Exciting Updates & Request for your Feedback
Hello, everyone!
This week brings some exciting news to the shop and a deeper focus on how we can support one another during these uncertain times. First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt wish for peace to each and every one of you. Amidst everything happening, I hope you find moments of calm and clarity this week and beyond.
Nationwide Gathering on February 5th
I typically avoid politics, and I know many of you do too, but I also believe in engaging when our families, communities, and businesses are at risk. There is a Nationwide gathering on February 5th at state, city, and town centers, capitals, and halls. I encourage everyone to stay informed and participate in ways that feel right for you. Please look up the details and take action if you feel it is necessary. I’m cheering for kindness, compassion and the freedom to celebrate whatever we want to celebrate and be whoever we want to be.
Reflecting on January & Moving Forward
January was a tough month for many, and I’m hearing directly from our community that much of the drop in sales was due to mental health barriers. The uncertainty kept many loyal customers indoors, and it was truly uplifting to see so many familiar faces return on February 1st. However, since then, I’ve been receiving an influx of messages and calls to action that make it clear—we need to have a community meeting. I’d love to invite you all to gather at the shop and discuss how we can take care of each other.
Some questions to consider:
Can the shop become a resource for bulk items that we can all split?
Can we come up with fundraisers for organizations that are struggling?
What do you need, and how can we best support one another?
While I don’t want to focus on profits, I am working on creative ways to ensure the shop remains strong and continues to serve our community through these times. We can certainly make sure the bulk orders are discounted, continue to create boxes that support self care and more. Let’s talk about it and e-mail me and then I will compile a list of ideas.
A Hint About an Exciting Project…
I’m thrilled to announce that I am working on something very exciting. I can’t share all the details yet, but imagine a world where refilling was a subscription service with automated features… hint hint, nudge nudge! I also have a very special family member supporting and guiding me through this process, and their insight has been invaluable. 2025 is truly going to be the year of the REFILL REVOLUTION.
Sip, Savor, Spark Workshop – This Wednesday Night!
(Click above to snag tix). We still have tickets available for our Sip, Savor, Spark workshop on Wednesday night! It’s going to be a fantastic evening where we’ll craft a delicious mocktail and sample a dish that can be customized with your choice of proteins. If you’re looking for a fun and interactive way to unwind, learn, and connect with others, I’d love to see you there. It’s a casual gathering with me guiding it and a little game we will put together at the end for our partners.
New Arrivals!
We have some incredible new teas coming in from Tiesta Tea, including:
Passionberry Jolt
Tiramisu
Nutty Almond Cream
Strawberry Lemonade
What makes these teas even more special is their completely compostable packaging! Tiesta Tea has been reaching out for over two years, and I’m so happy to finally have the opportunity to support them. 20-25 cups of tea will be around $7.85! Tiesta Tea does have a bulk option where 5lb bags are available. I am working with a local business with a certified kitchen to get you all set up for a regular refilling day every month. I know this has been a promise before but now that we have someone new managing events, I know there will be a reliable day!
Additionally, our Turmeric & Orange Soaps, Dip, and Toilet Bombs are either ordered or on the way! I apologize for the delay—I recently hired a new bookkeeping company, which led to some much-needed budgeting changes and recalculations. I appreciate your patience and support through this transition.
Important Policy Update for Local Vendors
Starting this month, all sales from our local vendors will be final, with no returns. I cannot keep local vendors waiting for payment while I wait for the return period to close. This is a standard practice for small businesses, but I still want to offer store credit for gift returns. You’ll still be able to receive store credit for bamboo items and other tangible, unused products.
Thank you for your understanding, your support, and for being a part of this incredible community. Please remember to drink water, take deep breaths, and take care of yourselves and each other.
With gratitude, Mel