The 52nd Friday Four
Thanks for catching up with the Friday Four series, simply the 4 weekly highlights from behind the scenes at Tura Lura Co. in West Branch. And… it’s last Friday of 2024 - Let’s get into lessons learned in 2024!
Make a commitment and follow through.
At the beginning of 2024, I shared that I was going to write a note every Friday to give space to reflect on the week at Tura Lura Co. The title was lovingly called the Friday Four, to share 4 things about behind the scenes or highlights of each week. Making space to slow down and think, to look ahead with excitement. To put words out into the world that weren’t too “markety” and still provide information on the happenings at the studio. Here’s what I learned in this experiment. When I make a promise to myself, it can be hard to keep it. Other things get in the way. I let myself down. However - When I make a commitment with others, I keep it. This is a lesson I teach to students. We make our SMART goals, then write them down, and talk about them. When we share goals with other people then it’s easier to follow through. This email series was a commitment to you, and it was a practice of consistency for me. Thank you for letting me come into your inboxes every Friday this year, I know what a privilege it is to be in that space.
Create more magical moments.
Being able to create with people this year allowed for many memories to be crafted. I love hearing from folks about how they made a new friend from a studio class, had an experience with a distant family member from out of town at a private party, or just engrained a special moment in time. That’s what a novelty making candles and perfumes can be - it’s not an every day experience, it’s a special occasion to gather. And with a little bit of planning and intentionality we can make it a really happy and memorable time! In the midst of hosting so many experiences, I also started to challenge myself to get out of my own routine to try new things with friends, family, and self. I am loving exploring and trying new places and spaces, and am going to continue making a bucket list of items to create more memories in 2025!
Change is the only constant in life.
This small business began with hand crafting concrete candles in 2022 to simply teaching creative classes in 2024 in a small studio. We never know what life has in store, and we have to listen closely at what feels like the next right thing. After about a thousand more people served in classes during 2024, I am continuing to pivot and chart the next step. During 2025, I am making a commitment to slow down. To be home for more bedtimes, to be present and in the moment, not missing out in the small details of everyday life. So, I’ll be offering less pop up classes and events to achieve a slower pace. What this also means is that I am making room to focus on building my skills. When I started offering Pour + Restore, I realized how much I missed teaching movement. So I got back into practice, I took some continuing ed and am working on my 500 RYT during the first half of 2025. So in the coming months you will see opportunities to breathe and move with me!
Fragrances are powerful tools.
I have always been obsessed with candles, essential oils, and using organic items (like lemon or mint from the garden) to help set the tone of an environment. Fragrance can be therapeutic, there is a mind-body connection, and each person likes different things! I believe strongly that we can use fragrance as a tool in our daily routines, and after working with so many people the last few years I can narrow down to which combinations are beloved and work well to relax or energize people. Coming into 2025, I am going to have a small collection of my most popular fragrances and share more about the oils and benefits! These small products have a direct and profound impact on our emotions, memories, and physiological responses, and I am excited to get back into some more small batch releases in 2025.
Stepping into this year, I knew I’d learn a lot from the little studio in the Opera House. The space gave me freedom to play and try new things, which ultimately lead me to coming back to myself. While I say goodbye to 2024, I have so many fond memories and am so grateful for having a space. And as I look to 2025, I am excited about all the possibilities about operating from a home studio and what will unfold next. Holding two truths simultaneously—especially when those truths seem to be in conflict—means accepting that life is complex and that our understanding of it is often nuanced and layered. Thank you for joining me this year in email, and hope you continue to stick around for the shenanigans next year! I’ll be taking a little bit of time off the computer to celebrate the new year then will be back sharing about upcoming happenings. So for now, a toast - to kindness and love, the things we need most.
Erika
