get the file Print ready? I got my business cards printed and they came out in the whole different color. How do you get the right colors printed?

[@vanessarheadart9708]

My Google answered when you asked the time 😂

[@creepies1533]

You set my google off too 😅

[@Justin_W]

Praying for Dean! Please update us!

[@Luzska]

Kat, do you find your tiny IPad easier to use for illustrating than your 12’9”? and does your illustrations pixelate due to the small size? I’m trying to decide whether to get both or just one …

[@MmKay01]

yay! inspiration is here😂❤😅

[@alencyalakotaable]

Ha! You set off my google device 🤣

[@jckree]

Sending you big(((((HUGS))))) Don't worry about others you're doing a supper job in running your business and I love watching you all your videos. BTW Hope Dean is feeling much better.

[@MoonchildMelly]

13:13 just wondering where I can get a bottle like this (preferably in germany)? 🥺

[@phil-ej9ck]

Is Mike your brother? I had no idea! Get well soon Dean ❤

[@KatnippStudios]

He’s my brother in law 🥹🌷 so my husbands brother hehe 🌷🌷

[@AttackonGames]

Omg it sounds like how my 2020 went all my electronics died at the exact same tim and couldn't afford to get any replaced. I had that phantom screen thing happen with my ipad i got second hand only worked for a few months wasted like $700 on it. Is Dean ok? I hope hes better now

[@Christina24life]

Do you put update Notion on your Notion list?

[@Papershire]

Eeeck a fellow old school Neopian! :D I know so many old neopians who run businesses now lol. That game truly trained us didn't it? I hope Dean gets better soon, have a great time in London!

[@GalacticatStudios]

Ahhh all of mine and my partners electronics have broken this past month too!! Literally EVERYTHING I own that runs electricity 😅 I’ve been saying I have some kind of electromagnetic hands too!! What the heck!! Is there solar flares or something?? 😂

[@candychimes8184]

Hope Dean will recover soon. You always cram at the last minute, but I'm impress you always able to deliver when you cram. I hope Emily can come in and help. How is Emily? I miss her, she's very quirky

[@49lucky]

I use my Google Calendar and 3 planners if any of those get lost I'm done for😅😅😅. I use Samsung and don't have much trouble at all. As far as electronics I don't even wear a watch too much electricity in me???😅😅😅 Here's hoping Dean gets going soon. Can't wait for London how wonderful, our girl is getting more famous yippee

[@leeleescraps]

If I’d lived closer I’d love to help out in emergencies like this. Canada is kinda far, lol. Hope dean is feeling better.

[@laurendavies7759]

Poor Dean! Feel better soon ❤ P. S. is that a 1975 rectangle necklace I spotted?! 😮 if so I need to know where you got it from bc it’s gorgeousssss x