From the Desk of PackagingChic | October 2026
If you’ve ever driven “over the hill” from San Diego to Palm Desert, you will recognize this month’s photo! It’s high desert up the mountain and then a super winding road all the way down to the desert floor. We went for a few days to hang out with friends and get our fill of 104° weather. Yeah, ok, it’s a dry heat. And was way too hot.
On another note, have you heard of October Theory?
Seeing it again this year! The idea is that October can be something of a second New Year. Instead of waiting until January to make changes, set goals, or try something new, why not start now? I kinda like that idea. Sometimes I feel like every month is a new year! 😆
After all, how many times do we put something off until the timing is better, the calendar clears, or the new year arrives? Meanwhile, the months have a way of slipping by. It’s somehow already October!!
There's been quite a bit of rethinking happening at PackagingChic lately. How I work with brands, where I want to spend my time, and what I want the business to look like going forward. Some of that happens sitting at my desk (sometimes far too late at night), but much of it has come from conversations with people.
Old friends, new connections, students, and business owners. Sometimes a fresh perspective comes from simply getting out, listening, and seeing where a conversation leads.
Finding New Connections in My Own Backyard
Here's something you might find surprising. Even though San Diego has been home for years, most of my packaging clients have been located elsewhere. Northern California, Texas, New York, and all sorts of places in between. Working with brands across the country has been a wonderful part of my career, but developing relationships with businesses closer to home hasn't received nearly as much attention.
And since traveling is something I love, that arrangement has suited me just fine. No plans to give up the travel! But there's also plenty happening right here in San Diego that's worth exploring.
Recently, I joined Naturally San Diego, an organization that brings together brands in the natural products industry, including food, beverage, beauty, and wellness. I’ve been to two events that have already provided opportunities to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new people, and hear about the products and businesses they're building.
And, of course, when someone tells me about their product, I'm immediately curious about the packaging. Occupational hazard!
But these conversations rarely stop at packaging. Founders are making decisions about suppliers, inventory, costs, retail distribution, and how to grow without getting too far ahead of themselves. There's a lot to consider when you're building a product-based business, and packaging is just one part of it.
Those broader conversations are valuable because that’s often the opportunity to share experiences, compare ideas, or look at a problem from another angle. Sometimes that leads to a packaging project. Other times, it's simply a useful connection or an introduction to someone who can help.
As PackagingChic continues to grow its consulting services, building relationships with local brands feels like a natural next step. And after years of working with clients across the country, it's nice to discover new opportunities closer to home.
Heading Back to Cal Poly
Later this month, it's back to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for a reunion. Yep, another visit to beautiful SLO! September included a chance to speak with more than 100 students in the Graphic Communication program, and now there's an opportunity to reconnect with people I've known for many years.
The visit may also include some time in the Graphic Communication department, catching up with faculty and continuing conversations about packaging education and opportunities for students.
Cal Poly is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, with events happening around campus, including a celebration hosted by the College of Liberal Arts, where the Graphic Communication department resides.
Returning to campus is always a reminder of how much our industry has changed. Since my days as a student, printing technology, equipment, materials, and the ways we communicate have evolved enormously. Then again, the relationship between creative thinking and knowing how to turn an idea into something real hasn't changed.
For students entering the field today, there are so many directions their careers can take. Design, printing, packaging, technology, manufacturing, marketing, and plenty of specialties that didn't even exist when I graduated. That's one of the reasons I enjoy staying involved with the department and sharing a little of what I've learned along the way.
This trip will also be a chance to catch up with old friends and enjoy being back on campus. A little business, a little nostalgia, and hopefully enough time to fit it all in!
Still Thinking About PRINTING United Expo
The photos and conversations from PRINTING United Expo in Las Vegas last month are still fresh in my mind. What a great few days! Between the Women in Print Alliance events, Benjamin Franklin Honor Society luncheon, Student Day panel, recording a podcast with Katelin Shanks, and catching up with people throughout the industry, there was plenty happening beyond the equipment on the show floor.
Trade shows are always a chance to see new printing technology and learn what suppliers are bringing to market. But this year's Expo also included opportunities to participate in industry activities that mean a lot to me, especially those supporting education and the next generation of print professionals.
There was far too much happening to squeeze into a few paragraphs, so the Expo deserves a story of its own, complete with photos and some favorite moments from the show.
A Few Changes Behind the Scenes at PackagingChic
While all these connections and events have been taking place, there's also been plenty of work happening behind the scenes at PackagingChic.
For much of my career, helping companies source and produce custom packaging has been a major part of the business. The manufacturing side is something I still love and want to stay in touch with, but more attention is now going toward helping brands make the decisions that come before production.
Sometimes a company comes to me thinking it needs another packaging quote, when what it really needs is help figuring out what to quote in the first place. That's where I'm focusing more of my consulting work, helping brands explore their options, understand the trade-offs, and make informed decisions before moving forward.
Another area taking shape is packaging education and bringing people together. The Summer Packaging Challenge was a great reminder of how much people can learn when they have a place to ask questions, exchange ideas, and hear different perspectives. There are plans underway to continue those conversations, and I'll share more as they develop! Stay tuned!
Of course, coming up with ideas is the enjoyable part. Figuring out how to make them work is the next challenge.
Anyone who's ever developed packaging and programs can probably relate to that!
There's Always Still Time to Make a Change
All of this brings me back to October Theory. We tend to think of January as the time for fresh starts, but there's no particular reason to wait for a new calendar year to revisit something that's no longer working or pursue an idea that's been sitting on the back burner.
The same is true in business. Perhaps there's a packaging structure that could work better, a production process that needs attention, or a supplier relationship worth reviewing. Or maybe the bigger question is how to prepare for growth, manage costs, or make better use of the resources already available!
With the fourth quarter underway, it's a good time to consider what you'd like to do differently in 2027. Not everything requires a complete redesign or a major investment. Sometimes a small adjustment makes a meaningful difference, and even if the change can't happen immediately, having a plan is a good place to start.
Around here, October is shaping up to be a month of reconnecting, learning, and moving a few new ideas forward. There's plenty to do, and the list seems to grow every time I meet someone new or come across another possibility.
Perhaps there's something to this October Theory after all. Why should January get all the fresh starts?! 😆
What about you? Is there something you've been thinking about changing or improving before the year ends?
I'd love to hear what's on your mind.
Stay Connected
For more packaging observations, practical production insights, industry discoveries, and occasional stories from behind the scenes, join me at PackagingChic.
