# 🔍 Case File #1: Well… I didn’t expect THAT.

- Link: https://stephiethehappymom.com/case-file-1-well-i-didnt-expect-that/
- Published: 2026-07-10T17:25:01-04:00
- Author: Stephie

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**Hello and Welcome to Behind the Friction, Reader!**

Every Friday, I pull back the curtain on something I’ve noticed while working on
my own business… hoping it helps you see yours a little differently too.

Looking for a previous issue? They are all [available to read on my website](https://89f1b975.click.convertkit-mail.com/92uk7l4o40bnh6wxww8u9hzd44km5bwhgo56/g3hnhwumr4rrvzb3/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdGVwaGlldGhlaGFwcHltb20uY29t).

~ 🔍 ~

Since it was my Border Celebration Week, I decided to pause my weekly newsletters
last week to take the opportunity to share my new product with everyone all at once.

But today, you’re in for a treat as this week’s experiment took a turn I wasn’t 
expecting…

…and I’m inviting you into it!

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A couple of days ago, I asked readers to send me the product they’re most proud 
of…
…but secretly wish sold better.

Not because I promised marketing advice.

Because I was curious.

One reply completely changed how I was looking at products.

It started with an Etsy listing.

Then I asked one question:

_**“What made you create it in the first place?”**_

Everything changed.

The product disappeared.
The story appeared.

Suddenly we weren’t talking about a worksheet anymore.

We were talking about a child frozen in front of a blank page.
A creator who wanted
to remove just enough fear so imagination could take over.

​

It reminded me of something [Marisa Murgatroyd](https://liveyourmessage.com/) uses
to say:

_For a river to flow, it needs banks._

_The banks don’t stop the river._

_They give it shape._

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That creator wasn’t trying to tell kids what to draw.

She was simply giving them enough structure for creativity to start flowing.

And that’s when I realized…

Maybe **hidden friction isn’t always hiding inside the product.**

Maybe it’s hiding between the reason we created it,
and the way we talk about it.

That feels like a much more interesting place to investigate.

So…

The experiment continues!

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**P.S.** I’m beginning to suspect that products don’t fail nearly as often as they
get misunderstood. I’m collecting evidence. 🔎

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**===**

**.**

**NOTE:** I’m moving things around in the backend to make room for a new project.
Can you help me spot “bad experiences” regarding my site, your members’ area, communications,
or whatever? I would really appreciate your help with this! It will make it so much
easier for me to fix and improve everything that needs attention. Thank you!

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**Disclosure:** From time to time, I will include links in the emails that would
include promotions for my own products or affiliate products, meaning I get paid
when you buy the product. However, I only ever mention products I love and would
recommend whether I was being compensated or not. Always use due diligence when 
buying anything and remember, what works for me may not always work for you!

**Thank you so much for your support of **[_**Stephie The Happy Mom**_](http://stephiethehappymom.com/)**!**

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