It’s a new year and a great time to reflect on the business. This past year has surely tested the business in many ways and it’s time to pivot.
Photography By Kelly Savoca
Like many small businesses, 2020 brought quite a challenge. Luckily, being in the garden space we managed to have some highs and are forever grateful to our customers and workshop participants for this. That being said, I still had many facets of the business that required change such as downsizing workshops and events. While virtual events worked for some businesses, I found it challenging to keep folks as excited about those opportunities. Many still craved an in-person connection. I don’t blame ya. How many Zoom events can you do in one year?
Early on, I decided to focus more on pre-order Garden Boxes. This was to avoid overloading myself with new inventory when so many people were facing unexpected hardships in their life. While I love curating and creating new goods, managing inventory can be tough, especially without many outlets to be at markets. Another example of how managing product this year has added to our concerns is the shift I saw in our beeswax candles. Normally, beeswax candles are my bestseller and this year they were not. Who can smell a candle online? The overhead to cover candles with insurance is very costly and it outweighs what I sold this year. This is why I have decided to pivot the business.
As my life changes with a new baby on the way and some new career goals, I have decided to step away from offering goods or products for the time being. I want to put my energy into workshops and events in 2021. I still find a great deal of joy in this and love exploring new concepts. I’d also like to host more private events. By easing up on inventory management I’ll have more time to focus on those things and other career goals.
Life sure knows how to keep you on your toes.
I always imagined a beautifully curated shop with tons of plants and the ability to host workshops in the space. It’s not to say that all is lost. I just need to sort out what is most important to me right now and this feels right and good. I’ll also be slowing down on new blog posts and the socials until I find a new rhythm that makes sense. I want to provide quality content that will serve you best – if you have thoughts please share!
I am so proud of what I have accomplished in the past 3 years with Cotton & Moss. It’s been my baby for sure but now I’ll have a real human to care for and I’d be kidding myself to think that nothing will change. I’m looking forward to 2021 and sharing workshops old and new– let’s do this! It has to be better than 2020, riiiiight?
If you want to stay on top of workshops or events that I’ll be hosting then be sure to subscribe to the calendar here. Thanks for all your love & support!
Peace,
Kelly
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