If the three exclamation marks in the title weren't enough of a giveaway, Fridge Party's first-ever photoshoot got me just a little bit excited.
After months of sketching, testing, glazing, firing, re-making, second-guessing, and staring at tiny ceramic magnets from every possible angle, it finally felt like Fridge Party was becoming real.
Yesterday, my best friend Holly and I spent the day doing what can only be described as serious business. And by serious business, I mean getting dressed up, styling magnets, arranging props, taking far too many photos, and eating macarons for breakfast. (If that's not a legitimate business expense, I don't know what is.)
For so long, Fridge Party has lived in my head, in my sketchbook, and on my pottery table. I've spent countless hours rolling clay, mixing glazes, testing colours, and wondering whether anyone else would love these little pieces as much as I do.
The funny thing is, when you're busy making something, you don't always stop to appreciate how far you've come.
But seeing everything through the camera lens was different.
For the first time, I stepped back and looked at the collection as a whole. Not as individual magnets waiting to be sanded, glazed, photographed, packed or listed online, but as actual finished products.
And honestly? I felt incredibly proud.
Proud of the pieces I've made.
Proud that I've pushed through the self-doubt that seems to arrive free of charge with every small business.
Proud that I've made it this far and finally pressed go on an idea that started as a simple desire for cuter fridge magnets.
And perhaps most importantly, proud to have such wonderful people around me. Starting something new can feel equal parts exciting and terrifying, and I'm endlessly grateful for the friends and family who have listened to every idea, encouraged every experiment, and cheered me on through every stage of the process.
Looking through the photos, I could finally see what I'd been trying to create all along: little pieces of personality for everyday spaces.
Tiny reminders that home doesn't have to be serious.
Your fridge deserves some love too.
This feels like a big milestone for Fridge Party, and I can't wait to share the final photos, launch the collection, and see these little handmade ceramic magnets find their way into homes around New Zealand.
Thanks for being here and following along.
Mia x