Ordinarily, I would not write a blog post like this.
However, I wanted to take a moment and congratulate myself. I want to document my achievements in running my business since re-opening after the tragedy of losing my partner Jamie in January this year. Plus, Jamie would always tell me to write blogs - so I know he'd approve.
I have had so many days where I've thought I would unravel and lose everything, grief is unrelenting. I still have those days and recently I thought - wow, I have achieved so much, how the hell did I do that?!
So here goes...
I was featured in the Stylist and I'm currently in one of their competitions!
As well as Mollie Makes issue 132 which you can still buy!
I'm now selling on Asos Marketplace, this was an amazing feeling as I wasn't accepted the first time around.
I've gained my first lot of stockists, two in the UK and three in America. The most proud I've felt was waking up to my biggest ever order from the shop of my dreams - Gasp Winter Park! If I could design a store to stock Custard Cloth - based in Florida, this pink beauty would be it!
I ran my first online market with Creative Babes Club - this was a jump up and down moment when I was accepted. I had wanted to partake in one of Alice's markets for so long! If I can give any advise to a small biz - apply for one of Alice's markets!
I had a super successful collaboration with @designsbyecs in which I launched my first ever homeware collection. Designs by Ecs beautifully hand-painted my designs onto vases and coasters, to sit along with my handmade velvet cushions.
I did a few markets, I have no idea how I managed this even now, I was such a mental wreck, which is why I took a break from markets in the end, but I hope to do some at Christmas. I even met my small biz work wife for the first time after meeting on Instagram and did a market together in Margate! Dani @pushdesignstore.
Truman Brewery
I made it to the 1 year of business mark! I chatted in my bedroom for about an hour to Jamie - I know he would be so proud.
I asked for help! I asked a couple of amazing ladies to help me sew so I wouldn't burn out this time.
I launched a spring/summer collection I am really proud of and introduced new products - hair clips and tote bags. I had the stunning and talented Gabi style lots of my products, always flawless!
I carried on going and growing - somehow!
Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this and for supporting me, I know a huge part of being able to keep going is down to my friends, family and the absolutely incredible small biz Instagram community we have - social media ain't all bad!
Lots of love,
Lucy
xx
