The Art of Letting Go: Closing a Chapter, Opening New Doors

There’s a unique pull that comes with running a creative business—a constant balancing act between your art and the reality of sustaining it. It requires instinct, optimism, and relentless hope—yet it also demands practicality, adaptability, and, sometimes, the courage to let go.

Recently, I made the difficult decision to close my tiny retail shop and transition back to an online-only model. Moving out meant moving back into storage—this time, even smaller—forcing me to refine what’s essential and rethink how I engage with my community. It wasn’t just about space; it was about mindset.

I’m hopeful, but I’m slow to pour on the optimism. I want to leave space for this experience—to sit with it, process it, and honor what it was before I rush into “what’s next.” Letting go isn’t just about moving forward; it’s about allowing yourself to acknowledge what’s been left behind.

Profit Over Feelings

Many times, I found myself using online revenue just to sustain the physical space, and that’s when I knew something had to change. Running a business means making tough calls, and this was one of them. When the numbers consistently show you that something isn’t working, you have to listen. I had to put profit over feelings—not because passion doesn’t matter, but because sustainability does.

It’s easy to romanticize having a storefront, but the reality is that if it’s not profitable, it’s draining resources that could be used to grow the business in other ways. Letting go wasn’t about failure—it was about prioritizing what actually works.

I anticipated this shift. Last fall, I began working part-time—while that’s a whole other blog post, let’s just say this: sometimes, it’s important not to keep all your eggs in one basket. Diversifying your income, even as a business owner, isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a sign of foresight.

The Weight of Expectations & the Reality of Support

I poured everything into this space: time, energy, resources, and dreams. And while some showed up with unwavering support, others—who promised they would—never did. That’s one of the hardest lessons in business. You cannot rely on words alone. No matter how much people cheer you on, a business survives on action—on customers who make purchases, who spread the word, who show up.

Many close to me have said, “People see the good on social media and assume everything is great. You have to share the bad, too.” I push back against that notion.

Because when it comes to social media and the algorithm beast, I think people confuse transparency and authenticity with oversharing and loose boundaries. If you read my posts and captions, you’ll find my honest musings on small business life—the good, the hard, the realities of doing this work solo. But it shouldn’t take people crying on a screen or threatening immediate closure for folks to feel the need to show up. That feels performative to a degree and lacks true commitment and community.

The Commercial Real Estate Struggle in Austin (and beyond)

Finding space as a micro-business in Austin is a battle. Traditional leases feel completely detached from reality, especially for bootstrap entrepreneurs. Long-term commitments, unrealistic overhead, and lack of flexibility make it nearly impossible to sustain. And the few unique programs that do exist to help businesses like mine? They often come with layers of challenges, invisible demands, and compromises that make you question if they’re even worth it.

I don’t regret trying. I gained so much knowledge from this experience. But I also know that creative businesses need new systems—ones that reflect the modern economy, the realities of independent makers, and the need for flexibility in how and where we sell. Until then, I’m embracing what I can control: the freedom of an online space, the ability to connect without limitations, and the power of a thoughtful, engaged community.

Here’s What I’ve Learned

This situation was specific to my business, but with a few tweaks, these lessons can be applied to many areas of life:

• Listen to your intuition – If something feels misaligned, trust that feeling. Even if it’s painful, your gut often knows before your mind does.
  
  
• Honor the seasons of your journey – Growth doesn’t always mean expansion. Sometimes, it means refinement, rest, or redirection.
  
  
• Redefine success – It’s not just about external markers (a storefront, a title, a big move). Success is sustainability, joy, impact, and the ability to evolve.
  
  
• Grieve what didn’t work, but don’t dwell – Let yourself feel the frustration, the defeat, the loss. And then, move forward with intention.
  
  
• Lean on community, but don’t wait for it – True supporters will show up, but don’t build your foundation on expectation. Build it on strategy, adaptability, and faith in yourself. Find ways to voice your feelings—bonus if your confidant has personal experience with what you’re going through.
  
  
• Make space for rest – Burnout isn’t proof of hard work. Rest is a form of resilience.
  
  
• Seek out joy – Enjoy your daily rituals. Keep practicing a craft or hobby. Find ways to move your body. Take time to nourish yourself mentally, physically, and creatively.

Tips for Letting Go with Grace

If you’re in a season of transition, here are a few ways to navigate it:   

1. Acknowledge what’s not working – It’s okay to admit that something isn’t aligning with your goals or well-being.
   
   
2. Detach from the “shoulds” – Let go of what you thought things should look like and embrace what actually works.
   
   
3. Shift your perspective – Instead of seeing change as loss, view it as making space for something better.
   
   
4. Take a break before the next big move – Rest, reflect, and process before jumping into something new.
   
   
5. Focus on what you can control – Energy is better spent on solutions rather than regrets.
   
   
6. Trust yourself – You’ve made hard choices before, and you’ll navigate this one, too.

Looking Ahead with Intention

Though this transition wasn’t what I originally envisioned, I know that what’s ahead is just as meaningful. I’m excited to reconnect with my online community, to continue curating pieces that elevate everyday rituals, and to create thoughtful experiences that don’t rely on physical space to be impactful.

I’m leaving space for this moment, but I’m also looking ahead with care, with trust, and with the belief that sometimes, letting go is the first step to something even better.

Shop Thoughtfully: Featured Picks

While I’m shifting away from a physical storefront, New Origin Shop continues to offer pieces that bring beauty, comfort, and creativity into your daily life. Here are a few items I’m loving right now:

✨ *New Arrival* Hand-Rolled Palo Santo Incense

Crafted in the Andean highlands of Peru, these incense sticks are earthy, grounding, and subtly citrusy — perfect for clearing space, inviting renewal, and setting intentions during life transitions.View here

✨ Amber & Moss Candle
Clean, herbal, and nostalgic — this candle sets a calming backdrop for your slow mornings, evening reflections, or creative resets. Think of it as a scent that says “I’m home.” View here 

✨ Nablus Olive Oil Soap
This is one of my personal favorites. I love skincare with minimal ingredients, and I’m especially drawn to how this soap was created by a women-led co-op in Palestine. It reminds me to be intentional — in my care routine, and in keeping the Palestinian people close to heart. View here

I appreciate every single one of you who has supported this journey. Here’s to what’s next. Let’s keep building, dreaming, and embracing the unknown—together.

-Sierra