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Welcome to 2026 🎉

I'm a firm believer that you can really make a fresh start any time you want, but there is something about the start of a new year that makes me feel inspired.

I spent a lot of time over the holidays going through my business numbers and thinking about what I want to focus on in 2026.

The numbers came first - because reality always drives my business decisions. I can't just do whatever I want . . . I need to be doing whatever is moving the needle and helping support my family.

But after the nitty gritty profit-per-time-spent breakdown, that's when I allow myself to dream a little.

I do plan some shifts for this coming year, based upon both my numbers and also what I want to move into for the next 12 months.

Here's the most basic points:

📦 Invest in Etsy and Ebay platforms. Millions of customers exist there, and it's worth my time to get in front of them. Getting these platforms to work for me though will take some focused attention, which I will readily admit I struggle with 🫠

✈️ Source in England in February. Yes, if you haven't seen me mention it yet on social media, I am going back to the UK in less than a month! And this time I plan to spend roughly 6x's what I spent in my first trip in March. Depending on what I find, this could be the start of a bigger shift in my business strategy.

🎪 Host my Own Pop- Up Sale. This one is the biggie. Ever since I closed my Studio back in 2021, I've been trying to figure out a way to host my own regular pop up antiques sale, and I think I'm reaaaaaallly close to finally making it happen. More on that in the coming weeks and months 🤗

So what about you?

Did you spend some time setting goals or making plans for your 2026? Whether you run a small business or not, I do think there is something to setting out 2-3 things you're aiming for.

If you did, I would love to hear!

And if you need some help with your 2026 business strategy, my How to Think Like a Business Owner Course has a whole section dedicated to strategic planning, setting goals, and time management.

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What's Selling in 2026?

Trends seem to be swinging back to a more traditional, higher-end style. According to Etsy's Marketplace Insights Tool, among the current top-searched terms for antiques are:

• Antique Jewelry
• Antique Rugs
• Antique Lamps
• French Antiques
• Antique Art/Frames

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How to Re-Decorate Post Holidays, the Easy Way

With the holiday decor going away, it's time to give your space a fresh feel. No need to redecorate the entire place though, who has time for that?

A simpler approach is to make smart swaps.

Keep your main vintage pieces the same.
Only swap the small things.

Think of your home like a good outfit. You don’t change the jeans and jacket every time the weather shifts, you just change the accessories.

Here’s what that can look like with your own space:

• Refilling crocks and baskets with spring greenery or eucalyptus branches, instead of berries and pine
• Swap the red and green old book stacks for books with neutral colors
• On your shelves or mantle, switch artwork from fall and winter themes to fresh landscapes or nature prints
• Restyle your coffee table tray with a fresh candle, faux greenery, and a bowl of pretty shells or stones.

The goal isn’t to decorate more, but to let a few good vintage pieces carry the room throughout the year.

If seasonal decorating has ever felt overwhelming, this is your permission slip to stop chasing perfection and start editing instead 🤗

That's it for today! January's collection will be heading to the shop hopefully next week 🤞🏻

And I also wanna say real quick, I heard back from so many of you last week after my email about my son going off to college . . . my heart was warmed by all your well-wishes and kind comments!

In case you've been wondering, drop off went great and he's had a fantastic week of Orientation 🤗

Here's to you all having a fantastic weekend as well!

Melanie Alexander Owner Lost & Found ​LostandFoundDecor.com​ Shop our Vintage Treasures at LostandFoundVintageShop.com​ ​