POSSIBLE ENDING

I looked back at a journal entry/blog from May (this one), and it resonated with me this week. It was about the uncertainty of if we'd make it past the end of this year. I shared the plan to try to save it all. 

It's been four months of putting that plan into action, and I'm still not convinced we'll keep it up long term. The Elegantees cash on hand has been lowering each month. Running a clothing business is costly. People don't need or want clothes as much these days. It might be wise to lay it down. I've been praying.

To give more context, I need to share some history:

Our first collection released when I was still in my early twenties. I was passionate. Didn't take an income from it, and knowing we were building something to fight human trafficking was all I needed to keep going. I took risks and was happy doing it.

At some point demand was growing, we tripled our team in Nepal, and I had no choice but to do this full time. That's when we were at our peak. A few years of doing that led to burnout. I stepped back from a lot, doing the necessary only on autopilot mode for the last five years. Design a collection, produce it, photograph it and put it online, hope we get sales, repeat. 

It's been more meaningful lately because we have an office space with interns. I get to teach them how all this happens and do it with others in real life. I love mentoring young people. It gives me a purpose. But, all of that is done off the grid. There's no sharing about it on social media. I rarely feel like posting onto Instagram, and yes, that's a problem from a marketing standpoint. In today's world, sharing the journey is mandatory to succeed. 

For some of you who have been on this journey for a decade or more, you remember the younger Katie who led the company and mission with passion. It resonated with you, and it is the reason you're still here today. You cared about the cause I cared about. You cheered me on. That support has (and still does) truly mean so much.

What will it take to restore it back to a passion?

The reality is I need a full time job, and the cost of staying open is more than it was when I started. This may not be my job in a year from now. 

Recently, one of our regular models was telling me about how concerning things are when she works at other brands. The tech departments at major corporations are in desperate need of directors who know their stuff. Knowing this, I could convince a VP to hire me. Maybe once my kids are a little older and truly don't need me as much, I could do that. 

A new “job” is what I want to do if we see the end of the Elegantees clothing line. I'm humbly accepting that possibility. If it does, we'd sell off all our inventory and use the money to take care of our seamstresses for a while.

If you don't mind, I prefer that nobody offers suggestions today on how to fix Elegantees. I am normally open to feedback, but I already know what it would take. Right now, I just want to have a listening ear.

It could be that the time is coming soon, and that's okay. I also believe that if a door closes, a better one is around the corner.

Remember how we helped one of our seamstresses with relief for the people affected by the mudslide? She's been sharing her gratitude with words and videos of the people who are receiving food and supplies. I feel blessed to know her.

I'm also inspired by Michaela, who is my missionary friend in Nepal. I get to be with these people, and others who are like-minded, when I go to Nepal in late November. Maybe something new will be born!

While the clothing line seem to be dying, our nonprofit Sewn to Restore is healthy and supported. It is a ray of sunshine in my life and I know amazing things will happen. Leading a nonprofit isn't a full time job, so it could be a “passion” for me.

I tend to end my blogs without a proper closing. So abrupt, haha. Today I want to thank you though for how you've been there for us all this time. I hope this transparent update isn't a discouragement. God works all things together for good, and all our seamstresses will be in good hands no matter what. It may not be the end of a journey, but possibly a beginning. 

Love Always,

Katie