LIVE LIKE YOU'RE DYING
Hi Friend!
Today I'll take you into a transparent look at where we're at. If we change nothing of what we're doing now, I'm convinced we won't be able to continue after this year. It's not too late though. What can I change right now? Let's talk through all the things.
Today I'll take you into a transparent look at where we're at. If we change nothing of what we're doing now, I'm convinced we won't be able to continue after this year. It's not too late though. What can I change right now? Let's talk through all the things.
A corner of our sewing center in Nepal
LOWLY SERVANTS
From a practical standpoint, it is through the time sacrifice that I make, along with Beverly who runs the warehouse for a fraction of what a “real warehouse” costs, and others who are beautifully lowly, to keep us moving.
We believe in the mission, and the calling is usually enough. It is certainly the humility behind our US-based team that keeps the company alive. It's as low as it can be though, so we can't make changes there.
MORE THAN A FACTORY
Since we are smaller batch, our production cost in Nepal is significantly higher than using any factory. The reason for this is we cover all costs of our factory even if we have no work to give. This ensures no liability or loss ever for anyone on our team there.
This is something we wanted. Not a buyer relationship, but one that provides stability to women who didn't have it before. With our setup, we absorb it hard when it's a month of not giving enough orders to Nepal.
Does our Nepal team have to sew only Elegantees? In the past I worked with other brands to produce for them to try to add quantities. While the brands were enjoyable to work with, it takes much time for me to coordinate, and distracts me from keeping the momentum for Elegantees.
REVENUE PROGRESS
Can we get to the one million dollar goal this year? We're at $158,000, so probably not. I still believe we should aim high though.
AS IF WE'RE CRUSHING IT
The song “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw just popped into my head. I guess my Iowa country roots are still in me! The next few months will be crucial in seeing if Elegantees will die off or not. So why not live it out as if we were “crushing it"? Then see if it catches up!
- I'll approach this summer by issuing so much more work in Nepal than we have demand for. This is necessary to keep our cost per garment reasonable.
- Currently the team is sewing the collection that will be available in June. To combat the low output, I'll give them the July designs also. Our quantities per month are small, so it's doable to double up each month.
- It could possibly open doors for more demand. The collections would arrive in the warehouse sooner, so influencers may launch with us, and we may do more with wholesale. This would then require us to replenish inventory in Nepal.
This is the best practical solution I got right now. If this doesn't work, we could try to shift to be more nonprofit-focused than business-focused. I think our trip to Nepal in June will show us more.
TRUST
No matter what though, I know God has good plans. Everything will be okay, no matter what things looks like next year.
Thankful, Katie
We're looking forward to being in Nepal! We'll be there in June.
