Growth, Gratitude and Generosity--Celebrating 20 years of Shepard Moon
Shepard Moon quietly turned 20 on September 15th. It's truly been an amazing journey. So many things are wildly different from the 'home-basement-years' and yet some things are guided by the same consistent formula that got us here over the past two decades. We continue to grow by partnering with special stores who not only believe in providing healthy all-natural, organic products but have a genuine desire to create lasting partnerships. We've never forgotten that it's relationships that forge lasting partnerships as much if not more than the products themselves. And in many ways, we've simply been blessed by the generosity and support from these amazing stores.
Growing new partnerships over the summer!
You know you have an amazing sales team and wonderful products if you continue to grow a bath salt company during the summer. But that's what happened with the addition of two QFC's new concept stores which emphasize local, whole body, natural, organic, sustainable products. So of course Shepard Moon was invited to be a part of that formula since we fit the bill in every one of those categories! In July, we were excited to be included the brand new Kirkland Urban QFC located in the old Kirkland Park Place Center. Getting into the Kroger system can be a feat unto itself so I was tremendously grateful that the team behind QFC's whole-body wellness department went above and beyond to get us in for their opening.
In August, QFC brought Shepard Moon into their big, beautiful downtown Bellevue store located across the street from Bellevue Square. First deliveries to any store can be stressful. Figuring out where to go, finding a six wheeler to load your crates and being unsure if you'll scan into a new system all cause me to be a bit anxious. Then wheeling a cart full of crates through an unfamiliar store to find the bodycare section while wondering if shelf-space has been cleared is on the edge of my happy place. But this was the easiest, most welcoming first delivery experiences I've ever had. We haven't worked very long with QFC, but every interaction has been super friendly, supportive, helpful and respectful.
The awesome thing about being the owner of Shepard Moon is that we get to partner with big stores like QFC as well as super cool, little neighborhood markets like Bread & Roses in Portland, Oregon. Located in Southeast Portland this neighborhood market is one of those truly unique stores that you wish you had in your neighborhood. With a focus on supporting local by providing good, healthy organic foods and products to its customers, Bread & Roses believes in community and heart to heart interactions rather than order-by-app grocery delivery services. And from all the reviews I read, Portland digs it. From one 'little guy to another' thanks for bringing in Shepard Moon.
The Gratitude Tour continues..... aka a great excuse for late summer road trips!
Over the last month, I've been on a mission to personally thank each store that carries our products. August took me to Town & Country Market on Bainbridge Island, Central Market in Poulsbo, and the Vashon Thriftway on Vashon Island. Last week, it was another funfilled ferry ride to visit the Star Store Basics in Langley, Washington on Whidbey Island. What a cool store and great staff. I had a wonderful time connecting with Darlene, the store manager and left with a bagful of gifts that I just had to have! I knew before I stepped into the store, that this was my kind of place. The front window is a homage to 'all-things tea' that delighted this tea enthusiast. Everything about the Star Store exudes mindfulness, presence and being peaceful in the moment. No wonder we seem to be such a great fit.
From Langley, I hit the road up Whidbey Island and over Deception Pass to pay a visit to one of my very favorite stores, the Skagit Valley Food Co-op located in Mt. Vernon, Washington. It's been a little over a year since we've partnered with Nancylee and her knowledgeable team but we feel like a well-loved part of their family. Not only did I want to thank them for supporting Shepard Moon but I wanted to connect about an upcoming class that I'm teaching on Essential Oils, Epsom salts and the healing benefits of bathing. The class is on Monday, October 14th from 6:30 - 8 pm in the 3rd-floor classroom of the Co-op.
Blessed with incredible generosity over the years
The last thing I want to acknowledge as we celebrate 20 years is the constant generosity we've been given by the stores we're blessed to work with. I want to give a special shout out to a few that honestly, if it hadn't been for them I'm certain we wouldn't be around today. First of all, I want to give a special shout out to the three stores who brought us
required a lot of extra work on their staff's part. They understood that without people like their customers buying our products, we couldn't afford the expense of registering for a company barcode let alone paying for labels before digital presses brought the price of printing down to being affordable.
So it was only natural when I opened my mailbox on the eve of our 20 year anniversary that my monthly PCC coupon mailer had a picture of our bath salts prominently featured for their upcoming Health & Bodycare sale. Thank you, PCC for this and all the times you've featured us in articles, flyers, end-cap displays, and your monthly Consumer magazine. All of it without us asking—- and all without being charged a fee. Your generosity in supporting small local farmers and companies like Shepard Moon has literally made it possible for us to exist and bring our products to market.
When you subscribe to the blog, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them.
Comments