Where I'm At: Walla Walla, the Ornament, and the Person Standing Beside Me

It's been a while since I sat down and told you how things are really going. So here's the honest update.

Walla Walla

In October I went to Walla Walla for a WinCo store opening with my store manager, and it was one of the best learning experiences I've had. I met people from variety departments all over and heard how they run their stores, merchandise and set up their departments. I also got to work right next to the experts who actually put these stores together.

We had a ton of fun, and I'd do another opening in a heartbeat. When you spend time around people who are great at what they do, you come home sharper.

The Ornament: Holding Onto 2026

This one means a lot to me. Every year flies by, and the moments that matter most can get lost in a camera roll. I wanted something that holds onto them, so we built the 2026 keepsake photo ornament.

What it is

It's a round burgundy ornament with a photo opening in the middle and "2026" set in gold along the bottom. Every December when you hang it, you'll know exactly when that picture was taken. There's a magnet on the back too, so it doesn't have to go back in the box in January. It can live on your fridge all year.

How it works

1. Order your ornament.

2. Send us a favorite photo from this year. You can upload it right after checkout or just reply to your confirmation email.

3. We use AI to turn your photo into six artist-style prints, each sized to fit.

4. We set one in the ornament and ship it to you ready to hang or give. The other five come with it, so you can change the look whenever you like.

Prefer your original photo just as it is? Tell us and we'll use it. It's your memory, your way.

Made for giving

It arrives already set up, so there's no trimming and no fiddling. Just hand it over. If you're ordering more than one, each ornament can have its own photo: one for grandparents, one for a best friend, and one for the kids' teacher. You can add a second custom ornament for $14.99, and there's a family pack if you want to cover the whole list.

Why it matters

Time is the one thing you can't buy back. You can't get 2026 again, but you can keep a piece of it. That's what this ornament is for: starting a tradition you add to every single year.

It's $29.94 with U.S. shipping included, and it launches very soon on justindcstephens.com. Send us the photo and we'll handle the rest.

Adrianne

Adrianne and I are doing really well. We've been having the serious conversations: marriage, how we want to live, and how we'll support each other.

She's also dived headfirst into America's Holding Company and has become a great partner in it. A lot of the new ideas we're rolling out this year came from her. Having someone who stands behind you and beside you changes everything. I'm so blessed to have her in my life.

What's Next

I'm spending my time on purpose, on the work, the people and the future I'm building. Thanks for being part of it. More soon.

— Justin