Thinking about coming back for more.

Reflecting on one of the few crazier moments of my small business.

I’m not gonna lie - I’m still in the phase of entrepreneurship where most moments are “pinch me” moments. When people ask about the brand, when I get to say things like “well I sell in two stores right now…” … the list goes on. Even the nights where I drag my feet to the sewing machine I get a reminder that I dreamed of nights like this before I learned to sew and there was a major skill between me and my dream.

There was one day that I always think about - especially when I don’t feel like sewing. I was at my 9-5, where we carry 2-3 units of my bestseller created in a luxury vintage version for the store I work at. It was an entirely unmemorable day and this man and woman come in. They’re visiting NYC and they love to vintage shop, etc. They’re talkative, which helps pull me out of the mental rut when no one’s been in the store for a while.

After a browse around the store, the woman says, “I bought a top here last time, a button down with a stretchy back. Do you have any more of those?”

I was in disbelief. I stumbled over every single word out of my mouth trying to clarify that she indeed meant MY shirt. To my surprise, she was a fan! She gave me some of the most glowing feedback I’ve received to date including my favorite: “when I get my period and I just don’t want to wear anything I reach for the shirt because I just feel so good in it.” TEARS, anyone?! No, probably just me.

Of course I had none in stock during her visit.

But I told her to give me a follow to which she said: “Oh, don’t worry – I follow you.”

I needed to be brought back down to earth.

If I recall this was maybe 6 months in - I wasn’t even able to understand the reach of the product now that it was physically in a store. This moment helped. I think when you start, and if you’re like me, start alone, all you have is the people who literally support the business to guide you. This moment felt like a sign that I was doing something right.

Early on I used to feel such intense imposter syndrome; I thought I had to have a lifetime of sewing and a grandma who made me practice seams to be considered valid or “doing it right.” I thought at times my bestselling button down was too plain. Too basic. It doesn’t stand out; the look can be easily replicated. And all of that also could be true.

When I realized how many Stretch Waist Button Downs I had sold, the feeling faded before I even realized it was gone. I sold so many I stopped worrying about being copied or duped. I had literally sold them to 100+ people. A small but mighty milestone; the strength in numbers gave me a hint of validation but the feedback from customers who I had the pleasure of meeting gave me the understanding that what I was doing was not rooted in how “right” customers perceived my product, or how much it stands out. It was delivering a consistent and easy-to-understand product, from a consistent and easy-to-understand brand. And that’s what I’ve kept doing, because anyone who wants more wants to know what they’re coming back for.