Reflecting on 2025: What It Taught Me as We Step Into 2026

Reflecting on 2025: What It Taught Me as We Step Into 2026

Now that we’re firmly into 2026, it feels like the right time to reflect on what 2025 truly represented for The Natural Spa — a year less about growth for growth’s sake, and more about learning, refining, and laying solid foundations.

Throughout 2025, I allowed myself the space to experiment. There was a lot of trial and error with launch schedules and business strategies, stepping away from rigid plans and instead paying attention to what actually worked — both for the business and for my own capacity.

One of the most fulfilling parts of the year was finally launching products and scents I’d wanted to create for a long time. Rather than stretching them across endless variations, I chose to keep things more focused, intentional, and aligned with the heart of the brand.

It was also the year I had to lean more heavily into the business side of things. Some decisions felt bold and uncomfortable, but they were necessary to protect the long-term future and security of the business. Growth, I learned, doesn’t always mean expansion — sometimes it means refinement and restraint.

A major lesson I’ve carried forward into 2026 is accepting that I can’t do everything. In 2025, we intentionally slimmed back down to a micro team of three, which allowed us to work more thoughtfully with our time and energy, without constant overwhelm.

There were important milestones too. Launching our very first Advent Calendars was a huge achievement, and switching to fully tracked postage dramatically reduced lost parcels and improved customer satisfaction — small operational changes that made a big difference.

Looking back, 2025 wasn’t perfect — but it was honest. It was a year of learning, clarity, and strengthening the foundations of the business.

As we move further into 2026, I’m doing so with a clearer vision, calmer confidence, and deep gratitude for everyone who continues to support The Natural Spa.

— Zoe 🌱