Oh my… what a year it has been! Before sitting down to write this note, I took a look back at an email I sent a year ago, on April 4, 2020. At that time, we had furloughed most of our store staff and had a tiny crew of masked crusaders in our Florida warehouse working 7-days a week to fulfill our website orders.
My head was spinning with thoughts of “what’s next?” and “how do I?”
Now, a full year later with literally a full head of gray hair (yes… I did the “COVID” cut by chopping off my previously colored hair to embrace my natural color), I am wiser, more resilient, and pumped about the future.
Like you and the rest of the world, I was forced to modify and adapt. It was at times painful and incredibly stressful, but I know my company is much stronger today due to the tough decisions I made over the last 12 months.
What’s Next?
I am pleased to share that our 10 retail stores in Florida have been busy this spring serving locals and tourists alike. I’ve signed a lease to open another store in the Florida Panhandle, and I am looking at potential new locations outside of the state.
Our wholesale activities are picking up as boutiques and spas that carry our products are seeing more customers in their shops. And lastly, our website sales, which served as our lifeline through the pandemic, are continuing to grow at a solid pace.
As we begin to see signs of normalcy returning, I am getting back to my favorite passion… product development. In the past 6 months, we’ve launched a natural deodorant, votive candles, hand & body lotion, tinted lip balm, a slew of holiday gift sets and a new scent called Summer Gingham. Right now, I am working on expanding our hemp products, Vitamin C facial care, and essential oils. And soon, I will launch several new products including tinted sunscreen, hair masks, and a line of luxury products that includes a sudsy shower oil that I’m totally obsessed with.
I want to close by expressing my gratitude. I am so lucky to have such an amazing team, and I am fortunate to have so many loyal customers who supported my company and me throughout the years… especially during those dark days of 2020. I couldn’t do this without you. For that, I am grateful.