Hey everyone! If you’ve been following this new journey, you know I’ve been pretty busy these past few months as I gear up to launch my new business. There’s something I love about bringing a fresh idea to life—watching concepts turn into plans, and plans into reality. But let’s be real: this isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve been down this road before with Eleventeen Apparel, and starting over from scratch has me reflecting on the highs, the hurdles, and that nagging “what if” question. Today, I want to share a bit about the excitement that’s fueling me forward, balanced with the very real challenges of rebuilding everything I’ve lost touch with over the years.
The Excitement
First off, the excitement—where do I even start? Launching a new business feels like that first sip of coffee in the morning: invigorating, full of promise, and just a little bit addictive. On this new journey, I’m diving back into handmade clothing for women and girls, with ideas that have evolved from my past experiences. I get to incorporate all the lessons I’ve learned, like smarter marketing tactics, pairing down inventory, and building a community from day one. Every brainstorm session reminds me why I love entrepreneurship: the creativity, the autonomy, and the potential to connect with people who share my vision. Plus, seeing my ideas go from sketch, to mockup, to wearable piece? It’s like rediscovering the reason I love sewing clothing in the first place.
The Flip Side
I’ve done this before. With Eleventeen Apparel, I had it all figured out. I was humming along with a solid customer base, reliable suppliers, and connections to other businesses. Closing it down six years ago was the right call, but now, this new journey means I’m essentially hitting the reset button on everything. I have to rebuild relationships from the ground up, and proving myself all over again in a market that’s changed dramatically. Social media algorithms are different, consumer trends have shifted, and let’s not even get into the supply chain chaos post-pandemic.
The Decision
Yes, I’ve had those moments of doubt. Should I have just dusted off the Eleventeen name and reopened under that banner? It crosses my mind more than I’d like to admit. The brand had equity—people remembered it. But six years is a long time in business years. Trends have evolved, my own style and goals have matured, and re-establishing that presence wouldn’t be easy. I’d still need to update the website, refresh the branding, reconnect with old suppliers, and essentially relaunch anyway. In the end, I chose a fresh start because it aligns with where I am now—wiser, more focused, and ready to innovate without the weight of the past.
Lessons Learned
Balancing the excitement with these challenges has taught me a ton about resilience. Sure, it’s daunting to stare at a blank slate, but it’s also empowering. I know the pitfalls to avoid from my Eleventeen days, like overextending on inventory. And honestly, the hurdles make the wins sweeter. Every new follower, every positive feedback, feels like a victory because I’ve earned it from zero. It’s a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t about the easy path; it’s about growth, adaptation, and that relentless drive to create something meaningful.
Thank You!
To everyone who’s joined me on this new journey—whether you’re a longtime supporter from the Eleventeen era or a new follower curious about what’s coming—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your encouragement, shares, and kind words keep me going on those tough days. Stick around; we’ve got some amazing things in store. If you’re an entrepreneur yourself, drop a comment below: What’s been your biggest thrill or challenge in starting (or restarting) a business? Let’s chat!
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