2021 Recap: Opening our Storefront
Well the last year was a wild ride. When we started our business in January of 2020, we had no idea what was to come. It all started with knowing we had something we loved and it was good and we wanted to share it with the world. We worked with an amazing graphic designer to nail the branding (Shout out to Ryan Williams who owns A Subtle Difference Design). We reformulated, changed packaging, brainstormed, planned our social content and finally finished building our website in November 2020. November 13th to be exact. The local support we had after launching our online store was unsurpassed (and we still have such a solid tribe of local H&B lovers today), it's amazing.
We both kept at it, improving our skills and evolving along the way. We did a few pop up shows/markets and saw the results of being able to present products in person- giving the opportunity for our products to be smelled, seen and tested; and it was pretty clear with our type of product it was a major plus for both customers and us alike.
In Mid-September 2021 I posed the question to Mom "what do you think of opening a store?". From there, the idea quickly snowballed into putting feelers out to find a commercial space for rent. And it just so happened we found one of the best spots in town, with a lease starting November 1, 2021. We were excited- yet terrified. With less than 2 months to plan, we had to pull off a major feat and bring an idea to fruition with no clue of what to expect.
Somehow, with the help of our amazing family and friends (extra love to our supportive hubbies who nurture, embrace and literally help build our crazy business ideas with us)- we did the damn thing. We hung peel and stick wallpaper (never again), painted, furnished the space with antique pieces Mom had in storage, and styled the space ourselves. I used a small hobby vinyl cutter to letter the windows and make our sign. We completely flipped a space that was just a blank canvas, and made it the embodiment of our brand and ourselves.
Before:
On November 13th, 2021 (remember this is when we launched our online store?!), we opened our doors. It was a day filled with love, support and happiness from the community and our circle of friends. And the date was a crazy coincidence and not planned. We are totally blown away by the response in town and thrilled to have taken the leap into shop keeping life.
We are so grateful for this wild journey and love having you all along for the ride.
Much Love, Michele and Devon xx
After:
Hazel & Bee Organics
4716-A Main Street
Manchester Vermont, 05255