A Day Of Reflection and Transparency
Memorial Day is generally celebrated of as the start of summer, but it is intended to be a day of reflection and remembrance for those that died serving our country. This year more than ever that seems like a very important thing to do and yet doesn't seem like nearly enough.
I've been doing a lot of reflecting lately. Does anyone else feel like we totally skipped spring? I think it’s safe to say that we’re all ready for the fresh start of a new season. If we never heard another word about the coronavirus it would be too soon, but unfortunately it looks like it's going to be with us for a while. We’ve offered 25% off our entire collection since all of this hit the fan in March and it’s worn out it’s welcome just like it’s namesake. I'm ending our COVID-19 Sale this Sunday, May 31 as a first step in getting things back to normal around here. I know sales are a great incentive, but we need to get back to covering our costs as quickly as possible. Our made-to-order model is based on producing just enough product to meet demand with pricing set by the time and materials to make each design. This provides you with a unique product that values the time and talent of the artist that made it with low inventory waste and very little wiggle room with pricing. This sustainable model is at the core of who we are and why we rarely offer discounts. Please place your order this week to take advantage of the 25% discount and know that you are keeping us busy for the next few weeks. We can’t continue to do what we do without you!
We have loved being back together in the studio and nothing makes me happier than opening the door to smiling eyes (masks are the must-have accessory of the season you know)! I feel really good about the shop by appointment model that we are currently working with in the Studio. Private appointments feel really special. It offers uninterrupted time for you to explore in the safety of our Studio Showroom. We are currently accepting appointments on Tuesday and Thursday, but I’m happy to meet with you most any time. We continue to follow strict CDC safety guidelines in order to insure the safety and health of you and our team.
Please continue to support your favorite local businesses as they re-open. This has been a very difficult journey for everyone. Just because we can open the door unfortunately doesn’t mean that it’s business as usual. Retail has taken a big hit, so we’re not sure when, or if, we can count on our wholesale business returning. Wholesale has been 50% of our business, so the thought of that is a scary proposition. Our hearts go out to all of our friends and partners that are struggling right now and pray that everyone finds their own unique path to get back on track. Hopefully things will bounce back quicker than expected. Without our wholesale business, we don’t currently have enough work to keep us busy five days a week, but we will ease back into our full time schedule as we do. I'm praying that is sooner than later! I have paid my team their full salary throughout this journey. They are too valuable to me not too, but the reality is that I can’t keep that up forever without the business to cover our costs. For the first time in ME history, we are relying strictly on direct-to-customer sales. That is exciting and scary all at the same time! I believe we can do it, but we need new friends to make the numbers work! You wearing our jewelry and referring ME to your friends and family has always been our best advertising, but right now it is our lifeline. Please continue to share ME with everyone you know and let me know if you any ideas on how to get in front of groups or organizations that you are involved with. I need your help to get through this!
I continue to get great feedback and response to our website. Online traffic has been way up over the past few months and I’m grateful to you for that. I’ve added a “Make An Appointment” button on the home page to make that easier, but I understand that shopping online may be your preference for a while. Free shipping, curbside pickup and personal delivery within 10 miles of the Studio are here to stay. My hope is that our online experience feels as personal as shopping the Studio or a trunk show. Please let me know if you have any ideas or feedback on how to make our website experience even better for you. I’m happy to talk you through your online shopping experience by phone or FaceTime as we shop the Studio together. I want you to know that I am truly here for you in any way that I can be, just like you have always been for ME.
Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon! Please stay safe!
Mclaine ❤️