Well, I'm a day late for the traditional Small Business Saturday posting. But, guess what? It's my small business, so it's OK. The triumph of entrepreneurship is that one can proceed without pausing for permission.
I used to be big.
In those days it took teams of people to make a decision, and to generate the millions of dollars that brought the brand to national prominence.
No question--I'm grateful for all of it. But I don't miss it at all.
Looking back, the journey has made me who I am today. Though it was just a chapter, it altered me. I learned so much, traveled the world, met the most amazing humans, and watched as my company exploded far beyond my small-town expectations.
But as it grew, I lost touch with the creative essence that motivated me in the first place. As it happened, a few decades after it's launch, my company fell victim to a confluence of factors that precipitated it's eventual downfall. (Just a bunch of fancy words to say shit happened and I had to start over).
Today it's just me and a handful of people making this all happen. I call it small batch clothing, because that's exactly what it is. The same love of design that has always inspired me is evident in my brand today. I live to create, especially when I can collaborate with like-minded, talented souls.
Please know, that as an entrepreneur, I appreciate each and every one of my customers. We need you. You make a huge difference. Every order, every sale --means someone chose my work, my creation, and is hopefully enjoying it. The process of going from my homemade sketch of embroidered birds, or hand-carved block print, is unique. It's like you are buying a piece of me. Your garment was actually touched by many human hands. My original artwork is crafted by artisans into stunning textile designs and stitched by master tailors. Everyone--the weaver, the embroiderer, the printer, the man who carefully cuts each garment by hand--they all take pride in what they do and feel like part of something greater than themselves. This sense of belonging and fulfillment is precious.
For us it is not just a paycheck or a balance sheet. it is an act of love, with reverence for craft and respect for what humans can accomplish when we work together.
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