As we look ahead to a new year and all the possibilities it holds, we find ourselves also looking back on the year to see what went well, and what didn't go smoothly. As a company with game-changing ideas, Sapahn strives to make positive change by setting higher standards within the fashion industry, and empowering women in every aspect of our business and mission. We're so lucky to have supporters like you in our journey.
The Year in Review
If you know me well, you know how much I value transparency. This is why I want to be honest with you—at the end of 2018, I wasn't in a great place. We had just moved back to Lincoln, Neb. from Thailand and I felt a little burned out from running Sapahn on a shoestring budget while trying to do all the things from sales to marketing to customer service to designing 2019. What I realized quickly and vowed to change in 2019 was first to prioritize the things I'm great at - what I love doing, and outsource the rest. I'm happy to say this year ended up being our biggest year yet and I'm so thankful.
This year we expanded our team; were accepted into the NMotion startup accelerator; were awarded a grant by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce; revamped our website; found a new home at Wax Buffalo; and debuted two new collections.
Meanwhile, I traveled to Thailand and Bali to design our Fall/Winter '19 and Spring/Summer '20 collections. It was so great to see so many familiar faces and places! It really is like to going back home. I also had a schedule filled with traveling for wholesale shows in New York and Chicago. And, one of my biggest accomplishments to date: I spoke about my experience of starting Sapahn and living in Thailand for TEDxLincoln.
What's Coming Next
That’s a lot to be proud of and we couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for believing in us and joining in our efforts to always put human rights first.
2019 was a whirlwind of excitement and emotions. And as I look forward to 2020 with big, bright eyes full of optimism – I know we can create even more impact on a bigger level. Our team isn't slowing down—instead we're dreaming up bigger plans and implementing them all the same.
My 2020 Resolution: Self-Care
No matter what your plans are for New Year's 2020 — whether you're heading out to a New Year's Eve party or relaxing with one of the best movies of the year — there's one tradition you need to uphold: making a New Year's resolution. 2020 isn't just a new year, it's a new decade! The first day of the year is the perfect time to reprioritize your life and set goals for the months to come. So, come January 1st, I'm all about setting myself up for emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical success.
My resolutions are to get myself to Orange Theory Fitness 4x per week, to cook more, share more and soak in quality family time. A little self-care will do you good. I'm also excited to spend more time writing and reflecting on the past decade where I spent living in Thailand and traveling Southeast Asia.
In 2020, try making self-care a priority. See if you can do something small for yourself every day — even if it’s taking five minutes in your morning to turn your phone off and enjoy your breakfast without thinking of work. Get creative! Any self-care suggestions you want to share, we’re all ears. Comment below any suggestions, and we’ll see you in the new year!
