We are staying busy with new projects and endeavors (there's likely some coping mechanism in there). This week we rescued some shop fixtures from a store closing in town- the elSage sales floor is getting a revamp. We're letting go of the Valley Made Marketplace section of the shop and making room for a fresh use of space. I've identified lately that keeping things new and changing up the specifics of this business and our shop is what holds onto my excitement and attention. Our recent trip to Mexico City provided SO MUCH inspiration for the store, art, and creative freedom. I could gush about Mexico all day long if anyone wants to stop by the shop and chat.
elSage joined
Bluesky Social last week- it's fun to have a new platform and I'm curious to see what it becomes. Many of us are over there looking for an alternative to the apps run by
the most fragile men. elSage will still be using the other apps but plan to do more in-depth updates direct, via this newsletter. My take is that we're in a transition space in so many ways and social media is one of them. I think that we will see a change in how we are connecting in the future, and I'm here for the shake up. Our team is staying nimble and keeping our options open- we're also very much favoring in-person opportunities to interface with community and look forward to hosting events like workshops, and Valley Made Market starting in April.
Jonathan and I have been making art and finding some treasures, cleaning out the print room, and organizing as we go. Big thanks to our friends at
Slow Loris for hooking us up with some gems (see my new drying rack below).
We quietly started to sell select elSage creations
wholesale. Bringing back a side of business that we let go of in 2020 when the supply chain was bananas and it all felt like too much to manage. Sometimes it feels good to revisit a lost thing. I'm looking forward to making new storeowner relationships and seeing what the future holds for independent retail. If you are a store or know a shop looking for cool stuff to carry click here for
more information.
We're focusing on forward motion- motivation to create new art, carry fresh indie made creations, and engage in the community in positive ways. Joy is resistance, and it helps to remember that when everything feels heavy. If anyone needs a pep talk, reply to this email, we're happy to share a joke, article, or photo to help brighten your day. Stay fierce out there and remember to turn off the tech and touch grass if it all feels like too much.
