It's hard to believe that over a year has passed since we opened the doors to Sagebrush Designs at 508 Miles in Clyde Park!!
The official anniversary was November 3rd, 2024. Fittingly, my "little" brother's 40th birthday; two milestones celebrated on the same day.
With the Holiday season in full swing, I can't help but reflect on the past year. We started this journey with a lot of unknowns and hearts full of faith & determination. We were embraced by the people of Shields Valley and embarked on a journey that included a small store expansion, vendor events, rodeos, holiday shopping, tourist season, and lots of mental growth.
The experience has certainly not been without its challenges. As any business owner will attest, one must have grit. Even on the days you're ready to throw in the towel, somehow you muster up the courage to come back again another day. And then another, and another... and eventually the peaks & valleys feel a little less surprising. But you never get too comfortable. In life there is always risk, but without great risk you won't see great reward.
The summer was marked by unexpected family challenges, which ultimately have affected the business. And yet the tourist season proved fulfilling. We had to learn to "pivot" in many ways, personally & professionally. It has been a difficult second half of the year, to say the least. I decided it may be best to close the doors on our little store that could. And then this amazing place that we live & work just kept showing up in unexpected ways to offer support & encouragement and a renewed sense of hope. And so, we continue on.
While the future currently feels uncertain, I've come to realize that I, and we, are not alone. Uncertainty...Isn't that life? One can make all the "right" plans and then life shows up and happens in ways you never see coming. No single human is immune to this experience. As I grow older, I've come to realize that the key really is to expect the unexpected and surround yourself with people who will encourage you in all stages, especially in the middle of the storm. Learn to ask for help. We cannot do this thing called life alone. And we absolutely could not have this business without all of the amazing people who have entered our little space.
And so, as we celebrate the Holiday season I want to express my gratitude to the many wonderful people of the Shields Valley community. To those of you who have been on this journey with me before we had a storefront. And to the new friends we've made along the way--from Minnesota, to New York, to Australia, New Zealand, and beyond... thank you all. You give me strength to keep going, even when I don't know how. Wishing you all a safe & blessed season and we'll see you in 2025!!