If you’ve been following the journey of my luxury vintage handbag store, you know that October was a challenging month. In fact, it was a zero month. Yep, you read that right—my store made $0 in October.
But before you jump to conclusions or send me a pity message, hear me out: There’s more to this story than just a number on a screen.
(And yes, stick around to the end to see what the rest of 2024 looks like.)
Raised with a Focus on Numbers
Growing up, I was taught to measure success in numbers. First, it was about grades and rankings. If you weren’t at the top, then you weren’t succeeding. Then, it shifted to salary. The more zeros on your paycheck, the more successful you were. I spent years in the world of numbers, eventually becoming a tax accountant, where everything is counted, calculated, and analyzed. But now? The math isn’t quite adding up in the way I was taught to expect.
In October, I made nothing.
Yet, beneath all the panic attacks, self-doubt, and intrusive thoughts that often accompany a slow month in business, I’ve experienced moments of unbelievable happiness—and dare I say, success.
Redefining Success
The thing about this journey is that it’s hard to measure success with just numbers. I’m learning that success isn’t always tied to sales figures or a bank balance. It’s found in the small victories—the customer who messages with excitement over finding the perfect bag, the thrill of sourcing an iconic piece, or the joy of sharing my love for vintage fashion with others.
I may not be raking in profits right now, but I’m building something I truly believe in. The energy and passion I put into curating and sharing these luxury vintage handbags have an intangible value that doesn’t show up on a spreadsheet.
It’s easy to get lost in the numbers. But real growth, real joy, and real success often don’t follow the same formula that we’ve been conditioned to expect.
The Numbers
Just so you know, I’m all about transparency. Here’s how the past couple of months have looked in terms of sales:
October: $0
November: $523
December: $49
It’s not much, but it's progress. And sometimes, progress is the most important thing. There’s no straight path to success. There are ups, there are downs, and sometimes it feels like you’re walking in circles. But the key is to keep moving forward.
Onwards in 2025
So, as we move into 2025, I’m keeping my head high and pushing onward. But, here’s the deal: don’t invite me out because I have no time or money. 😂
This year is all about focusing on the things that truly matter, refining my business, and continuing to build a community around this brand that’s bigger than just numbers. Thanks for being part of this journey. Here’s to growth, learning, and a heck of a lot more vintage handbags in 2025.
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