I just started writing in long-form my story of running a business over the past couple years, but I stopped. I cut it off because it just feels so negative and I hate to drag all of you through that. Basically a lot of really bad things / hard things / unexpected things happened. I know some businesses breezed through it, some of my friends say they made more money than ever (and I’m so glad when I hear that), but I also know a ton of small businesses closed permanently. The exact number is unknown but it is staggering.
I’m just reflecting today since it’s Shop Small Saturday and also just feeling so thankful after looking at yesterday’s sales numbers. We’re still in the process of recovering from our many losses over here. There’s been a lot of moments when I’ve wondered if we will ever fully recover, and then times like today when I feel like it’s completely doable.
Taking the risk of running a small business has been so rewarding for our family. We’ve seen so many ups and downs but there’s so much for us to learn no matter what happens. When I take a step back and remember how this all started in a garage, it helps me realize just how far we’ve come. We would design shirts based on random ideas or funny things our friends would come up with and print them until the wee hours of the night. We’re still doing that, just with more friends in the mix and a more reasonable bedtime. I can’t thank you enough for being a part of this journey with us. Your comments, visits to the store, emails, reviews, orders, all of it, pushes us along and make this process rewarding for my family and my incredible team.
Please keep buying from small businesses, we know we’re not as fast, and don’t have it all together, but we notice every order that comes through. Small business owners support other small businesses so when you support one, you’re supporting many!
- Jared
Oh… and if you are curious about all the boring details, respond to this and let me know! I’ll gladly share if it’s something you want to read.
2 comments
Hello! I’m happy to see you are still around. I have been a customer of Vardagen for three or four years now. I mostly buy online, because I live in Utah, but when my family makes our annual trip to LA we always come and visit. I have many Vardagen shirts and even a key chain! I hope to continue to buy clothing from you in the future. If you guys made posters I would love to decorate my home with some of your wonderful designs. Thank you for all your hard work! :D Kind regards – Amber
I always appreciate details – they’re rarely boring to me!
Every time I read one of your posts, I’m so glad I buy from you. <3