Relocating

When I return, I’ll also start planning/packing for the studio relocation on September 1st, 2021. The new production studio will remain in Pittsburgh, yet continue to operate in a commercial facility. I will NOT be hosting local pickups to the public in the new location and I still haven’t decided if I will return to setting up a booth at public events, but I’m still leaning towards not, for now. Overhead costs have increased a bit over the last 16 months, so I’ll be recalculating prices before the holiday season. Full disclosure: prices were already calculated to increase just before the pandemic, but I decided to hold off considering the essential need for soap and even produced some smaller, affordable items to increase accessibility within the community.  A modest price increase (15-25%) will prevent long-term impacts from new business loans and/or reconfiguring our business model to be more mass-production-oriented and ultimately less community-oriented. This looks like the smallest change I can make to keep afloat, and I hope you’ll hang with me through it?

Virtually in-person…

It is apparent that many small businesses have been struggling and I remain dedicated to reinvesting my own living wage locally as much as possible. I am extremely grateful that my business speaks to you and we have established a mutually respectful relationship that has endured this roller coaster. It’s not over yet, either. I encourage you to do the same within your comfort level, and shop small whenever possible. Sharing, liking, and commenting on posts can make an easy significant impact on organic reach for social media.  And thoughtful reviews can give greater context to customers for those of us who do not have physical storefronts nor participate in large public gatherings.  Your words make a difference!

Endurance training has encouraged me to try to keep my mind and body fresh for the peak, ready for whatever comes next.  It’s scary sometimes, but we are out there!

See you on the trails,
Eryn Hughes
Owner