Happy Shopiversary! A reflection on 3 years of shopkeeping
We opened our shop doors on June 24, 2022. Charlie and I are no strangers to conquering a challenge - whether we choose it or it's chosen for us.
If you've been following us from the beginning, you know that we weren't sure if we'd secure a retail space. After many failed attempts In Beacon, we decided to give up on retail and adopt an 8 week old puppy (Mac!). About a week after adopting him, we found out we were picked for our current retail space in Cold Spring. We took about 6 weeks to build out our shop, while raising an incredibly active Shepherd puppy. I think we've been perpetually tired ever since 2022!
In 3 short (but long?) years, we met and created with thousands of people. We supported local organizations through donations and sponsorships. We were featured in News 12 and other fun media. We created new products. We invested in more branding - yay merch! We supported 20+ other small businesses on our shop shelves. We hosted pop ups and events. We had fun!
We also struggled! We got together with other Main St. businesses to improve the parking program in Cold Spring which negatively impacted weekend visitors rates and shop sales. We prioritized our mental health. We took time off and sat with the discomfort of feeling like we should be productive. We had to learn (and continue to learn) to be okay with the rollercoaster of decreases and increases in sales - not panicking when they're lower and not investing too much into the shop when they're higher.
We've packed a lot into 3 years! I look at the list of some of our accomplishments and challenges over these years and think, what haven't we done? At times it feels like we're not doing enough - not open enough days, hours aren't long enough, not enough products, etc. But man. We are doing PLENTY.
This shop is a massive part of our lives and livelihood. We pour (literally) everything we have into this special place. We're so grateful when you shop with us. We're grateful when you choose us, chat with us, spend time with us, tell your friends and family about us... We're also grateful that none of you complain (to our faces) when we're closed or take time off, as we wouldn't be able to show up with smiles on our faces without time to reset. We're grateful for the ups and the downs and everything in between. All of it matters.
We know everything is temporary, but we hope our shop is around for many years to come. Cheers to another year of creating together! We couldn't do it without all of you and your kindness. Thank you :)
- Alexandra + Charlie