Editor's Letters

Happy New Year! I’m thankful to see words like “essential” assuming their previous meanings, along with a general sense of settling down. Merchandise releases parallel the scope, if not the size, of those in Winter 2020. Meanwhile trade shows are back— and thankfully, these require a badge, not a password, to enter. As I relish the prospect of seeing community friends old and new — not to mention actually experiencing product — I feel incredibly relieved. However, let’s not race ahead without looking back briefly.

How inspiring are those makers who inadvertently discovered a new income stream, and even helped others grow their businesses? Take Rebecca Meixner of Rebecca Illustrated, who carved a prominent niche with her luxe wedding invitations. Coronavirus halted her wedding biz, but a circuitous path led her to creating store portraits. I can almost guarantee that any retailer who spies her fabulous shop renderings on page 44 will immediately desire one of her own!

Until Next Issue,

Sarah