You are the reason I didn't give up. And I'm so happy I didn't.
The journey has been hard, and I won't pretend the hard part is behind us. The nature of small business is that the valleys are lurking around every corner, and I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't expecting more of them. But we are still here. Still on the path. And every hard lesson, every hit we took, taught me something I couldn't have learned any other way.
And look where the path has led.
Four stitch groups full of people with new friends coming each week. An education program with the best teachers you will find anywhere and a staff who knows their craft. More trunk shows than ever, so you have access to indie dyers you'd never find otherwise. A maker's exchange featuring local artisans, including jewelry and hand-spun fiber from our own customers. A little shop within a shop featuring Little Fox Yarns, a customer best seller. Our first small Patreon group that we hope to grow. A virtual classroom, newly upgraded, that will now allow us to bring the country's best teachers virtually right into the shop. And a solid team I trust completely.
I don't take any of it for granted. Most small businesses don't make it to ten years. and that is especially true in a needle craft business where margins are especially small. That, all on its own, is reason to celebrate and a reason to look forward to everything still ahead of us.
Because ten years is nothing to sneeze at.
So we are going to celebrate it properly. And I cannot wait to show you how.
Chapter 5 video by Debbie Floyd