Building Kahli One Step at a Time June 2026 Update

The past few weeks have been spent adding more products to Kahli, and while it might not look like much from the outside, there's a surprising amount of work happening behind the scenes.

A lot of my days are spent recording data, organizing inventory ideas, creating processes, and figuring out how everything will eventually work together. Building a brand isn't just designing products and opening a website. It's creating systems that can grow over time, even if no one ever sees the work being done.

One challenge I've been thinking about lately is working with artists. Many of the people I've collaborated with have been friends and talented artists I've known for years. Life changes, though. Drawing isn't everyone's full-time career anymore, and understandably, they don't have the same amount of free time they once did. It's unfortunate, but it's also made me realize something important about Kahli.

I've slowly come to accept that I'm more of a merchant than an artist.

While I love original creations and want Kahli to continue releasing its own branded products and seasonal collections, I've discovered that I genuinely enjoy curating products just as much. Finding unique stationery, gifts, and collectibles that fit the Kahli aesthetic has become a huge part of the journey. Instead of trying to force the brand into one direction, I'm letting it evolve naturally into a stationery and gift shop with original drops mixed throughout the year.

The funny thing is, selling products has always been one of my favorite parts of any creative project.

I love talking to customers. I love hearing what catches their eye or learning what they're shopping for. Sometimes it's a small treat for themselves after a long week. Sometimes it's a birthday gift for a friend or family member. Sometimes it's a random item that simply made them smile. Knowing that something I helped bring into the world might brighten someone's day is one of the most rewarding parts of running a business.

Outside of Kahli, I recently landed a new full-time job. At least, I think I have.

I've completed multiple interviews, passed my background check, and passed my drug screening, and now I'm waiting to hear back about my official start date. After months of job searching and making it through several interview rounds, only to never hear back, the waiting has been difficult. I'm hopeful this opportunity works out, not only for personal stability but because it will help fund the next stage of Kahli.

Every paycheck will be another opportunity to invest back into the brand. More products to test, more original designs to develop, better convention setups, and hopefully more chances to share Kahli with people who appreciate thoughtfully curated gifts and stationery.

For now, I'm trying to stay patient.

Progress doesn't always happen in giant leaps. Sometimes it's another product added to the catalog. Another process documented. Another conversation with an artist. Another day waiting for a phone call. Another small step toward building something meaningful.

Kahli has never been about becoming the biggest shop overnight. It's about creating a place filled with products that people genuinely enjoy and building a community around thoughtful design, creativity, and the little things that make someone's day a little better.

As always, thank you for following along. There's still a lot of work ahead, but I'm excited for what's next.