Tattoos, indie brand chaos and the millennial / Gen Z activewear divide
So apparently, leggings are on the decline
Ciao!
Coming to you slightly battered but holding on. Last week I was sick. This week, I sliced a part of my finger in what I’m calling a bit of a beauty mishap. It could be far worse, but it’s always a shock to have some sort of injury as an adult. Typing is proving to be difficult, which is not great for work. And add to that an ill boyfriend at home (pretty sure he has COVID, poor thing). Let’s just say, we’re in the trenches.
I’m interrupting my usual letter cadence of alternating written and audio letters with an impromptu written letter this week. Don’t worry, next week, you’ll get your audio letter as per usual.
Then, I’ll be off on a little 2-week break. I’m heading back to Australia so sort out some life admin and visa things. I never expected to go back so soon, but this year has been a constant reminder that we make plans and God laughs.
When I was back in Australia at the end of last year, it felt like a chaotic whirlwind. I’m excited to go back this time in a more relaxed manner. I’ve got plans to check out some restaurants – Carnatia Canteen, Maison Batard, Apollo Inn. Head to a few of my favourite wellness spots – Good Vibes, Good Times, Sense of Self, Inner Studio. If there are any others I should check out, please do let me know!
And I’ll be pausing billing for the 2 weeks that I’m on break so if you’re a paid subscriber (monthly or annually), you won’t be charged while I’m off.
Okay, let’s get into things!
Agenda for this week
US tariffs create indie brand chaos
Are we entering a post-tattoo era?
There’s a major Millennial / Gen Z style divide happening; this time over leggings
US tariffs create indie brand chaos
“Small businesses and consumer start-ups are becoming collateral damage in a global trade war”
I personally keep try to keep a clear distance between myself and the chaos of the current political climate. But this week, there was no escaping the dire state of the world’s economy.
I found Emily Sundberg’s letter this week speaking to founders of US consumer brands to be particularly illuminating. As she details, it can so often feel as though tariffs would only impact industrial industries like steel and micro-chips. But in today’s world, it’d be hard-pressed to find a brand (big or small) who didn’t rely either solely or partly on a global supply chain.
My heart goes to the unwitting individuals who have unwittingly become “collateral damage” in a global trade war. Regardless of nationality or background, it’s individuals across the globe whose businesses and livelihoods are being caught up in this hullaballoo.
Whether its stock costing far more to purchase, or having to pay tariffs on what is sold, the consequences are far-reaching. As was so diligently reported on by FeedMe this week –
“For our family-run CPG business: the cost of raw materials and packaging will go up significantly (34% and 50%+ respectively); no US-made comps here unless we can hit their minimums (and we can’t). Co-manufacturer is in the US but they source their raw materials from US suppliers who, you guessed it, import almost everything. Cost will be passed on to the customer almost immediately as we have materials arriving stateside in the next 1-2 months and haven’t planned for the extra production costs. If customers aren’t willing to pay, it’ll wipe out our biz.” - Anonymous CPG founder
It’s too soon to tell what the fall out will be. But it’s a grim state for sure…
Are we entering a post-tattoo era?
The clean girl strikes again!!!
Supposedly, the tides are turning against tattoos. Or, at least so says (my fave) Laura Pitcher for Dazed Beauty.
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