We're almost ready to go live - Are you ready for it? If you want to be the first to hear about it, make sure you are signed up for our newsletter. That's where we'll make the first announcement on Monday. We've limited some of our rewards, like our hand-dyed skirt options and our leather backpack accessory and have a few early backer specials. It's first come first serve, and the sooner you back the bigger the impact it will have on our campaign. Tuesday we'll post a link here and across all of our social media platforms.
Looking back, it's been a life-changing year. Exactly one year ago, I got married, and I signed up for a program to help me take my business to a new level. I had no idea what that would be. I had stalled out the year before and was searching for a way to make a new start. I had the vague thought that I wanted to design a skirt, but I never dreamed I'd be where I am today with a product I am proud of and a greater focus for the future. For several years, Forest and Fin was me. It was my design and art business combined - the tshirts balanced out my art sales and the art balanced out the tshirts. But deep down, I wasn't satisfied because I wasn't offering enough.
While my art brings joy and serenity, I felt that Forest and Fin could be so much more. Digging deep and discovering my true motivation last year was a turning point for my business. My mission wasn't just to create beautiful art, although that's part of it; the joy for me is sharing the beauty that I see in the world with others in a way that inspires them to. I'm inspired by the great outdoors, and it's something that I want to protect.
The Bicycle Wrap Skirt is the first product that I've created that will help people spend more time outside literally by allowing women to bike instead of driving or participate in activities that a different outfit might hinder. I've done everything that I can to make sure it meets my sustainability standards. It's designed to be high quality and durable enough to last for years and years. I wanted it to work for all shapes and sizes, so I designed it in a classic high waisted style. I wanted to minimize sizing to cut down on excess inventory and the carbon footprint of processing exchanges. Above all it's completely functional, with useful pockets, and other bike-friendly perks. This is a skirt for both on and off a bike - a combination of active and easy.
Here's to the first of many other functional and sustainable apparel designs.
“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. ... We need not wait to see what others do.” Gandhi
Until next week!