DON'T WISH FOR IT

It was eighteen months after I left my corporate gig

I was standing in the Brooklyn loft that I had rented for my ecommerce startup, The Lodge

I was surrounded by our photo studio, our inventory, our desks, and my team

We had wrapped up a bunch of pop-up retail activations and had just signed on for more

It was just after Father’s Day, a peak in our niche- the men’s accessories market (think wallets, ties, hats, jewelry, grooming, and other man-gifts)

I was completely exhausted. I had worked nonstop, often 16-hour days

I had worked hard before in my corporate jobs, really hard

But this was on another level

I said to myself

“I wish someone would save me from this”

Not long after that moment, I was complaining to a friend of mine about how hard it was

He’s someone in the industry who understands the nature of fashion and retail

After listening to me share my sorrows, he stopped me with these words

It was jarring to hear

But he was right

I was in control. I had control of my environment, my feelings, and my choices

I had chosen to do this

I could choose to continue doing this or choose not to

It was up to me

So what did I do?

I doubled down

I hired more people. The right people

We opened a store in New York, did more pop-up shops, and grew

That was quite a few years ago, but those wise words from my friend are as relevant as ever

Whatever challenges you are facing

Whatever the hurdles or steep mountains ahead

Whatever the big decisions are that you’ve been grappling with

Whatever the people problems or product gaps

Make a decision

If you want it, work for it

If you don’t, choose something else

It’s your choice

That’s a wrap for this week.

How are you doing on your 2025 goals?

The gyms are full

My LinkedIn feed is full of people sharing their optimism and accomplishments

Many folks are starting new roles and new businesses

Get after it. I’m rooting for you!

Chad

Work with Me-

If you want to accelerate your business in 2025, I may be able to help. I’ve led $ billion and $ multi-hundred businesses across apparel, accessories, and retail. Book a one-on-one call with me to discuss your business gaps, product strategy, leadership growth.