We just concluded our last event, The Archive Sale at Archive Haus, and it got us thinking a lot about our past 2 events as well - our first pop-up at the wonderful Post Ceremony, and our first (and probably last) mixed-merchant market experience. It's been a jumble of thoughts the past few days but we finally got to sit in some quiet this morning, and wanted to share a bit of what we've been thinking. To everyone who joined us in person or in spirit, our heart is with you! Thank you and we'd love to hear how you felt through these experiences with us too.
(1) Experience is everything, and everything is experienced
- We live to see how you enjoy every aspect of the events we prepare, from the setup being either curated store or intimate boutique... the guided customer journey/flow, the little "custom" or personalized choices (which keyring? what ribbon combo? a favorite postcard or a handwritten note?) - we've thought hard about every detail, and we're so happy to know things mean as much to you as they do to us.
- We'll continue to plan thoughtful events for you to experience Lullaby Run in many ways!
(2) We are lucky to be part of special moments between special people
- We're learning that a Lullaby Run bag is often the perfect gift for someone dear, and our events become a day of bonding between friends, family, and partners - we're so grateful to be a part of this.
- We'll think more about how to make these moments even more meaningful each time!
(3) Some people who aren't part of our community will show up, but that's ok
- We've had people come by and sneakily pocket small things for their own competitive research, and while it feels a little uncomfortable (especially when we know they're from way bigger brands/companies and they do it right in front of us), such is life and business for many, and as long as no one kills us, we'll live!
- Sometimes the people we do this for will be joined by people who don't see the world we're trying to create - from the product, the brand, the connection, the complete experience... companions can feel differently but that's totally understandable - our relationship is with you who have been with us ever since, and it is you we do things for.
- If you are happy, we are too!
(4) The intangibles of a personal, small brand are too special to give up
- Some people have been suggesting that we scale into a bigger business quickly - they see the potential of Lullaby Run and think we can do bigger numbers...
- But to me, bigger is not always better.
- If you've joined us at our events, you'll know that while the page uses the pronoun "we", there's really just me behind the screen. I'm blessed to have the unofficial, but unwavering support of friends and family especially on big days (events, big online fulfillment batches), but on a daily basis - it's just me planning every new product, directing every shoot, making every new post, answering every DM, confirming every order, packing every bag...
- And I wouldn't have it any other way!
- To scale into a bigger operation that would mechanize maximizing sales would be the death of Lullaby Run as it is meant to be, as it would lose precisely what (I hope) makes it special as a small brand with heart and a personal touch throughout every aspect.
- I am sorry though that this also means products and restocks don't come as fast as other businesses :( but I promise I'm working on everything yet to be improved! There's still always room to grow, and I do see that Lullaby Run can still do more and do better every day.
I hope you'll continue on this journey with me, and I'm looking forward to the day we can meet again!
This started out as some scribbles on the Notes app but I realized it would be nice to put out there (but also make it more readable haha) so here's everything typed up... and now it feels like somewhat of a letter! So thank you, all the best and all my love ~
Ava