The Catch Up: March 2025
The end of March marks the end of the first quarter, and I’m going to do something I rarely do: celebrate my wins. Sales were up 72% on the previous year, and I’ve already exceeded some of my targets. After two years where things felt like they’d flat-lined (thanks in no small part to the birth of my daughter), I’ve felt a real sense of renewed energy heading into 2025. So what changed?
Firstly, I want to debunk the myth of the viral business. Yes, it can happen- for a teeny percentage of brands. And they’re usually the ones that end up in the press. But the reality? Building a business takes time, consistency, and a whole lot of hard work. And I’ve been working really hard. The biggest shift hasn’t been how much I’ve been working, but how I’ve been working. As the saying goes, insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
Here are three things I’ve done differently in the past few months that have made all the difference:
GETTING OFFLINE
This quarter, I’ve spent more time away from my desk, and it’s paid off. I’ve gone to events, joined founder networks, and co-worked with others. The result? Real connections made, confidence boosted, creativity flowing. Turns out getting offline really is the key to doing better online.
ASKING FOR HELP
I’ve always found asking for help difficult. There’s a voice in my head that says I don’t deserve it. It’s a bit like imposter syndrome, but this year I made a promise to myself: to give it everything I’ve got—which meant getting out of my own way.
So I asked, and honestly, it’s been transformational. Just asking has led to:
- A business-changing call with a senior CMO
- A realignment of our brand positioning
- Two of our best-performing pieces of marketing this year
- A life-affirming chat with a fellow jeweller and piercer
- The beginnings of a new tool that’ll transform how the website works
The best part? I’m going to keep doing it. There’s nothing more motivating than seeing real results from something that used to scare you.
CREATING "THE HOOP"
This might be one of my favourite things I’ve done with Catch Rhys so far. The Hoop is an invite-only WhatsApp group I created so that the people who love the brand the most can help me grow it. It’s been amazing getting to know some of our biggest supporters, hearing their stories, and getting instant feedback.
We’ve even designed the next Catch Rhys product together—and gone on a proper learning journey in the process. I’ve got so many exciting things planned for this group, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
The best part about all of these changes? I’m enjoying my work more than I have in a long time. And that feels like the real success story- not just the numbers on a screen.
Don’t get me wrong, I know those numbers matter if the business is going to survive. But something I keep reminding myself: it’s the journey that counts, not just the destination.
There’s a common thread running through all three of these changes: community. And if you’re reading this, that means you’re part of mine. For that, I am truly grateful.
If there’s anything you want to share with me, or a way you’d like to get more involved, please do reach out. And staying true to the theme of asking for help: I’m still looking for a mentor. So if you happen to know someone who could be a great fit, I’d appreciate an introduction.
