Welcome to the Success With Jewelry podcast, hosted by marketing strategist Laryssa Wirstiuk and creative consultant Liz Kantner. Together, we're passionate about helping independent jewelry brands thrive through honest conversations about what it really takes to succeed.

In Episode #152, we're looking ahead to 2026 and talking about how to plan for a year with more focus, intention, and balance. Whether you're dreaming up big business goals, craving more creative space, or simply looking for a more grounded approach to the year ahead, this episode walks you through how to reflect, reset, and build a plan that supports both your business and your life.

💎 In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why end-of-year reflection matters—and how to make it less overwhelming (yes, treats encouraged)

• What numbers to review: sales, marketing, growth, customer feedback, and more

• How identifying your "quiet wins" can boost confidence heading into a new year

• The power of defining your big-picture vision for 2026

• How to break your yearly goals into quarterly and monthly milestones

• Why "selling X pieces" or "reaching X subscribers" can make big goals feel more achievable

• How to build supportive habits and systems that reinforce your plans

• The importance of protecting your creative time and avoiding burnout

• Why January's renewed energy makes it the perfect time to set the tone for the year

• Simple tools for staying consistent: check-ins, accountability partners, co-working, and more

• Why your plan doesn't need to be perfect—or fully mapped out until December 2026

🔒 Insider Bonus – What You'll Get When You Join:

A candid look at how solopreneurs get stuck in busywork—and how to break the cycle

• Why it's so hard to prioritize big-picture planning (and how to build the discipline for it)

• The emotional blocks behind self-direction, motivation, and business development

• Behind-the-scenes examples of how we struggle with planning, consistency, and boundaries

• Real talk on falling behind in your own marketing (and how to reset without shame)

• Our exact strategies for protecting CEO time, creativity, and long-term projects

• How small rituals—like monthly check-ins and weekly co-working—actually keep you on track

• Why your plan should evolve throughout the year, not stay rigid

• The mindset shift required to feel less reactive and more in control as a business owner

👉 Love this teaser? Unlock the full insider episode at https://patreon.com/SuccesswithJewelry for instant access and more exclusive content.

About Your Hosts

Liz Kantner helps independent jewelry artists find their voices and thrive in today's marketplace through consulting, digital strategy, and her Stay Gold Collective community. Learn more at lizkantner.com.

Laryssa Wirstiuk is the founder and creative director of Joy Joya, a digital marketing agency for jewelry brands. She's also the author of Jewelry Marketing Joy and the creator of JoyDeck, a platform that makes marketing easier for jewelry designers. Discover more at joyjoya.com.