The past seven days have been a whirlwind. I took on the massive task of doing inventory and updating product pages for over 100 different styles of all-over-print sweatshirts in our Gold Label Collection—a project that nearly got the best of me. But like any determined entrepreneur (or slightly obsessive creative), I pushed through, knowing it had to be done. It wasn’t planned as an 84-hour week, but once I started, I couldn’t stop until the job was finished.

How It Started

Over the last 90 days, I had been accumulating samples—testing prints, finalizing design concepts, and making sure my sweatshirts were showroom-ready for major events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Critic’s Choice, and the Grammy gifting suites.

I create new designs daily, which means I constantly order samples to decide whether to keep, modify, or scrap them from my catalog. This process is necessary to maintain the high design standard of SingleTree Lane, but it also left me with a massive stockpile of sweatshirts that needed organizing.

With so many samples on hand—some now ready for direct sale—it was time to tackle the inventory head-on and make sure everything was properly accounted for, listed, and updated on my online store.

Introducing Gold Label In-Stock

The result of this painstaking inventory overhaul is our new Gold Label In-Stock collection, designed specifically for those who just can’t wait the standard three weeks to receive their wearable art tops. Unlike our made-to-order items, these pieces are ready to ship immediately, allowing customers to get their hands on their favorite designs without the wait.

The 7-Day Inventory Battle

What started as a simple inventory check quickly spiraled into a full-blown, week-long, 84-hour marathon. Not because I planned it that way, but because once I was in it, I couldn’t stop. The deeper I went, the more details I realized needed fixing.

This wasn’t just about counting sweatshirts and stacking them neatly. This process required:

• Recording and cataloging every product—noting design names, sizes, and available stock.
• Updating product pages to reflect our new 50/50 cotton fleece fabric alongside the existing silky touch polyester fleece.
• Creating new variants for six sizes in the cotton fleece version for each product.
• Assigning unique SKUs for every single variant to keep track of stock.
• Building a dedicated collection for in-stock items so customers could easily browse products ready for immediate shipping.
• Crafting social media posts and ad campaigns to promote the updated collection.
• Testing and troubleshooting website updates to ensure a smooth shopping experience.

The task was tedious, repetitive, and mentally draining. As someone with ADHD and autism, these types of detailed, multi-step projects can feel like an obstacle course of maintaining hyperfocus while battling the monotony of data entry. But I was determined to get it done—and to do it right.

How I Kept Myself from Losing My Mind

Let’s be real—no one can stare at spreadsheets for 12 hours straight without their brain turning to mush. To keep myself sane, I switched between mindless and engaging tasks to give my brain a break when the numbers started blurring together.

• I watched TikToks—the perfect quick distraction when I needed to reset.
• I streamed some of my favorite shows—nothing too intense, just background noise to keep me company.
• I went to the gym—because at a certain point, my body needed movement after hours of sitting.
• I took breaks to design—keeping the creative part of my brain active and giving me something to look forward to between mind-numbing data entry.

This rotation of tasks helped me push through the monotony while making sure I stayed productive and didn’t burn out completely.

Why This Inventory Update Was So Important

Beyond just getting organized, this inventory update was crucial because it marked the launch of a new fabric option for our Gold Label sweatshirts.

For years, my signature silky touch polyester fleece has been a fan favorite for its smooth texture and vibrant print clarity. But I also wanted to cater to customers who prefer a more traditional sweatshirt feel—so I introduced the 50/50 cotton fleece blend.

This new material has a softer, cozier texture, and a slightly heavier weight than the polyester fleece. It offers a different tactile experience while still maintaining the bold, all-over-print designs that define the SingleTree Lane aesthetic.

Of course, adding this new option meant doubling the number of product variants—which meant more descriptions, more SKU assignments, and more time spent ensuring everything was correct.

The Mental Strain of an Inventory Overhaul

For neurodivergent business owners like me, inventory management can feel like a full-on mental assault.

• The repetitive nature of cataloging items can be frustrating.
• The constant context switching between numbers, product descriptions, and marketing updates can be mentally exhausting.
• The overwhelming need for perfection can cause me to hyperfocus on tiny details, dragging the process out longer than necessary.

But I knew if I let these things slow me down, the project would drag on indefinitely. So, I pushed through, managing my energy levels as best as I could.

Was It Worth It? Absolutely.

Despite the mental exhaustion, spreadsheet fatigue, and endless SKU numbers haunting my dreams, this project was worth every hour I put into it.

The Gold Label Collection is now fully updated with accurate inventory, product descriptions, and fabric options. Customers can now choose between silky touch polyester fleece and 50/50 cotton fleece, knowing exactly what they’re getting.

And best of all? With Gold Label In-Stock, customers no longer have to wait weeks for their orders—they can grab their favorite designs immediately.

Would I voluntarily do another 84-hour workweek? Probably not. But sometimes, you have to push through the chaos to make the magic happen.

For now, I’m celebrating this victory. Then, it’s back to what I do best—creating bold, unforgettable designs.

And maybe, just maybe, catching up on some sleep.