It’s only Monday, but it feels like the end of a long week. We shipped some bags out today (yay!) and FINALLY updated our press page to include links to press coverage over the last few months.
I also just received some sample fabric from a mill in Pennsylvania, and it looks awesome. I ordered only a few yards, and for some reason it was delivered to me on a huge fabric bolt that was taller than me. I didn’t realize they’d ship the fabric in the most absurd packaging ever imaginable.
So I’ll be working with my prototype guy on the messenger bag over the next few weeks. I can’t wait to get back to designing again– it’s the fun part of the job 
After a few grueling hours of working side by side with my accountant, I finally submitted my state taxes today. HOORAY!
Let me tell you, the way they do local tax collection here is bizarre and doesn’t make any sense. Each municipality/city has a local tax, so someone in Bellevue could have a different local tax than someone who lives down the street in Redmond. Needless to say, categorizing taxes by local codes and tax rates was daunting. I’ve updated my website so this is tax categorization is more automated on the back end, but even still there is still manual involvement that needs to happen.
I’ve also realized that WA state has really strange tax classifications. Did you know that there is a special tax for “moist snuff”, and this tax is different from just plain ol’ tobacco products? There is also a tax for “hazardous substances”– but this tax is miniscule compared to taxes on more innocuous things like carbonated beverages? And the weirdest thing of all, there is a “little cigar tax (acetate integrated filters)” and a “cigar tax”. I guess they each warrant their own tax?
All of this makes me wonder exactly how small-business-friendly the state of Washington really is. Is this why everyone moves to Las Vegas? I wonder if the tax categories in Vegas are simpler– like “NC-17″ and ”Non NC-17″ taxes.
Well, it’s now officially 2011…I can’t believe it. I have a few personal new year’s resolutions I’d like to share with you, all of which were borrowed from Archival Clothing:
1. Decide that quality matters and pay for it. In the end, it will save you time and money.
2. Before you buy, be selective. Scrutinize items for build quality, fit, finish, functionality and lasting style. If an item is not perfect, catch and release it.
3. Do more with less. Add a few key pieces to your wardrobe and wear them until they dissolve.
4. Shop from yourself and from thrift shops. Repurpose strategic items from the past.
5. Support apparel companies that manufacture their products in the US. Buy products still proudly made in their traditional country of origin.
And a few business-related resolutions that I’d like to follow:
6. Create meaningful, interesting blog content. Admittedly, I’ve sort of lost my way with regards to blogging– I’ve migrated from start-up woes to lots of different fashion topics, and I need to focus. I need to get my voice back.
7. Increase distribution through offline channels
8. Network a lot more!
So here’s to 2011 (*clink*)!
