Letters Vol.03 - Not Every Idea Needs to Become an Offer

This weeks 'Letter to a Young Designer' is all about letting go of “doing it all” and finding clarity through simplification.

Dear younger me,

I know what you’re doing. You are trying to do it all so you can be for everyone.

First, it was logos, then wedding stationery, an online product shop, digital brushes, a fashion influencer and blogger, home makeovers, calligraphy wax seals, calligraphy workshops, and finally, website templates. All because you heard somewhere that this was the way to become successful.

Your services were inconsistent, and if someone wanted something, you offered it. You thought the more options you had, the more income you'd bring in.

Surely something would stick, right?

But what actually happened? Your energy was split in SO MANY directions that it watered down the one thing you were really good at... BRANDING.

Here’s where you got it wrong:

• You were solving too many different problems instead of becoming known for solving one really well.

• You created new offers based on trends or what others are doing and not what truly fits you (ie, an influencer, Angela!?).

• Because you were such a perfectionist, you spent too much time creating the perfect workflow for each one, taking time away from building your craft.

• You marketed everything randomly, which meant nothing stood out.

Here’s what you changed:

• You trimmed the fat. You still had pins and links to these products and collaborations, but you no longer highlighted them on your site.

• You built a consistent, repeatable client workflow for branding and digital products, which made the whole process more seamless (and memorable).

• You focused on becoming known for one or two things instead of offering ten.

And the shift? Everything became easier.

You stopped second-guessing if you were 'meant' to be in that space. You felt a weight lift and knew you had less confusion. The best part? Your clients started referring you not just because they liked what you designed, but because they clearly understood what you did.

And let me be clear, trying new things isn't wrong. In fact, it's how you learned what fits.

But, you could have…

1. Tried new offers with intention and a timeline (not rapidly, at once, in a single year ;).

2. Tested things quietly and maybe not under the Saffron Avenue name.

You felt lost, and that’s okay.. because eventually you’ll find your way.

We are lucky to have the opportunity to "play" as business owners. But, it still needs to be structured so it isn’t confusing. Plan it out, give it at least 6 months, and then re-evaluate.

From a recent Thread I found: Simplicity scales. Clarity is what converts.

You don’t need more offers to grow, you need one {really good one} that is built from your strengths and that beautiful passion of yours.

Trust me, you’ll be surprised how much easier everything becomes.