So, what are my overall goals for YCNF? Where do I want to be at the end of three years? I’ll start with the big picture before zooming in to try to figure out how to get there. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. But before any steps are taken: Where’s the destination?

Here are my overarching goals:

1. Transform the vacant block into an urban flower farm.
2. Regularly sell flowers and tubers to individual people, small businesses, and florists in the area. 
3. Develop excellent flower-arranging skills.
4. Become a skilled photographer.
5. Keep a compelling blog and someday turn this story into some kind of book or writing project.
6. Make a modest living wage (gradually, over time!).
7. Learn how to effectively run a small business.
8. Spend the off-season writing.
9. Have the time/funds to keep an inviting and comfortable home and make delicious and nourishing food for family and friends. 

The last two goals aren’t specifically for Yellow Cottage Neighborhood Flowers, but they are some of the reasons I want to start this business instead of work a more conventional job. They are important to me and can’t be brushed aside!

With my husband Dave taking our regular income fully onto his own shoulders, I’m committing to this idea for three years, from 2026 to 2029. I should be able to decide over the course of three growing seasons whether or not this is viable, whether or not it’s a long-term option.

No matter what, I know I’ll learn lots of valuable skills, have great things to think and write about, and enjoy boatloads of beautiful blossoms in the process! Plus, it’s just wonderful to have a big goal. I think everyone should have one! Just thinking about the prospect, I’m feeling lighter and more excited than I have been in years!

And now that the big goals are in place, what are the goals for this year?

My 2026 goals:

1. Grow 150+ healthy dahlia plants and filler flowers for many bouquets. 
2. Increase skills in flower arranging (Make 5+ bouquets and 3+ large flower arrangements per week. Regularly watch YouTube tutorials, read library books, scour the internet, and try the new techniques. Photo document and frequently compare to earlier arrangements.)
3. Improve photography skills. (3 photo sessions per week.)
4. Set up an indoor photography location with lights, backdrops, props. Find good outdoor locations around the neighborhood. Utilize the magic hours of sunrise and sunset. 
5. Make $1000+ in sales. (Reach out to individual people, small businesses, coffee shops, neighbors, small florists… Look into Google Adsense and Amazon affiliate links.)
6. Improve the soil health. (I want to bring health to the land, not deplete or damage it. Learn more about fostering soil health naturally without chemicals.)
7. Record the journey: One blog post and one flower photos post per week. 
8. Three social media posts/week.  
9. Gain a solid social media following. (I should put a subscriber goal number, or a views per week, but I have no idea what to aim for! At the moment, there’s nowhere to go but up…)
10. Gather necessary equipment that will support future years and further flower growing activity! (support posts, string, netting, flower food, silage tarp, chicken wire…)

Those are my goals for 2026 and beyond! What are your dreams for the year? I’d love to hear how you’re chasing them!