Looking Back Before Looking Ahead: A Year Woven With Intention
When I think it’s a good sign that I need to scroll through my phone just to remember the kind of year I had, I pause. Not because I forgot—but because so much life was lived in between the photos.
2025 was an incredible year.
I moved my shop. I moved my home. Both landed in entirely different corners of Connecticut than where they began. Anyone who’s ever uprooted their life, knows how disorienting and clarifying that can be. Change has a way of sharpening your sense of purpose. It did that for me.
The wedding industry continued to be my main clientele, which I love deeply. There is something sacred about being invited into one of the most meaningful days of someone’s life and being trusted to help them show up as themselves. This year, some of the most fun projects I’ve ever worked on came through the door, especially hand embroidery. That kind of detail work is slow, personal, and incredibly human. It’s something I’m excited to explore even more.
Somehow, the work stretched further than I ever expected. Clients in three new states joined the nine I was already serving. A few of these people I’ve never met in person, we worked entirely through virtual fittings. I drove to Pittsburgh for one client, and it reminded me that this work still feels like an adventure. Clothing can be a reason to go places, to meet people, to listen to stories.
One of the most meaningful moments of the year was taking a full video crew up to my factory in Rochester to film Who Made Your Clothing. Standing in that space, watching skilled hands at work, knowing the stories behind the seams, that experience stayed with me. I can’t wait to share that project with you.
We closed the year with family. My sister got married. I made my now brother-in-law a suit, and I made my father an outfit as well. Inside his jacket, I surprised him with a custom lining, photos of all us kids, grandkids, and yes, his cat. Clothing can carry memory. That one did.
This year wasn’t without challenges. Moving. Buying a new car. Constant curveballs, tariffs, policy changes, and the ongoing work of explaining what Made in America actually means. There were plenty of moments when it would have been easier to outsource everything overseas. And to be honest, there are times when we’ve had to use overseas resources, because sometimes the infrastructure simply doesn’t exist here yet.
But is it the bulk of my business? Not even close. Not even one percent.
This brand was never built on what’s easiest. It was built on intention.
As I look toward 2026, I’m filled with gratitude and momentum. I’m honored to be part of Wedding Industry Professionals Association. I’m ready to get back behind the microphone, video podcasting, YouTube, all of it. Five years in the making means it’s time to stop overthinking and start doing.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for caring about craft, about people, about where things come from. I hope you and your loved ones have a very happy, healthy New Year.
Here’s to what we build next, slowly, honestly, and together.
