Opening a Clothing Store During a Pandemic
Opening a store is tough fucking work.
I knew it was going to be challenging and I was prepared to make those sacrifices that come with owning your own business, but nothing (and I mean NOTHING) could have prepared me for this.
A little background on me – my name is Holly Kraft and I am a control freak.
Anyone who knows me can attest to this. I’m pretty sure I’d be president of the damn club, and believe me... I would. That way, I'd be the one in control. So naturally, when I started to develop the plans for DRUTHERS, I covered all my bases so I could always maintain my sense of control. I thought I had a plan for EVERY scenario.
What I did not plan for?
A god damn global pandemic to derail everything.
I was going to do my first writing piece on who I am or what I built DRUTHERS to be, but I thought it would be better to share my experience first. If my writing helps even one person to not feel alone, then I’ll consider this first post a success 😊
Two Common Questions I Get Asked
1. “So, how’s it going”?
What a loaded question. I know you're just making small talk... but do I answer you honestly or do I tell you that everything's great? There is no right answer here - I can only tell you my response.
On my good days, you’ll hear that it’s been an adventure, and owning your own business has its ups and downs (which is entirely true about business in general) and on my bad days, you’ll hear the same thing.
It’s been an adventure and each day has its ups and downs.
What I WANT to say, even though...
It can be hard.
It can be defeating.
And it can be soul-crushing.
I WILL make it through this.
2. Why did you open a store in the middle of a pandemic?
DISCLAIMER: The plans for this store were put into motion WELL before any rumblings of a pandemic first graced our news stations, social media feeds, or newspapers.
Honestly, if I could have waited this out, I would have. I quit my full-time corporate job at the end of last year. Why? Because 2020 was going to be my year, man. I was beyond excited and terrified about finally being able to own my own store. I talked about this for YEARS. I knew this was my path.
We started the fit-up of the perfect spot in January of 2020. I was reaching out to vendors, creating relationships, and making buys that all delivered in time for a March 2020 opening. So long story short – I didn’t have a choice. I had a garage full of products, an empty storefront with rent due, and invoices to pay. I ultimately decided to postpone the opening until it was deemed safe to do so and we officially opened our doors on May 4th, 2020.
MOVING FORWARD
This won’t last forever. I am doing everything in my power to stay strong, be positive, and keep moving forward. Some days are absolutely easier than others but you’ll find me here, at DRUTHERS, each and every day doing what I can to move us forward.
If you need a break from the stress, stop in, and do a little shopping. If you need someone to talk to, I’ll be here with an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on – socially distant and metaphorically, of course – but I’m here.
Welcome to DRUTHERS.
xo Holly