My friends and customers of Panic & Swoon, this kinda feels like the lowest of lows. I guess it’s one of the “panic” times and not one of my more regal “swoons”. The shop has its 9th birthday in 6 days on May 5th. And I have reached a point where truly the biggest encouragements and bday gifts for my small business would be donations. I know it is hard for EVERYONE right now not just Panic & Swoon. But I am in a state of the tightest/ heaviest heart & financial pinch and the shoppers and shopping seems at an April deadstill. I get it, lots of people just can’t shop right now. Gas is 6$, groceries are ridiculous. But April has been extremely low. For those sweet sweet customers and friends who have supported me in the last month, I know and remember every single purchase and they have mattered like a gleam to my heart and soul. Even the little 1$ stickers -I’m not even kidding. Every one. Right now I owe 399$ to the state for tax and I have tried everything I can in the last month to get dollars thru proper SALES, but it’s just been one hell of an April and everyone is busy and stressed and strapped for cash. I have a couple inventory costs too that I am paying back and finishing some Pay in 4 plans for inventory as well, plus rents are due. I figure that maybe 5-10$ is a doable donation for a few people who love my store . And a few of those added up would make all the big difference right now.
I so want my shop to win. I promise to keep my chin up and to keep helping Placerville be a shining little gold dust star. I want ALL of our small business ideas to win. I want to participate in the adorable communities of our region. I want Women business owners to win. I don’t know why Panic & Swoon struggles so much. It seems others have their chins so much more up and maybe deeper pockets or savings or maybe have been more responsible from the get go? I do know this, being a mom supporting myself and all my personal and business expenses has been a huge huge challenge. I have not shared life expenses with a partner. I’ve been open for 9 years on the 5th of May- and for 8 of those years I’ve supported myself.
Anything helps. Coming in in the next few days helps. I am just so so sick of pleading for sales and foot traffic. And losing money on slashing prices for “rent party” half off sales. Please don’t judge a gal. I am just attempting to get thru 30-40 days to summertime when the sales come in so much more swimmingly and the rest of the year is easier.
May the creative and kind and good and compassionate among us always come out on top, no matter the temporary obstacles and winds of darkness that can hit. I love you.
adie