As another year is coming to a close, it is always my custom to look back a little and reflect.  This year has been one that could have never been predicted nor planned for.  From a 3 month shut down, to schools going virtual, to once out of the home workers going fully remote...  not to mention the fear...  the fear of this virus and the fear of the unknown.  With margins generally quite small to begin with, small businesses were faced with challenges that were unprecedented. And the only option was to change nearly everything about your business in order to keep your doors open.  Terms like "pivot" became a staple in the publics' vocabulary...  so, that is what I did.... pivot, adapt and throw caution to the wind.

Pushing outside my comfort zone would be an understatement.  With my unruly hair and my nasal voice I started filming myself, my shop, my family and anything that related to life at Kate & Company.  I brought you all along on local deliveries and trips to the reclamation center. I felt a lot less lonely and connected with so many of you that it gave me such comfort as a human.  And, as a small business owner it gave me purpose.  

This year also gave me the gift of time.  Time with my teenage sons who I adore and realized more than ever what great people they are.  This year also gave me a lot more time with my husband and we did not take that for granted.  We took trips up and down the NJ coast enjoying lunch, coffee and dessert dates along the way.  We had the best tacos ever in Mantoloking (with Archie in tow of course) and became addicted to Muellers Bakery in Bay Head.  We had seafood take outs from Mr. Shrimp in Belmar and Atlantic Off Shore Fishery in Point Pleasant that made the longer days seem like a vacation.  We supported local as best we could.  Buying our groceries and essentials from mom and pops and checking in on our fellow small businesses by sharing their posts, liking their content and making our purchases from candles to comfies. 

I made it to Island Beach State Park for the first time, revisited Sandy Hook for the first time in many moons and enjoyed a lot of little coastal spots along the way.  And, I believe this will inspire what is to come for Kate & Company in 2021.  Coastal, clean, simple & comfortable designs.  A feeling of bringing the outside in and designing peaceful spaces with family and the little things in life in mind. 

This has been a year of such gratitude; a year to chose to walk on the brighter side of the road and I hope to bring that feel to this boutique life for many years to come.  

Wishing you all Peace On Earth. xoxo~ Kacey