Cheers to Growth: Reflecting on the Journey and Setting Intentions for 2025
Happy New Year! As I write this, I’m cozied up at Jethros Coffee House in Dahlonega, Georgia, on a chilly morning. Wherever you are, I hope you’re warm and ready to dive into a new year with fresh intentions. Jethros holds a special place in my heart because, in many ways, this is where my entrepreneurial journey truly began.
My special spot at Jethros…
When I decided to officially launch Crane Design Co., Jethros became my creative sanctuary. After dropping my daughter off at school, I’d grab a cup of coffee, claim my favorite corner, and immerse myself in work. Bon Iver would be playing softly in the background as I tackled client projects and built my business, one design at a time. Those three-hour morning sessions were some of the most fulfilling moments of my early entrepreneurial days.
But as all entrepreneurs know, growth brings change. Over time, my routine shifted. My schedule got busier, summers meant my daughter was out of school, and I found myself balancing more client meetings and projects than ever before. Then, in October, my sister Chealse and I opened a storefront together—a dream come true, but one that added a whole new layer of responsibility.
Front Page News
Our article in The Nugget in November of 2024 for Little Sister, our store front!
Through all of this, I’ve learned that growth, while exciting, can also be challenging. Change—whether it’s in your routine, business model, or client base—forces you to adapt. I often catch myself walking past Jethros, yearning for those simpler days of uninterrupted coffee shop work. But I remind myself that every stage of this journey has its own magic, and growth is something to celebrate, even when it feels overwhelming.
As I reflect on 2024, it’s clear it was a year of big lessons. I started strong, securing retainer clients and averaging three new projects a month. I found my rhythm with early mornings and late nights, managing to build a thriving business without missing too much family time. I hired my first intern over the summer, a game-changer for my workflow. But I also faced challenges—losing clients, pivoting strategies, and navigating the emotional rollercoaster that is entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship truly is like a rollercoaster. There are exhilarating highs when a big idea takes off or a new client signs on. But there are also moments when the ride takes an unexpected loop, leaving you feeling disoriented. The key is to keep showing up, learning from each twist and turn, and trusting that the experience will make you stronger.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in these five years, it’s that success isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about navigating them with resilience. Sometimes you’ll create something amazing and hear nothing but crickets. It’s easy to second-guess yourself in those moments. But then, out of nowhere, you get a lead, and just like that, you’re on top of the hill again.
As we step into 2025, I’m determined to embrace the ride with open arms. This year, I’m setting bold goals, adjusting my routine to fit my growing responsibilities, and staying intentional about how I spend my time. I want to support not only my clients but also other entrepreneurs who are navigating their own journeys. Whether you’re just starting out or in the thick of growth, know that I’m here to cheer you on, brainstorm wild ideas, and celebrate your wins.
Let’s make this year one to remember. Let’s lean into the challenges, celebrate the victories, and remind ourselves why we started in the first place.
This is my “why”- my incredible family that inspires to be the best that I can be and create a legacy for my family!
Cheers to a year of growth, connection, and possibility!
— Megan Crane
P.S. If you’re ever in Dahlonega, stop by Jethros for a cup of coffee. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find your own corner to dream, create, and grow.
