Ope! I didn’t intend for 4.5 years to pass since I last wrote anything that I was actually inclined to post. A lot has happened personally and with the shop and I probably would’ve processed it all better had I been documenting it in words all along. Instead, I channeled every ounce of energy into the preservation of this business, my family, and myself, certainly not in equal measure. The shop survived not only peak Covid, but the present, silent aftermath.
“How long has this store been here?”
“8 years.” (Feels like one million. Sometimes I say that instead when I’m not afraid of sounding like a jerk.)
“Oh wow! So you made it through Covid, that’s good!”
(Flinch) “Yeah, I guess so, kind of.”
The truth is, many of us will be paying for Covid in some way, shape, or form for the rest of our lives. My father-in-law died of Covid in spring of 2021. My sense of smell has been altered since my first round with the virus in late 2020. I used to go to church very regularly and now the thought of it grosses me out - had I been strategizing my full religious exodus, a pandemic would not have been first choice.
Oh, and I am the proud owner of a 30 year SBA loan, remember? At this rate I’ll be 72 when I pay that baby off. Do I plan to own this store at 72? Gawd, I hope not. This shit's too hard. That’s a bit dramatic, I know. If I were to liquidate the shop, most or all sales would pay off that loan. Nooooohoho biggie. Also, no fun.
Things have actually gone pretty well for the shop these past 4 years, compared to its first 4, that is. I’m really grateful for that. Sales have increased slightly year over year, which too few small brick and mortar shops can say. Kristie and I opened Leo Footwear together in early 2021 and moved it to the lower level of Spoils in late 2022. Danielle, a former employee, took over the coffee shop next door in 2023 - Cahoots Coffee Bar is now Luminary Coffeehouse, and it’s GREAT. Last year, we even had a door installed between Teeny Bee and Luminary so we’re all connected internally.
I felt like I was just beginning to fall into a good rhythm when the US re-elected the Orange Con-artist. For funzies, I guess? Not sure, but the trickle-down chaos has been a real bummer this year and I imagine the next 4…ya know, based on last time (insert eye roll + middle finger).
I bet you think I’m going to talk about tariffs, huh? Surprise! I’m not.
Maybe I’m having a delayed 7-year-itch or maybe it is the tariff situation (oops, I lied) but I’m feeling trapped in this business. There are so many more ideas and spaces to explore but am feeling limited in resources and uncertain of the future of this country.
It is in my personal history to blog when I feel trapped, angsty, or creatively stifled, you can ask my previous employers (but don’t). I have no plans to close the shop or go anywhere in the next few years, so don’t worry (maybe worry a little). I am going to scratch this itch tho, somehow.
Meanwhile, I do love what’s coming into the shop this season and next. I’m proud of the evolution of offerings here at Spoils and Leo. Happy and comfortable clothes, shoes, accessories from really special brands. We don’t just Keep On around here, we get better. We foster community. We don’t quit, even when maybe we should. I desperately hope we can stay relevant in further - wait for it - “unprecedented times” (gag) - in hopes of still being here on the other side if humankind is intentional enough to see it (sigh).
An intuitive friend (Kristie, duh) introduced me to two little mantras I keep repeating to myself over and over again with deep, intentional breaths:
stay bouncy, stay curious
work softer, dream smaller
So 4 years later, that’s where I’m at.