Checking In

The fireworks are over, I’m quite full from the cookouts, and the parades were great. It’s Saturday of 4th of July weekend, I’m with family and friends many of whom I havent seen since last Summer. Many of the conversations are the same and they boil down to one question: hows it going? 

With the Summer Solstice behind us, lets check in on the state of Bards. 

For some technical background; According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 20% of new businesses fail during the first two years of being open, 45% during the first five years, and 65% during the first 10 years. Only 25% of new businesses make it to 15 years or more. 

We haven’t made it yet to the 10/15 year mark we can’t wait to celebrate with you. 

When I launched Bards, I was a direct seller living in the town of West Hartford, CT. I then moved to Meriden, selling a truly bespoke garment. I was restricted in where and what I could sell by a non-compete for 3 years. That ended 1 year ago and in December of this year I moved to Norwich, CT and opened a showroom in Branford, CT. This is the first time I feel that my company is what it had intended to be. 

The immediate reaction to “I make custom clothing” is, “we’ll I never wear suits”. I’ve found, neither do most of my clients. Wedding Suits and Wedding Tuxedos had been the majority of my work. 

I often hear, “well you appeal to the top 1%”. This also has not been the case. The last 20 garment’s I’ve created have been for people under the age of 40, and most working good jobs but they’re not Venture Capitalists. They all adopt the mindset of “Buy Less, Buy Better”. This clothing is an investment, and it’s an investment in themselves. 

The showroom in Branford had given me the ability to create a space for clients to feel comfortable. The luxury garment market can often feel snobby and elitist. I have pictures of Batman everywhere, most of my personal library is on display, and we get some great music going. It becomes a place people feel comfortable asking questions and feeling secure in the decisions theyre making. 

In a way, the past 3.5 years felt like I laid the groundwork for the past 6 months, which really have been the start of Bards. Thank you for following and supporting this small business owner. Thank you for supporting clothing made in America.

Some big things are in store for the next half of the year…