Barbara here. This morning, I wake at 4:45 a.m., the typical time. … Make coffee, walk to the mailbox to get the newspaper, read paper and get dressed to go to the barn and do chores (which have considerably lessened since selling the horses last summer).
Doc and Coco, our two Chesapeake dogs, need feeding and exercise. We’re lucky to have such a beautiful and wonderful 20 acres to walk in along the river.
Finish around 6:30 a.m. and head to the house to make breakfast, exercise (if the mood strikes), shower and get ready to go to the office. I am so lucky our office is our former first barn … and just 300 feet from the house.
I love coming into my “Barranada domain,” spending the day thinking of new ideas, talking and emailing with customers, working with the Barranada team, and managing the business. First thing: Log on to Barranada and get excited. … There are orders waiting to be filled!
Then questions about my business start popping up:
Do our loyal customers really care that the newest shirts are made in the USA? It costs more to make our quality shirts here, but I feel it is what people are wanting … and I hope I am right.
I have been dragging my feet on our new fabric designs, weighing costs along with the colors and patterns. I have to make a decision this week. The fabric choices are beautiful, but I always wonder: Will Barranada fans like them as much as I do?!
I worked in my family’s business from age 9 to 58, when I retired. I planned on sitting in my rocking chair on the front porch, watching the traffic go by or riding and showing my beautiful horses.
Instead, the opportunity to purchase Barranada Shirt Company came along … and so much for retirement! Gene and I felt that Barranadas were the most beautiful shirts around … and that we could make Barranada our brand of shirts that people would be proud to wear!
As with every business, there are ups and downs, especially with a tough economy. But I love fashion and our customers, and am proud to be the owner and designer of this shirt company.
The last six years have certainly come with a big learning curve – I feel I learn something new every day! I have sacrificed a lot for the business, but look forward to what the future holds for Barranada: new collections of beautiful, classic shirts and an ever-growing list of the most wonderful customers one could ask for! Thanks to all of you for your continued support. (Now … who needs a new shirt?!)
Till next time,
Barbara
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