So Long, 2021 👋
Hi Queen,
I still can’t believe we’re already at the end of 2021; it flew by way too fast!
Honestly, I’ve been afraid to sit and reflect on the year because it felt like I was down for most of it. I struggled to meet a lot of the goals / plans I had set for the year. It mostly felt like I was pushing against a brick wall that refused to budge. However, a couple of weeks ago, things started to fall into place and last week, my sister sent me a message, out of the blue, listing all my blessings, and I was shocked. I felt so ungrateful because it turns out I actually had an incredible year! But I couldn't see it because I was so focused on all the things that were falling short of my ambitious goals. I’m thankful that I was able to finally get my head out of the water and appreciate my 2021 journey.
In 2020, Olori got a lot of visibility (along with many other black businesses) which resulted in a significant growth in revenue for us. When 2021 started, I was so worried because I thought we would move back to 2019 revenue status. But you defied that and we were able to achieve double digit growth in 2021 in spite of challenges with Facebook ads that have plagued most small businesses. Thank you. You did that.
Here are a few other things that we achieved together:
- We launched the Maya Tote (coming back in Feb 2022, sign up for notification here)
- We released new colors of our Adunni totes and belt bags (don’t miss them)
- We brought back sold out favorite Tola colors
- We launched a New Tola Classic color
- We launched the Teniola Totes
- We brought back sold out colors of the Mini Pouches and make up pouches
- We piloted our Pay What You Want & Partnership Programs
As we wrap up 2021, I hope you acknowledge and celebrate every single thing you have achieved this year, however little it may seem. You did that! Ahead of 2022, I’m making two promises to myself: to doubt myself less, and to keep my head above the water so I can be aware of and celebrate every little achievement.
Finally, my close friends tell me that whenever they doubt themselves and their abilities, they don’t hesitate to come to me for a reminder. My favorite words to them (and myself) are ‘You’re the shit’. As you head into 2022, I hope that you always remember that ‘you’re the shit’. You’re all that. You are absolutely important. You are a rockstar. You deserve every good thing that comes to you. You deserve more, better, the best. You are able to do whatever you set your mind to. You are powerful. You are worth it.
Have an amazing 2022, Queen.
With love,
Tomide Awe
Founder, Olori