Shopping Small Means So Much More This Year

We grow because of your support and commitment to keep things small and your trust in our company. Your support helps us do our part to ensure better roads, better schools, and more revenue coming into our city. 

It allows us to create jobs and keep them secure so our employees can better their situations and reach their own personal goals. 

It truly takes a village and how intertwined we all are became very apparent to me after losing my Father in Law suddenly in an accident a month ago. A man who built his own small business with his own two hands and created a legacy his sons and anyone who knew him would be proud of. But a shining light that came to us at such a dark time came from others in our community. Farmers and Ranchers pitching in to help any way they could whether it was with equipment, their time, their resources, and even food. All family owned and operated businesses who dropped everything, including the operations of their own companies, to help us finish out my father in laws last crops. And it didn't stop there. My husband and I both own our own businesses, in positions where we carry the heaviest loads, and a lot relies on us to be active and present. Our employees stepped up to the plate without even being asked to ensure things ran smoothly as we floated in and out, trying to balance our responsibilities with grief. We are forever grateful. 

It is no surprise that working in the boutique world is a cutthroat and competitive business but it's also home to some of the most amazing Women I've ever met. They get the demands that come from this profession and within 24 hours of news spreading on what had happened, it still brings me to tears their kindness and generosity. Offering everything from taking over our social media platforms, to sending in their own staff to help out, to kind words, messages, and cards so I could focus on my family. I can't begin to describe how surrounded by love I felt from these Ladies. Again, let me tell you, when you Shop Small you are supporting the kindest, most hardworking, and generous individuals you will ever meet. 

I would personally not be where I am at today if it wasn't for an amazing group of small business owners, friends, and family who have been the support system I needed to get through the tough times and focus on our company goals.

For the past 4 years, I have sent out reminders that "When you Buy From a Small Business an Actual Person Does a Happy Dance" and I meant it just as much then as I do today. 

When I began our company, I had no idea where it would take me. We began as a little monogramming company on Etsy where I shipped orders from my coffee table and processed orders from my kitchen table. 2 years ago in December I left my teaching job to focus on Southern Mess full time. I spent a lot of time reflecting on my goals and where I wanted our company to go.  I wanted something authentic, different, and personal. 

We are so much more than fashion. We are a way of life, and a tribute to Woman all over the world. We are about empowerment, community, and working together for a common good. We are real and we are just like you. Through our brand we reflect every day fashion. We are casual but like to dress up now and again. Our graphic tees often say the things everyone else  was already thinking. The faces behind our brand are Mothers trying to figure it all out just like the rest of us. They have flaws and insecurities but have also grown so much in confidence, and that's the very thing I love and feel we were blessed to do. I have a passion for fashion but also for coming together and building something amazing, lasting, and honest. 

Thank you from every part of my heart for your support.  It means the absolute world to me and my family. As we come up on 4 years of business, I'm in awe at what we have been able to do and so excited to show you what we have planned next! 

XOXO,

Barb

Southern Mess