As a pilot, one of the things that is often emphasized to me is that the only constant in our airline industry is change.
This motto also applies to my online store. When I first started Stone Field Shaving Co., I planned to carry just one type of shaving cream, our own brand- made by local artisans. What I learned early on is that my customers wanted more products and so I began to add razors and brushes. So one of the first major changes was what we sold. My online store grew from 3 products to the large offering I have today. ( I haven’t counted them)
Another major change is in our own products. North of Fifty began as a shaving cream- but arguably, we didn’t quite get it right. After some success with Three Six and Charlie shave soap, we converted North of Fifty to a shave soap. Our latest offering is a step in the right direction. However, you, my customers, have shared a lot of feedback (positive and negative) and I believe that once again, I need to make changes that will take my products to the next level.
One option is to abandon these product lines and pursue other “software” ventures. However, products like North of Fifty and Three Six and Charlie tell a very special story and they are very special to me. It would be easy to abandon them but at this point in time it wouldn’t feel right to me. It would feel like failure and failure is not an option. The other is to work on reformulations that people have suggested and see if we can succeed. I like the latter option.
Arguably, these challenges are exciting but also scary. I feel they are necessary to fulfill my dream. Significant time and money are invested into these projects and I hope you’ll enjoy them.
This summer I hope to release a new shaving soap and splash that is once again inspired by my travels. I’m excited about it and I know you’ll love it to. I’m also going to work with artisans on making our shave soap bases better while to staying true to the stories and inspirations behind them.
I want to thank you for all of the encouragement you’ve given me. I also want to thank you for taking chances on our products. I know it’s not easy to make “blind” purchases and I truly value your support. Our success is because of you. It’s going to be an exciting time here- I hope you’ll come along for the ride.
All the best,
Leave a comment