2021 is in full swing over here at sapahn and things are a little crazy! We’re opening our first store of our very own and are getting ready to bring you all the spring pretties in our newest collection in just a few weeks. With all the excitement, it can be hard to slow down and relish in your successes, and boy do we have something worthy of some major relishing.
At the end of January, our founder + designer, Brooke Mullen, wrapped up her time in a year-long entrepreneurship program, Pipeline. Pipeline selects only 13 high-talent entrepreneurs from the midwest and gives them the tools and network needed to scale their businesses. This intensive program culminates in a pitch competition, giving each entrepreneur the opportunity to pitch in front of a group of high-profile judges and investors. And guess what? Brooke won!
Ultimately, the judges found Brooke’s ability to pivot during an unprecedented year monumental. From shifting primarily to online sales, selling face masks to keep wages flowing to our artisans, acquiring new wholesale partners, and adding product lines to our collection, 2020 was no doubt, a year of change. But on the other side of the coin, the judges were also drawn to the single constant throughout sapahn’s journey—our ethos. No matter the pivot, human rights have to come first, putting people in a position where they can protect and advance themselves and their interests.
We are constantly in awe of Brooke’s ability to connect with people, whether with artisans in Thailand or through a virtual pitch competition. It is because of this connection and the bridges she builds, that sapahn can have such a positive impact on our artisan communities. Afterall, this whole journey began with one single connection, with Brooke’s Thai travel guide, Marie Tu.
So cheers to Brooke. We are so proud to work with you and continue to build connections and purpose through some damn beautiful leather goods. And cheers to all the other Pipeline fellows! We are honored to be represented among such a talented group of entrepreneurs!
Want to hear more? Read about Brooke’s Pipeline pitch win here. Plus, try out the promo code PIPELINE15 for (15% off through March 31st) as a way to celebrate with us :)
