For a better life at home / Jan 13, 2026

Marcus Hamblin
Jan 17
2 min read

Updated: Feb 3

January 13, 2026 Newsletter: For a Better Life at Home

Welcome to 2026! This is the first installment of our new newsletter, For a Better Life at Home.

Reflecting on 2025

The year 2025 was absolutely insane. It was a year of contrasts—difficulties intertwined with meaningful growth. When I think of home in the context of last year, I am reminded of the devastating wildfires that affected so many people in Los Angeles. The loss of home is a profound tragedy. Additionally, I am troubled by the increasing threats faced by US citizens and immigrants. For many, home no longer represents safety, leading to feelings of disparity and pain.

Embracing New Beginnings

Every day, I am reminded of the reality of Flourish & Foundry's new home in Boston. Leaving our previous location was challenging, but it was necessary. This move has brought us more stability and new opportunities.

The Tug-of-War of Emotions

I can't be the only one feeling the constant tug-of-war between embracing positivity and being pulled back by the harsh realities of our current situation. However, I want to share something important. In my daily interactions with hundreds of people, I consistently see a lot of good.

People want three things:

They want to feel even the smallest amount of joy.
They want to support others—makers and small businesses.
They really want to trust, but often feel taken advantage of.

Our Commitment to You

That's what I am committed to doing—creating and providing opportunities for joy, support, and trust.

Focus on Replenishment

As we enter this new year, I invite you to focus on replenishment. Take inventory of where you feel depleted. We all have something. Make a brief note of what may be causing this depletion. Create moments for yourself to breathe, ponder, or even scream if needed. Take control of your situation. Reflect on, invite, and even expect good things to happen in your life. Do this with intention.

The Importance of Self-Care

Challenging times and transitions require a lot from us—introspection, a reckoning of values, and sometimes painful realizations. As you lean into these challenges, don’t forget about yourself. Prioritize your rest and peace.