When Things Change

Aug 7
2 min read

A Note from Hickory Dickory Designs

Running a small creative business is unpredictable, and always changing. Over the years at Hickory Dickory Designs, we’ve celebrated hundreds of milestones alongside our customers — new homes, anniversaries, weddings, and birthdays — all crafted into keepsakes designed to last a lifetime.

But just like life, business evolves. And recently, I’ve been reminded that when things change, we have to change too.

Listening to the Shifts

Sometimes it’s a subtle change — a seasonal dip in orders, a new design trend, or a gentle nudge from customers looking for something a little different. Other times it’s louder: platform updates, buying habits shifting, or simply recognising that a once-popular product doesn’t spark joy anymore.

As a maker, those moments used to feel daunting. But I’ve come to see them as part of the rhythm of small business life. We grow, we learn, we adapt — just like the products we create.

From Keepsakes to Connections

Hickory Dickory Designs was built on the idea of creating thoughtful, personal gifts that hold real meaning — and that hasn’t changed. But how we share that story, how we reach our customers, and how we design for modern life? That evolves all the time.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how people are craving slower gifts, more meaningful gestures, and items with a story behind them. It’s encouraged me to take a fresh look at what I offer, how I package it, and how I can keep designing in a way that’s not just beautiful — but sustainable too.

Change Isn’t the End — It’s a New Chapter

I’ve retired some older designs recently and introduced new ones that feel more aligned with where I (and you, my lovely customers) are now. It’s a little bittersweet, letting go of past favourites, but it also makes space for new ideas to grow.

Whether it’s offering more customisation, exploring new colourways, or tweaking designs to reflect life’s changing moments, I want Hickory Dickory Designs to continue to be a brand that grows with you — celebrating your stories, your milestones, and your memories.

What’s Next?

If you’ve been with me a while, you might spot a few gentle shifts:

A renewed focus on sustainability (plastic-free packaging, FSC wood, recyclable materials)
New seasonal blog posts and guides to inspire thoughtful gifting
Tweaked designs that reflect life’s quieter, more personal moments
And more behind-the-scenes stories from the studio — so you can feel part of the journey, not just the end result