New Year, New Strategies

When I started Copper Coyote in March, I didn't know if I would actually like it. I had never used a welder, and I knew very little about permanent jewelry aside from owning a few pieces. I took a page from my best friend's book and didn't tell anyone. I did research in silence and started buying equipment. (Boy, was that expensive.) After I had everything I would need, I let my closest friends in on the secret and practiced my welding. Man, did I suck... I felt so embarrassed and defeated. I had spent so much money to open a permanent jewelry business, and I was awful at it.

I kept going and began to get the hang of it. Come June, I held my launch event at my best friend's bookstore. Boy, was I way in over my head. Over 100 people showed up, and there was a line out the door for hours. I hated it. Don't get me wrong, I love it more than anything now. I was slow, I fumbled, I didn't know how to engage my clients, and I was selling out of inventory.

With each pop-up and private party, I got better, faster, and friendlier. I gained confidence in my skills and realized, wow! I have a really amazing side hustle. At some point along the way, I realized I don't want Copper Coyote to just be a side hustle. I want to build a brand, an experience.

In order to achieve this, I have to maintain steady growth over 2026 and work twice as hard when it comes to marketing. Speaking things into existence is something I've always believed in, so I want to share my 2026 goals with you.

• Reach 1500 followers on Facebook

• Reach 300 followers on Instagram

• Write blog posts to share information and document my journey

• Upgrade my chain displays

• Receive 30 reviews

• Host 20 pop-ups

• Host 5 private parties

• Book 1 wedding or corporate event

• Invest in virtual queue software

• Post once a week on Facebook and Instagram

• Complete a brand photoshoot with my favorite photographer

• Create and maintain an inventory management program

I look forward to achieving these goals; with them will come significant business growth. I already checked a goal off in the first week of the year by purchasing my domain and updating my website.

I want to close by saying a huge thank you to my best friends for believing in me, my boyfriend for helping more than he should, my mom for caring for my son, and my community for showing up for me. I never dreamt that I would receive the response I have from my community.