Don't Let The Bastards Get You Down:

Owning a small business is tough. Let’s not sugar coat it. It’s fucking rough. Not the “oh, I had a rough day today” kind of rough. But more of a prolonged, “how the hell am I going to survive this shit” kind of rough. I understand clearly why most businesses fail within the first five years. It takes a kind of tenacity that borders on insanity. The ability to get up every day and flip the bird to adversity and then do it again the next day. It’s kind of like having kids. Nothing can really prepare you for parenthood. You kind of have to just do it. You figure it out as you go along. And just like nurturing a child, growing a business takes patience, fortitude and a bit of a take no prisoners mentality.

Be prepared for lonely days, where not even your closest friends or staff know your struggle. But while all small businesses face an uphill climb, most successful brands and small businesses are evolved from a passion. A passion to create, innovate and share with the world. And the ability to do something you’re passionate about and actually make a living at it is a fucking gift. Nurture it. Cherish it. Sacrifice deeply to keep it alive. Because that, my friends, is one of the greatest joys in life and one of the big reasons we do what we do.

So, when you’re scrolling through all those pretty Instagram pictures from your favorite brands and small businesses, just know that behind every single one of those, there is a person or people behind the glossy facade struggling on a daily basis to pursue their dream.

We’re still here, going on twelve years now. Not one day of it has been easy, but we’ve had more small victories along the way than we can count now. The fact that we still get to do what we love and you’ve stuck with us for the ride is the biggest measure of success we can think of. Just like the gear we make, we’re in this for the long haul. And we surely do appreciate you coming along with us. So, no matter what’s going on in your day, focus on the positive and always remember - don’t let the bastards get you down.