Changes and Challenges

Hi there. Thanks for being here. I appreciate you more than I can say.

Sometimes, as they say, it is the straw that broke the camel’s back. I am feeling a bit broken today. Let me explain…

One of the reasons I began a card business (there are so many) was to make art accessible to all. If you cannot afford an original or even a print, perhaps you could afford perhaps a card. That seemed to make good sense to me! I know when we were newly married (almost 42 years ago) I would frame a favorite card for some art on my wall. As an artist, I am not offended that you didn’t purchase the original, I am honored that you not only supported me but also displayed my work in your home.

That said, over the last couple of years, the cost of creation has gone up. Shipping prices are much higher, paper costs are higher, packaging costs are higher, and even envelopes are up over 20%. Accessibility is also an issue. Paper mills are reporting shortages, which in turn drives the cost of base materials up, which in turn ripples through industries that rely heavily on paper products. You see where this is going, don’t you?

I have tried to make sure my cards are accessible without compromising quality. For me every aspect of this business is important. I am blessed to have partnered with a wonderful printer here in Rochester. They do a great job and ensure quality on every single card.

Over the last few years as costs have risen I have absorbed them and continued on with stable pricing. In an effort to thrive and not just survive, I have been reviewing what things actually cost. I assure you this is not my favorite part of the business. I am very happy creating, however, the “businessy stuff” is just not my passion. For instance, recently I priced out what my subscriptions actually cost me to send and figured out that with shipping, postage, and all the goodies, I found that the profit to my business was almost nothing.

This was a difficult reality to face. While I absolutely love what I do, I like everyone, have bills to pay.

Here comes the “straw”. (You remember the aforementioned broken camel?)

Earlier this month I received an email from my printer. They shared with me actual hard numbers of the costs that were about to rise for all of us. They shared that paper was in high demand but not always an accessible resource. They shared their regret in having to raise pricing for printing. They shared their gratitude for our understanding.

Then I had notifications from two more vendors I work with who essentially said the same thing. The issue is universal. I need to accept it.

As a small business person, I cannot absorb another price increase and stay in business. It isn’t what I WANT to do, it is what I need to do.

That said, my pricing will rise on April 24th. Until then, you are able to purchase cards at the current pricing.

I will not compromise quality or the way I do business. It is important to me that you have greeting cards I am proud of and that you are pleased to send. It is important to me to continue to pay it forward with each sale.

This all feels like bad news. However, I would like to end this blog on a positive note. I have been struggling with this decision for some time. I have spoken to those closest to me for advice. Their responses have been so welcome to hear. One friend said, “When I send your cards, people actually call me to thank me. Your cards are unique and beautiful.”

I want to keep up the good work. I appreciate your continued support more than I can say.

Sending you so much love

Susan