Celebrating Ten years in business

Ten years ago today, I sat on my couch and submitted the business registration form for what would become Ms. Caitlin’s School. I was immediately hit with a wave of excitement and a tsunami of fear. 

Starting a business was terrifying. Teaching blacksmithing was terrifying. Pretending like I knew enough to teach other people? Extra terrifying. 

Imposter syndrome much?

The first few years were rough. I made no money, then almost no money, and I spent most of my time trying to figure out how to do everything for the first time — bookkeeping, marketing, keeping the lights on, and trying not to panic. I get now why most businesses fold within five years. It’s not because people aren’t cut out for it; it’s because the not-knowing eats at you.

It’s heavy.
The fear didn't go away; I just learned to live with it. 

I need to say that again for anyone who is contemplating starting their own business: The fear didn't go away, I just learned to live with it. 

But I don't say that to dissuade anyone, or to evoke pity. I'm here to tell you that I've been terrified for the better part of a decade, AND I still built a business. 

I'm here to tell you that I absolutely would have walked away from my life's work and not looked back if ANYTHING better presented itself. 

But nothing better did.

This is how I know I'm in the right place. I'm doing my life's work.

Fear turned out to be a really good teacher.
It taught me to stop chasing all the stuff that doesn’t matter, to practice the kind of patience you only learn the hard way, and to take care of myself first so that I can help others.
I realized teaching isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about creating a space where learning can happen. 
I stopped worrying about competition. I stopped trying to fit into neat boxes. I’m not here to make knives or warrior gear just because it sells. I leaned harder into my love of psychology and neuroscience. I’m here to do the weird stuff. The joyful, meaningful, life-stuff. To teach people how to do hard things with heart.

That's kinda the amazing thing: excitement, joy, and meaning all exist alongside the fear. As I've gotten used to the fear, I'm noticing the other emotions more. 

Right now, it feels like I’m living the dream version of what I set out to build.

I'm writing this from my brand new Lititz, PA location, which is filled with tools lovingly donated by the Central Virginia Blacksmith Guild and Paul Beisler. The stands are all made by my sweetheart, Matthew, and his apprentice, Rachel.

I am absolutely surrounded by the tangible signs of love and community.  

Every Friday at noon in Frederick, I meet with my two apprentices (Sophia and Steve) (and sometimes Bryan and Indie). We’ve started doing these half-hour demos for each other — teaching, learning, critiquing, trying again. We push each other. We hold space for each other. Nobody’s competing; we’re just genuinely excited to see what happens next. It’s the kind of community I always wanted: smart, kind, curious people nerding out together about blacksmithing ideas and playing. It’s play in the truest sense — creative, safe, nourishing.

And, in a few days, I'm teaching a Masterclass on Teaching Blacksmithing (which was coordinated by a former student of mine, Catherine). I have learned SO much in the last decade that I can't wait to share -- but I am deliberately making space for others to co-create this learning. I am SO excited.

Am I also terrified? Absolutely. 

That’s what ten years has brought me. A school that’s still small, still scrappy, still totally human — but full of courage and the willingness to learn and grow and build community.

There are so, so, so many people who have contributed to Ms Caitlin's School. A place like this could not exist without a robust community. I am so grateful for all of it.

Stay tuned for the next decade!