Motivation Monday: Behind the Scenes at Pebbl & Ink. Confessions of a Mom, Maker, and Midnight Labeler
Ever wonder what really goes on behind the scenes at Pebbl & Ink? Spoiler: it’s not all rainbows and perfectly sharpened pencils. Sometimes it’s a little messy, a lot of fun, and always powered by tea and big dreams.
Today, I’m pulling back the curtain to share what a day really looks like running Pebbl & Ink, while raising two energetic boys and trying to make school prep easier (and a little more joyful) for families like yours.
6:00 AM: When the CEO Wears Pajamas
Before I’m a business owner, I’m a mom. Which means my “office” is sometimes my kitchen, and my first “meeting” is refereeing a debate about who gets the last blueberry muffin.
While my sons are sleepily munching breakfast, I’m checking overnight orders on my phone and making a mental note to restock those super-popular personalized school supply kits.
8:00 AM: The Real-Life Packing Line
If you picture a Pinterest-worthy warehouse, lower your expectations (and add a few Lego landmines). Right now, Pebbl & Ink’s HQ is a corner of our house, stacked with colorful bins, label makers, and enough markers to supply a small army.
Packing boxes is a family affair. My boys help count out supplies (“Mom, why do first graders need so many glue sticks?”), and I double-check every kit to make sure it’s just right.
Each box gets a custom label & Bookmark, a dash of encouragement, and a silent wish that it makes some parent’s morning just a little bit easier.
10:00 AM: The Magic Behind Lunchbox Cards
Here’s where the real fun happens, brainstorming new lunchbox card designs. Some days, I’m researching fun facts (did you know octopuses have three hearts?), and other days, I’m testing knock-knock jokes on my most honest critics, my sons. Every card is designed to make kids smile, feel seen, and maybe even make a new friend at lunch. Seeing photos from parents of their kids showing off their cards? That’s the best part of my job.
1:00 PM: More Tea, Calls, and Community
Afternoons are for connecting with schools, chatting with other parents, and working on new ideas for Pebbl & Ink. I love hearing what’s working, what you wish existed, and how we can make your school year smoother.
If you ever have a suggestion, a funny story, or a supply emergency, send me a message through the Pebbl & Ink homepage. I read every note!
7:00 PM: Quality Control (and a Little Chaos)
Evenings are for quality control, which is a fancy way of saying I triple-check every box before it ships. Sometimes my sons “help” by testing out the markers. It’s not always picture-perfect. But every order is packed with care, a sense of humor, and a lot of heart.
Why I Do This
Pebbl & Ink was born out of my own back-to-school stress. I wanted to create something that made life easier for parents and a little brighter for kids. Whether you need a one-and-done school supply kit, a pack of lunchbox cards to spark lunchtime smiles, or just a reminder that you’re not alone, you’ll find it here.
So, from my family to yours: here’s to making Mondays (and every day) a little more joyful, a lot less stressful, and full of new adventures.
Ready to see what we’re up to next? Visit www.pebblandink.com any time. And if you have ideas, questions, or just want to say hi, I’m always here!
With gratitude (and lots of labels),
Rukky
Founder, Pebbl & Ink