5 months in...our first Christmas.

As I sat down to write this Christmas blog I was surprised to be reminded I had actually written a blog last Christmas. Why the surprise? Myself and Nic hadn't actually put a product out there at that point. But reading back over it I was reminded why reflection is good. No, we didn't have a product but we did have:

• Intent

• passion

• determination to start

Whilst I have been the product development driver and maker Nic has been giving her time and expertise outside of her work to the website, graphics, flyers and the pamper packs we are currently selling, and working with her this year has been a blast.

We currently have a stall at https://www.thecan.co.nz/ this Christmas through to Jan 15th 2026. This is predominately to sell the makes from the offcut fabrics that the hoodie making in particular has been generating. We want to make as sustainably and ethically as we can, and hate waste. Every penny made from that will go back into the business.

Everyone knows start-ups are a bit gnarly, and I think there is a definite art to being realistic without being defeatist and optimistic without being delusional! So in today's economy, and providing for a quite specialised market whilst watching well established brands fold weekly I am needing to practice that art. Daily.

As we head to the end of this year and into celebrations and reflection. Not knowing what 2026 will hold, but with a plan of a pathway forward and still having:

• Intent

• Passion

• Determination to push on

I just want to say how grateful I am for this year of starting, huge person growth, and connection.

Hopefully we will get some good sales and I'll still be wishing you happy Christmas from Clothed next year!

So for now, I hope you have a special and relaxing time over this Christmas break.