What I’ve Learned from 50+ Favorites and My First Spoonflower Follower

Before getting my first favorite on Spoonflower, I felt like I was holding my breath underwater hoping, waiting, wondering if I was seen at all. I still remember the choice I made: not to click “favorite” on anyone else’s designs, not out of stinginess or pride, but because I needed to know deeply, honestly if someone would favorite my work simply because they liked it. Not because they were returning a favor.

I don’t necessarily recommend this approach. In fact, I believe in celebrating and supporting other artists openly. But for me, this small act of restraint became a quiet test. A way to silence the doubt that asked me daily: “Am I good enough? Did I make the right choice entering the world of surface design?”

And then it happened. The first favorite. A tiny heart beside my pattern.

Soon, more followed.

With every one of those hearts, I felt something blooming inside me like a vibrant tree, fresh and flourishing in the meadow of my heart. The tree of confidence. This time, not in business or teaching or content strategy, but in art. In surface design. In me.

Yes, people like my art.

Yes, I got my first follower.

Yes, I am slowly regaining the self-confidence I lost during years of upheaval grief, loss, single parenting, and leaving behind a life I outgrew.

I usually lean on intrinsic motivation. I don’t chase likes or seek approval. But sometimes, just sometimes, you need that gentle nudge from the outside. A small, silent stranger pressing “favorite” on something you poured your heart into.

That’s the kind of spark that stays with you.

So here’s to small milestones that aren’t so small after all.