2025 Recap: BIG Changes + Looking Ahead to the New Year
I can’t believe it’s already time to sit down and write my yearly recap post… truly, where did this year go?! Time feels like it moved at record speed in 2025, and this year brought a lot of change.
One of the biggest shifts was moving out of Hawaii and settling into southern California. At the time of the move, I thought that would be the major change of the year… but as it turns out, even more change unfolded toward the end of 2025 (all very good changes, don’t worry!).
This year was filled with plenty of highs, lots of reflection, and a lot of figuring out what I want long-term… not just for my business, but for my overall career and creative life. I’m so excited to share some of those moments with you below.
And if you’re in the mood for big news… keep reading! Especially if you want to hear about quite possibly the most exciting news for my business ever (hint: it’s a very special two-year project!).
Key highlights of 2025
Participating in my first gallery show
One of the biggest pinch-me moments of the year was participating in my very first gallery show, Mohala: The Blossoming, presented by Ki’ikau Printers. This experience was incredibly special to be surrounded by other artists, connecting with art appreciators, and seeing my work displayed in a gallery setting. It was something I’ll never forget. I also sold my largest original paintings to date, which felt incredibly validating and exciting. You can read all about the experience in this blog post.
Moving from Hawaii to California
Shortly after the gallery show, my husband, our two cats, and I made the big move from Hawaii to California after four beautiful years on the island. It was a big transition, but one I felt genuinely excited about. I love exploring new places, embracing change, and keeping life interesting. Orange County has already started to feel like home... The weather, the new scenery, and the fresh energy here have been such a joy.
I shared more about the move (and gave a final farewell tour of my Hawaii studio) in this YouTube video.
Side note: it definitely wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows during the move. Fellow business owners know how intense the logistics can be when relocating a business. There are countless new registrations, new tax laws, new paperwork… all of it. I even had to publish an official newspaper notice announcing the registration of my business in the Orange County Register. How wild is that?! There were so many hoops to jump through, but it was absolutely worth it.
Signing a two-year book deal
Okay… deep breath… because this is the big one.
In the fall, I signed a two-year book deal! Writing and publishing a watercolor book has been on my bucket list for years, but I always imagined it would be a much later-in-life achievement. When a UK publisher reached out earlier this year, I was completely surprised, and beyond honored.
While I can’t share too many details just yet, the deal is signed, I’ve officially started working on the book, and it will be released in 2027. Of course, it will focus on painting watercolor flowers (no surprise there!), but I’ll be sharing more as I’m able. This project feels like an absolute dream, and I’m so grateful for the collaborative, supportive team I get to work with throughout this process.
Teaching has always been at the heart of my work, and this opportunity feels like such a meaningful new way to share what I love. Learning watercolor truly changed my life, and I’m really passionate about helping other creatives fall in love with the medium and build creative confidence.
Starting a new full-time role
The final major highlight of the year was starting a new full-time job in healthcare marketing and communications.
Now I want to be very clear as I share this: I’ve loved building and running my business full-time over the past four years. Entrepreneurship has taught me so much about creativity, discipline, resilience, and myself. At the same time, I’ve also struggled a lot with feeling isolated working entirely on my own. While I’m very much an introvert and value my quiet time, over the past couple of years I realized how much I longed to be a part of a team again and contribute to something bigger than myself and my business. It’s something that I know deep down is better for me in the long run.
I’m incredibly happy to now be working in a marketing and communications role at a healthcare nonprofit here in Orange County. Healthcare marketing is what I did professionally before starting my business, so being back in this world feels familiar and full-circle. I get to work for a purpose-driven organization, manage design and marketing strategy, collaborate with a team I genuinely enjoy, and have a hybrid schedule that gives me the best of both worlds.
You may have noticed that I’ve taken a small step back from posting as frequently on YouTube and Skillshare while adjusting to my new routine, but I want to reassure you that Petals by Priya isn’t going anywhere. This was a decision I thought through for over a year, and it’s one I feel super confident in. While there may be slightly less content moving forward, the quality will be better than ever.
Is it easy balancing a full-time job and being an entrepreneur? No… But have I questioned my decision even once since starting? Also no. If anything, this change has made me feel more motivated and energized than I have in a long time.
Other notable highlights
Reaching over 16,000 students on Skillshare, surpassing 60K followers on Instagram, and hitting 16,000 YouTube subscribers (excuse me… what?!) Connecting with students and watching their creativity grow continues to be one of my greatest joys.
Launching my Summer in the Garden greeting card collection, inspired by our new garden here in Newport Beach. It was so fun creating a collection rooted in real-life, joyful moments.
Dedicating intentional time to improving my landscape paintings. You can see some of that progress in this Instagram post.
What I’m looking forward to in 2026
Creating more balance and joy in my work and creative life.
Starting the book manuscript (still can’t believe I get to say that out loud!).
Continuing to build a creative community online.
And finally… I’ve been getting lots of requests for a class on how I paint my misty forests… When I have time for a new class, that will absolutely be the topic!
What a year of change and growth this has been. Leaving Hawaii after four beautiful years was not easy, but I already feel so at home here in California and am incredibly excited to keep building my business from this new place.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support Petals by Priya. Whether you purchase cards and prints, leave kind comments on Instagram or YouTube, choose to learn from me on Skillshare, enroll in my classes, or even just take the time to read this blog post, your support means more than I could ever put into words.
Wishing you a safe, restful end to 2025 and a joyful, creative start to 2026.
As always, happy creating from me to you!
Priya