LESSONS I'M BRINGING INTO 2025
LASOLA LETTERS // ISSUE 003
By Tessa Stirling
As a new year begins, I’ve found myself reflecting on where it all began and where I want to go.
I started Lasola Studio in 2022, with a Bachelor of Design (just) under my belt and little to no business knowledge.
You’d think after running a design studio for 2.5 years I would have lots of lessons and advice around design (and I do) but I feel the most important lessons I’ve learnt are much deeper than how to design a custom typeface.
So here are a few lessons I’ve learnt since starting Lasola that I’m going to be taking into the new year with me.
Fear Fades with Action.
I used to beat myself up whenever I delayed or felt unmotivated with a project. But I’ve come to realise, procrastination isn’t about laziness, it’s about fear.
We tend to put off the things that matter most, not because we don’t care, but because we’re afraid of failing.
What I’ve learned is simple: fear fades with action. Taking even the smallest step quiets the doubt. Progress, no matter how imperfect, is what moves us forward.
This year, I’m leaving the self-doubt behind. It’s not about getting it perfect, it’s about starting.
Follow your intuition.
I often catch myself second-guessing my ideas and overcomplicating things.
But when I look back, the work that felt effortless and I am most proud of, happened when I followed my intuition.
Your intuition knows what feels right before your mind can rationalise it.
It shows up as quiet nudges, subtle, but deeply powerful.
Going into the new year I’m saying yes to more of what feels aligned and no to what doesn’t, even when I can’t quite rationalise it.
Your environment is everything.
The past two years my environment has been pretty turbulent. I’ve travelled through 17 different countries meaning my ‘office’ hasn’t exactly existed in the real world but more so just inside my laptop and brain.
My environment shapes my creativity. When I’m in a space that inspires me, creating feels effortless. When my surroundings drain me, everything feels hard.
Your environment isn’t just the physical space around you, it’s the people, the energy, the habits, and even the way you speak to yourself. I’ve realised that curating an environment that energises me (physically, mentally and spiritually) allows everything to flow.
This year, I’m making it a practice to regularly cleanse my environment, nourishing the people, places, and things that uplift me, and release what no longer serves me.
So, here’s to more action, trusting your intuition and curating an environment that nourishes your mind, body, and soul.
I hope you've had some time to reflect on how far you’ve come and all the lessons you learnt last year.
Chat soon, much love Tess
Written from a balcony in the South West // 6 Dec 2024
