Dear Diary,

I can’t believe I can finally say this… I’ve only got one week left in work before Tenerife! ☀️

It feels like I’ve been counting down for ages, and now it’s actually getting close. I’m excited, but I think there’s another feeling underneath the excitement too — relief.

I really need this break.

Work has taken a lot out of me lately. Some days I walk through the doors and put my work face on, smile at people and get on with everything, but inside I can feel completely overwhelmed.

I don’t think everyone always realises how much energy it takes for me just to get through some days.

There have been good days and difficult days. There have been moments I’ve wanted to go home, switch everything off and hide away from the world for a bit. But somehow, I’ve kept turning up and kept going.

And I’m proud of myself for that.

Now I’ve just got one more week.

I’m already imagining that feeling when I finish my last shift. Walking out of those doors knowing I don’t have to think about work for two whole weeks is going to feel amazing.

Then it’ll be time to get the last bits packed, check my suitcase about a hundred times 😂, make sure I’ve remembered everything and finally say…

I’m going on holiday!

I can already feel the excitement building. With every shift I finish, I’m one step closer to sunshine, warm evenings, blue skies and the freedom to leave work behind for a while.

Soon, the suitcase will be packed, the journey will begin and all the waiting will have been worth it. Tenerife is waiting, along with new memories to make, beautiful places to discover and two precious weeks to relax, smile and enjoy life.

I want to take loads of photos, explore, laugh, enjoy the sunshine and make memories that I can look back on when I’m home.

But more than anything, I just want to feel like me again.

For those two weeks, I’m giving myself permission to forget about work. Work will still be there when I get back. Right now, I need some time for myself.

So here’s to my final week, the countdown and everything still to come.

Tenerife, I’m ready for you — and I’m going to make every single moment unforgettable. 💛✈️🌴☀️

7 days to go… ❤️

Working in retail for so many years has given me some amazing memories. I’ve met people who have made difficult shifts easier, colleagues who have become friends and customers who can completely change your day with a simple smile.

But there is another side to working in retail that people don’t always see.

Sometimes you have to work alongside someone you don’t get on with.

Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about this because someone I’ve had difficulties with is coming back to work after being away.

And if I’m truthful, knowing they’re coming back brings back a lot of emotions.

There’s that horrible feeling in your stomach before you even get to work. You start thinking about what might happen, whether they’ll speak to you, how they’ll treat you and whether you’re going to manage to get through your shift without becoming overwhelmed.

Part of me wishes I didn’t feel like this.

I shouldn’t have to prepare myself emotionally just to walk through the doors of a place where I’ve worked for so many years.

But I’m also reminding myself of something important.

I can only control how I behave.

I don’t have to be someone’s friend. I don’t have to forget what has happened. I don’t have to pretend that things haven’t affected me.

But I can still be professional.

I can walk into work with my head held high. I can say hello. I can answer work-related questions. I can help customers and get on with my job.

And when things become difficult, I can remind myself that I don’t have to react to everything.

Sometimes being professional is incredibly hard. People might think it simply means being polite, but when you’re dealing with someone who has previously made you feel uncomfortable, it takes a lot of strength to remain calm and carry on doing your job.

There might be moments when I need to walk away.

There might be moments when I need a few minutes to collect my thoughts.

And if something happens that isn’t right, I know I can speak up about it.

Being professional doesn’t mean staying silent when you’re being treated badly. It means dealing with the situation in the right way rather than allowing anger or emotion to take over.

I’ve worked too hard and for too many years to allow one difficult relationship at work to define my experience.

I’m going to concentrate on the people who make me smile, the colleagues who support me and the customers I enjoy helping.

I’m going to concentrate on me.

I might be nervous. I might feel uncomfortable. Some shifts might be harder than others.

But I’m going to walk through those doors, do my job and remind myself:

I don’t have to like everyone I work with.
I don’t have to pretend the past didn’t happen.
I just have to stay true to myself and remain professional.

And sometimes, that’s an achievement in itself.

I honestly can’t believe it’s nearly holiday time again!

There’s something about getting the suitcase out that makes it suddenly feel real. I’ve been thinking about this holiday for ages, and now I’m actually starting to prepare for two weeks in Tenerife.

I’m so ready for it.

Life can get so busy with work, everyday stresses and everything else going on that sometimes you don’t realise how much you need a break until it gets close. I’m looking forward to switching off, enjoying the sunshine and just having some time to enjoy myself.

Of course, before the relaxing can start, there’s the packing!

And if you know me, you’ll know I’ll probably pack far too much. 😂 I’ll put something in the suitcase because “I might wear it”, even though deep down I know it probably won’t leave the suitcase for the entire two weeks.

Then I’ll unpack something because the case is too heavy… only to put it back in five minutes later!

But that’s all part of the excitement for me.

I’m getting all my summer clothes ready, choosing my evening outfits, sorting toiletries, checking I’ve got enough sun cream and making sure I’ve remembered all those little things you always seem to forget until you’re already at the airport.

One thing I definitely won’t forget is my phone because I absolutely love taking photos. 📸

Whenever I go away, I take so many pictures. Some people might think it’s too many, but I love looking back at them. Photos bring back memories of places, people, funny moments and experiences that you might otherwise forget.

I’m already thinking about the photos I’m going to take in Tenerife — beautiful sunsets, beaches, days out, evening meals and probably plenty of silly ones too!

But this holiday isn’t just about getting away somewhere sunny.

For me, it’s about having that little break from normal life.

Working in retail can be busy and tiring, especially when you’re constantly around people and always have something that needs doing. Sometimes I just need that chance to switch off from work, forget about everything for a while and simply be me.

No uniform.
No rushing around.
No worrying about what needs doing next.

Just sunshine, memories and enjoying the moment.

I’m looking forward to waking up in Tenerife and thinking, what are we doing today? Maybe it’ll be a day exploring, maybe it’ll be around the pool, or maybe it’ll be one of those days where we don’t really have a plan at all.

Sometimes they’re the best days.

So, with the countdown getting shorter, I’m getting more and more excited.

I’ve still got plenty to organise, probably far too much to pack and I’ll definitely check my passport about 100 times before leaving the house. 😂

But soon I’ll be on that plane, leaving everyday life behind for two weeks.

Tenerife… I’m nearly ready for you! ☀️🌴✈️

Here’s to sunshine, laughter, lots of photos and making memories I’ll hopefully be talking about for years to come. ❤️

The Person Behind the Smile

If you know me, you’ll probably know me as someone who is always smiling, having a laugh, planning my next holiday, taking photos, making something creative or just getting on with life.

But what people don’t always see is what happens behind that smile.

I’ve worked in retail for over 19 years. That’s a huge part of my life. I’ve grown up while working, met some amazing people and made friendships that I will always be grateful for. I’ve had good days, difficult days and days where I’ve walked into work carrying things in my head that nobody around me knew anything about.

I’ve smiled at customers when I’ve wanted to cry.

I’ve said “I’m fine” when really I wasn’t.

I’ve finished shifts when mentally I felt completely exhausted.

And I’ve gone home, shut the door and finally allowed myself to feel everything I’d been holding in all day.

I think that’s something I’ve become very good at — carrying on.

Then Covid Happened

Covid was one of the hardest chapters.

Being a key worker meant that while so much of the world stopped, I still had to go to work.

There was fear, uncertainty and so much change happening around us. I couldn’t see family and friends in the way I normally would, and like so many people, my mental health took a hit.

But I kept going.

Zoom parties, phone calls with friends and those little moments of connection became incredibly important to me.

And then there was my creativity.

When the card shops were closed, I started making more cards myself. Something I’d always enjoyed suddenly became something that helped me escape from everything happening around me.

Every card I made gave my mind something else to concentrate on.

Creativity became more than just a hobby.

It helped me through.

And I’ll always be grateful to everyone who supported me and bought one of my cards during that time.

Life After University

University was another massive chapter of my life.

I studied something I genuinely loved — promotional design and visual merchandising. Graduating was an achievement I’ll always be proud of.

But nobody really prepares you for what happens afterwards.

You leave university thinking you’ve got to suddenly have your whole life figured out.

I didn’t.

And, if I’m truthful, I still don’t.

I’ve learnt that life isn’t one straight road.

There have been unexpected turns, difficult moments, brilliant memories and times when I’ve wondered what I’m actually doing.

But somewhere along the way, I’ve started realising something:

Maybe we’re not supposed to have everything figured out.

The Happy Photos Don’t Tell Everything

I absolutely love travelling.

Give me a holiday, my camera and people I love and I’m happy.

I’ve been lucky enough to make some amazing memories — girls’ holidays, birthdays away, Christmases, New Year’s antics, days out and those completely random moments with friends that somehow become the memories you treasure most.

I take loads of photos because I love capturing those moments.

But I’ve realised something about photographs.

A photograph captures a second.

It doesn’t always capture the whole story.

Someone can look incredibly happy in a picture and still be struggling with things nobody else can see.

I’ve been that person.

There have been times when I’ve been surrounded by people and still felt lost in my own thoughts.

Times when I’ve laughed with everyone else and then gone home and overthought everything.

Times when I’ve questioned whether I’m good enough.

Times when I’ve put everyone else’s feelings before my own.

And times when I’ve simply felt tired of being strong.

My Friends

One thing I will never take for granted is friendship.

I’m incredibly lucky to have people in my life who have been there through different chapters.

The people who make me laugh.

The people who listen to me moan.

The people who answer the phone.

The people who know from one look that I’m not quite myself.

And the people who have stayed.

You probably don’t realise how much you’ve helped me.

Sometimes you don’t need somebody to fix everything.

You just need somebody to sit beside you while you’re going through it.

So to my friends — thank you.

Thank you for the laughs, the holidays, the ridiculous memories, the messages, the nights out and the conversations nobody else hears.

Most importantly, thank you for being there.

And Then There’s Me

This is probably the bit I’m still learning.

I’ve spent years worrying about everyone else.

Are they okay?

Have I upset somebody?

Does somebody need me?

What can I do to help?

But I don’t always stop and ask:

Megan, are YOU okay?

Sometimes the answer is yes.

And sometimes the honest answer is no.

And I’m finally learning that saying no doesn’t mean I’ve failed.

It means I’m human.

I don’t always have to be smiling.

I don’t always have to be the strong one.

I don’t always have to turn up and pretend everything is okay.

I don’t have to feel guilty for needing a break.

So Today Is My Mental Health Day

Today isn’t about fixing my whole life.

It’s not about suddenly waking up tomorrow with everything sorted.

It’s simply about giving myself permission to stop.

Maybe I’ll go for a walk.

Maybe I’ll make something.

Maybe I’ll look through old photographs and remember how many amazing things I’ve experienced.

Maybe I’ll message a friend.

Maybe I’ll put my pyjamas on, watch something rubbish on TV and do absolutely nothing.

And that’s okay.

Because after more than 19 years of working, growing up, studying, graduating, surviving Covid, travelling, laughing, crying, creating and dealing with everything life has thrown at me, I’ve realised something I wish I’d learnt years ago:

I matter too.

Not the Megan at work.

Not the Megan who is trying to keep everybody happy.

Not the Megan smiling in the holiday photographs.

Just me.

The real person behind all of it.

I’m still here.

I’m still creating.

I’m still travelling.

I’m still making memories.

I’m still learning about myself.

And yes, sometimes I’m still struggling.

But I’m also still getting back up.

So today I’m choosing myself.

I’m giving my mind the rest it needs without feeling guilty about it.

And when tomorrow comes, I’ll get up, put that smile back on and face another day.

But hopefully it’ll be a slightly more genuine smile, because this time I remembered to look after the person behind it.

Me. 💚

One day at a time. One memory at a time. And on the difficult days, just remember how far you’ve already come.

Rose Crafts isn’t just a name to me. It’s something that has grown with me through different parts of my life, including some of the hardest times.

I’ve always been a creative person. From being young, I loved making things with my hands, visiting museums and art galleries with my family and coming home feeling inspired by everything I’d seen. Creativity has always been somewhere I can escape to and just be myself.

I’ve made handmade cards for years, but I never really imagined that my little hobby would become something that meant so much to me.

Then Covid happened.

Suddenly, life completely changed. I was working as a key worker in retail while everything around us felt uncertain. Going into work every day while people were being told to stay at home was something I’ll never forget. At the same time, I couldn’t see my family and friends in the way I normally would.

There were days when it was really difficult.

That’s when my crafting became more important than ever.

I’d sit down with my card-making things and, for a little while, everything else disappeared. I could concentrate on choosing the colours, putting designs together and creating something that might eventually make somebody else smile.

With card shops closed during lockdown, people started asking me to make cards for them.

And that’s when Rose Crafts really started to grow.

Every time somebody bought one of my cards, I felt proud. It wasn’t about how much money I’d made or how many cards I’d sold. It was knowing that somebody had chosen something I’d created with my own hands to give to someone they cared about.

That meant more to me than people probably realised.

Crafting gave me something positive to hold onto during a strange and difficult time. When everything else felt uncertain, I could sit at my little crafting space and create.

And Rose Crafts became my little piece of happiness. 🌹

Looking back now, I realise it was never just about making cards.

It was about finding something that made me happy. It was about getting through difficult days. It was about believing in my creativity and having the confidence to share something I’d made with other people.

Every card I’ve made has a little bit of my personality in it, and every person who has ever bought something from Rose Crafts has been part of the journey.

So, to everyone who supported me, bought one of my cards, shared my work or simply told me to keep going — thank you.

You helped turn something I loved doing into something incredibly special to me.

Rose Crafts came from creativity, grew through difficult times and became part of who I am.

And wherever it goes from here, I’ll always be proud of where it started. 🌹❤️

19 years

Writing that down actually feels quite emotional.

When I first walked into retail all those years ago, I had absolutely no idea how much of my life would be spent there. I thought I was starting a job. I didn’t realise I was beginning a journey that would become such a huge part of who I am.

I’ve grown up while working in retail.

The person who walked through those doors over 19 years ago isn’t the same person writing this today.

Life has changed me. Work has changed me. The people I’ve met have changed me.

And when I look back, I realise just how many chapters of my life have happened while I’ve been wearing a uniform and turning up for another shift.

I’ve Turned Up Through Life

There have been days when I’ve walked into work feeling on top of the world.

And there have been days when simply walking through those doors and putting a smile on my face has taken everything I had.

I’ve gone to work while things in my personal life were difficult. I’ve smiled at customers when inside I didn’t particularly feel like smiling. I’ve carried on with my shift when my mind was somewhere completely different.

There have been times when work has actually been the distraction I’ve needed.

A laugh with a colleague.

Someone asking, “Are you okay?” and genuinely meaning it.

A silly conversation that made me forget everything else for five minutes.

Those moments might seem small, but sometimes the smallest moments mean the most.

The People I’ll Never Forget

After 19 years, you meet a lot of people.

Some people come into your working life for a few months. Others stay for years. Some move on and you lose touch. And then there are those special people who somehow go from being someone you work with to someone you genuinely care about.

I’ve made friendships through retail that I never expected to make.

We’ve laughed together, complained together, celebrated together and supported one another through things happening outside of work.

We’ve had those moments where one look across the shop floor tells you exactly what the other person is thinking.

We’ve had conversations that have stayed with me.

We’ve picked each other up on bad days.

And we’ve created memories without even realising we were creating them.

Some people may have left the workplace, but they haven’t left my memories.

It Hasn’t Always Been Easy

There have been moments over these 19 years that have tested me.

There have been times I’ve questioned whether I could keep going.

I’ve experienced difficult days, changes, disappointments and situations that have knocked my confidence.

There have probably been shifts where I’ve gone home and cried.

But I’ve always come back.

And when I think about that now, I realise there’s something quite powerful about it.

I kept going.

Even during the chapters of my life when things weren’t easy, I kept showing up.

Maybe I didn’t always feel strong at the time, but looking back, I can see how strong I actually was.

So Much Life Has Happened

When you’ve worked somewhere for this long, you realise you’re not only counting years of employment.

You’re counting years of your life.

Birthdays have come and gone.

Christmases have been worked.

Friendships have started.

People have come and gone.

I’ve celebrated good news and dealt with difficult times.

I’ve grown older, learnt more about myself and changed as a person.

And somehow, through all of those different versions of me, retail has always been there in the background.

That’s why it could never be “just a job” to me.

It’s been part of my life.

To the Younger Me…

If I could speak to the younger version of myself walking into retail for the first time, I’d probably tell her:

You have absolutely no idea what’s ahead of you.

You’re going to meet people who make you laugh until you cry.

You’re going to have shifts you’ll want to forget and moments you’ll remember forever.

You’re going to have days where you doubt yourself.

But you’re also going to discover just how much you can handle.

You’re going to grow.

You’re going to become stronger.

You’re going to find your voice.

And you’re going to meet people along the way who leave little footprints on your life.

Most importantly, you’re going to keep going.

19 Years Later ❤️

So when somebody asks me how long I’ve worked in retail and I say “over 19 years,” they’re hearing a number.

But I see so much more.

I see the younger me starting out.

I see thousands of shifts.

I see friendships.

I see laughter.

I see difficult days I thought I’d never get through.

I see people who aren’t part of my everyday life anymore but who will always be part of my memories.

I see how much I’ve grown.

And I see a person who, despite everything life has thrown at her, has continued to get up and keep going.

19 years isn’t just how long I’ve worked in retail.

It’s 19 years of my life.

19 years of growing.

19 years of learning.

19 years of memories.

19 years of people.

19 years of laughter, tears, challenges and friendships.

And although I don’t know exactly what the next chapter will look like, I know one thing:

I’m proud of the person I’ve become along the way. ❤️

Sometimes I Need to Put Myself First

If there is one thing I’ve learnt over the last few years, it’s that life doesn’t always go to plan.

Since leaving university, so much has changed. I’ve worked, travelled, made some amazing memories, laughed until my stomach hurt, met different people and experienced things that I’ll remember forever. But behind all the photos, holidays, nights out and happy memories, there have also been days when I haven’t felt like myself.

And I think it’s important to talk about those days too.

I’m someone who tries to keep going. I go to work, get things done, make plans and try to be there for the people around me. Sometimes I’ll tell everyone that I’m fine, put a smile on my face and carry on.

But sometimes I’m not fine.

Sometimes everything gets a little too much.

That’s when I know I need a mental health day.

For me, it’s not about staying in bed all day feeling sorry for myself. It’s about giving my mind a chance to catch up. It’s about switching off from work and everyday pressures and doing something for me.

Maybe I’ll go for a walk, take some photos, make something creative, look through memories from my travels, listen to music or simply sit with a cup of tea and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Creativity has always been a big part of my life. From studying promotional design and visual merchandising to making cards and taking photographs, having something creative to focus on has helped me through some difficult days.

Travelling has also become something I love. Getting away, seeing somewhere different and making memories with the people I love reminds me that there is a big world outside the stresses of everyday life.

But I’ve also realised that I don’t need to get on a plane or go somewhere amazing to look after myself.

Sometimes I just need a day.

I’ve been through times that have tested me. I’ve worked through difficult periods, dealt with changes in my life and had moments when I’ve questioned myself. But I’m still here, still learning and still trying.

I’m also incredibly thankful for my friends and family. The people who answer the phone, make me laugh, listen when I need to talk and sometimes know that something isn’t right before I’ve even said anything.

Those people probably don’t realise just how much the little things mean.

I’m learning that I don’t always have to be the strong one.

I don’t have to say yes to everything.

I don’t have to explain myself for needing some space.

And I definitely don’t need to feel guilty for looking after my own mental health.

So today I’m having a mental health day.

No pressure to have everything sorted out. No pretending. No worrying about what everyone else thinks.

Just some time to breathe, reset and remember who I am.

I’ve come a long way since the girl who finished university and wondered what life was going to look like next. Life hasn’t been perfect, and neither have I, but there have been some pretty amazing chapters along the way.

And there are plenty more still to come.

Today I’m choosing myself.

Because I’ve finally realised that looking after everyone else is important — but looking after me matters too. 💚

One day at a time. One memory at a time. And always remember: it’s okay to have a day just for you.

I want to say a huge thank you to all my amazing work friends who have supported me throughout the years. Work isn’t always easy, but having such lovely people around me has made even the most challenging days feel better.

Thank you for all the laughter, advice, encouragement and unforgettable memories. From our little chats and funny moments to supporting one another during busy or stressful shifts, you have always helped me keep going.

Some colleagues become much more than people you work with—they become true friends. I feel incredibly lucky to have met such caring and supportive people through my job.

Thank you for believing in me, listening to me and always being there when I needed someone. I will always be grateful for our friendship and all the wonderful memories we have made together. Here’s to many more! ❤️

Visual merchandising has always interested me because it combines creativity, design and retail. It is about much more than simply placing products on shelves—it is about creating an experience that catches customers’ attention and encourages them to explore.

I studied Promotional Design and Visual Merchandising at university, where I learned about window displays, store layouts, colour schemes, lighting, product placement and customer behaviour. I enjoyed developing creative ideas and seeing how an ordinary retail space could be transformed into something exciting and welcoming.

A successful display should tell a story. Whether it is designed for Christmas, summer, a special promotion or a new product launch, every detail should work together. The colours, props, signs and products all help to create the right mood and communicate a clear message to customers.

My studies also taught me the importance of understanding the customer. A display might look beautiful, but it must also be practical, easy to understand and suitable for the intended audience. Good visual merchandising helps customers find products while also inspiring them with new ideas.

I love how visual merchandising is always changing. New seasons, trends and celebrations provide fresh opportunities to be creative. I particularly enjoy taking an idea and bringing it to life through careful planning and attention to detail.

Visual merchandising has helped me develop valuable skills, including creativity, organisation, teamwork and problem-solving. I take pride in how things are presented and enjoy creating spaces that look attractive, organised and welcoming.

For me, visual merchandising is where creativity meets the world of retail—and that is what makes it so exciting.