Year one of Ivory Sheep Collection is in the books! Let's celebrate this incredible journey together.
When we first decided to produce our own size inclusive designs, we were full of excitement and nerves. We knew there were going to be A LOT of learning curves, but I don't think we realized how many we would have!
It definitely has been a roller coaster, and we are over the moon that year one is now in the books! One of the most rewarding parts about this journey has been the ability to create. Whenever a vision pops in my head for a future design, it's so fulfilling that we can put it on paper and work on actually making something that once lived in my head. To see it as a dream, and see it all the way to completion is one of the most incredible feelings. Not to mention when each of you see it and adore it just as much as I do- nothing in this world can compare.
The best part of it all is that we are trying to actively make a difference, and the effort doesn't go unnoticed. We may be small, but the messages of love and thanks we receive just for producing in our size range mean the world. Fashion to me has always been about self-expression, and to be able to make these high-quality, over-the-top pieces in a full range of sizes is truly incredible. We know the difference this makes and we are so happy you adore it just as much as we do. We've been able to unite so many fashion lovers that have once felt like black sheeps, and to create the community we have is everything my young self has dreamed of.
We're fortunate to have the best production team, one that understands our vision and our commitment to producing high-quality pieces ethically. They understand our commitment to size, fit, design, ethical production, and sustainable practices. When we first started this journey, it was incredibly daunting how many manufacturers asked us to waiver on some of these core values. Then finally we met this team in a stroke of pure luck, and absolute destiny.
Now the turbulence: there have been many sleepless nights, stress-induced stomach ulcers, panic, and fear in the process. Not to mention we've had a collection stuck at the border now for 8 or 9 weeks (we won't even touch the level of stress this has created, lol). But there has been so much learning and growth. Without this level of pressure, we wouldn't have grown into the people we are today. Michael & I are ever-evolving; every day we face a new challenge or a new issue that feels like we can't possibly carry on, and yet we do, every single time.
We wear brave faces, and although we don't show it, the number of times we have fallen and gotten back up without hesitation is something we had to celebrate today.
Now for the love: we do it all for you. We adore each of you and Ivory Sheep with our whole being. We have made so many sacrifices, and I wouldn't change a thing about that. There isn't a thing I wouldn't do in the name of this business.
Recently, I was asked what I do for fun, and the answer is this. Each of you makes this journey so rewarding and so fun that even with the tears, the heartbreak, and the pressure that feels like we may break in half, I wouldn't give it up for a single thing.
Thank you for making this year all that it was. Thank you for being that light on the darkest of days when it felt impossible to carry on. You may not know it, but every single day we wake up and face whatever we have to because of our love for you and for this.
Cheers to one year of Ivory Sheep Collection, and Cheers to many more!
With love, hugs, and the biggest amount of gratitude,
Mackenzie & Michael
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