Hey, Jen here!
I’ve been thinking about something I used to say a lot that sort of became an inside joke: “Good things are happening.” But, there were times when things "felt" good, we were busy, we were doing a lot, we had something to show for it, but the actual health of the business wasn’t where it needed to be. It wasn’t a reliable, viable, profitable or sustainable business. We were accomplishing a lot, so it certainly looked like we were succeeding.
Right now, though? Good things are happening. Inside and out. It looks different on paper and feels different in reality.
Here are just some of the good things happening lately:
Here are just some of the good things happening lately:
We have a lot of new customers and community members lately, hi, I’m really glad you’re here.
I’m writing this as I’m on my way to Salt Lake City for a film screening at the Wasatch Mountain Film Festival. I am featured in a short film that is a finalist in the festival, which feels surreal to type and say out loud. It's a film that is basically a time capsule from an earlier chapter of building this brand with our team and my life in Anchorage, Alaska. I'll share more about this later and on our blog and social media.
Earlier this month, I took a very needed long weekend away with my family. And then last weekend, I spent time biking for a quick getaway with a group of my close entrepreneur friends, other women building their own brands.
We've had a great couple of weeks of people excitedly getting our new Backpacker Barrel Leg Pant and sending me emails and DMs like: “OMG I am OBSESSED I haven’t taken them off since I got them,” and “I’ve gotten so many compliments!” And coming back for more colors.
This fills my cup, warms my heart, and makes all the big changes, and the constant feeling of pushing a giant boulder uphill (which is what building an outdoor apparel brand often feels like), start to click into place!
This fills my cup, warms my heart, and makes all the big changes, and the constant feeling of pushing a giant boulder uphill (which is what building an outdoor apparel brand often feels like), start to click into place!
I measure our progress financially every single day. And for the first time in over five years, I can say clearly that our business health is strong, and strengthening. We still have challenges to face and hills to climb, but we are doing it very carefully and measuring success at every turn. I’m still working plenty of long and 12+ hour days (which fly by when you love what you do), but I’m also finding more moments for balance, moments for family and moments for outdoor time. All the while I feel really, really excited to keep working hard, building this and making better gear for your adventures.
Thank you for being here, for wearing Alpine Fit, for sending messages, and for coming back.
Onward we go!
