August always feels like a turning point. The summer isn't over, but you can sense it shifting. This year it means something specific to me, and I've been looking forward to sharing it.
On August 25, the National Park Service turns 110. Since launching the National Parks collection, I've committed to donating $1 for every National Parks-inspired product sold. Around August 25, I'll be making my first donation as MyLittleFe to the National Park Service. Every purchase between now and then adds to it. 🌿
🌿 A Few Things on My Mind
This month I switched things up. Instead of an Art Tip, I shared a Business Tip, specifically, why I built MyLittleFe on Shopify and what I've learned running everything from one place as a solo founder. The Art Tip series isn't going anywhere. In fact, Art Tips return later this month.
The last few vendor fairs have reminded me why I do this. These weren't just markets. They were community events, full of energy and intention. At the Concord Juneteenth celebration, I had donated a few items from my store as raffle giveaways. A chance encounter at the organizer's booth led to a conversation, and before I knew it Victoria Baptiste had brought me over to join her and Dr. Clark on The Age Page podcast, hosted by Age Scott, recorded live right there at the event. We talked about men, mental health, relationships, and the quiet ways people show up for each other — or don't. The Juneteenth energy is very much in the background. And at the very end, you can hear me trail off saying "this is fun" as I was leaving. Because it was. 👉 Watch on YouTube (starts at 2:39:38) →
Castro Valley Pride had a wonderful flow to it. More foot traffic, more people stopping by, more conversations that started simply from saying hi. There's something that happens when you show up in person that no algorithm can replicate.
I've also been sitting on a blog about AI, echo chambers, and what happens when your sounding board starts to feel like a mirror. It's a different kind of post. Coming late August.
And if you're reading this on August 1, this is the newsletter. Welcome. 🌿 I'll be at the Rib Cook-Off at the Moose Lodge today if you're nearby. 👉 See all upcoming events →
Business Tip #1 — Why I Use Shopify
In July, I shared why I chose Shopify to build MyLittleFe and what actually works for a solo creative running everything from one place. It's not a sales pitch. It's just what I use, what I've learned, and what I'd tell myself if I were starting over.
👉 Watch Business Tip #1 on YouTube →
👉 See all Business Tips and resources →
Ready to try Shopify yourself? 👉 Start your free trial →
Disclosure: If you sign up using my link, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
From July
The National Parks Obsession. I wrote the full story. Where it started, the parks I've visited, and why giving back to the NPS became part of this business. If you haven't read it yet, this one's worth a few quiet minutes. 👉 Read The Parks I've Visited, The Art I've Made, and Why It All Started with a Passport Book →
I also wrote about The Shed, where I run MyLittleFe physically and where the creative juices start flowing. 👉 Read The Shed: A Backyard Studio →
🛖 Fresh from the Shed
A few new additions this month, and they all tie directly to the NPS 110th Anniversary donation.
2027 US Parks and Monuments Wall Calendar
August is exactly when the planners among us get ahead of it. Twelve months of National Parks photography to carry you through the year.
My own photograph of Zion's red sandstone cliffs, printed on a tote with "Meet me in the canyon." on the back.
Every National Parks product sold between now and August 25 goes toward that first donation to the NPS. Every purchase counts. 🌿
👉 Browse All the National Parks Designs →
Thank you for being here. For reading. For caring about the same things I do. August is going to be a good one. 🌿
Marife
Inspired by the story? Come see what MyLittleFe has created.
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