Changes
If you didn't guess by the social media postings, we moved our shop. We left our corner in the dynamic and collaborative environment of 121 Studios (211 King St.) and put our anchor down in a new storefront on Richmond Row--609 Richmond to be exact.
It was a change that happened suddenly and with much excitement. We found out that this space was available--the seemingly perfect space. We called, we viewed it. We found out more. It had everything we were hoping for and we fell in love. However, someone else was putting in an offer to lease. We had to move fast. We put in an offer, and the landlord chose us.
We were over the moon.
But amidst all of this incredible change and this step forward in our business, there was also sadness, trepidation and the shock of how suddenly it happened. A week after we put in the offer, we were putting our stock in the back of a U-Haul and leaving a place that we had come to see as a second home over the last year.
Many of you came to see us regularly at 121 Studios and enjoyed our events there, including Kangaroo Variety. This event, this amazing collaboration between our shop and UnLondon, will continue! We will be organizing our new season over the next few weeks. We are still members of 121 Studios, and we look forward to working more with this contributive community that gave us so much. When we look back, we realize how much this shared resource space transformed our business and our gave us the ability to step out on our own.
It was about a year ago that we met with Titus at the Covent Garden Market, after the confident urging of Adam Caplan. Back then, we were working out of our home office and doing markets and festivals on the weekends. We were exhausted, and Titus had a vision. Things were happening, and we made the leap to become a part of it. We were there from the very beginning, helping to shape the space, work out the kinks, build the refreshed sense of camaraderie in 121's new space in the historic Novack's building. Everyday, it grew. We began to rely on so many people there who helped us develop our brand identity, try different layouts and merchandise experiments. We found ourselves deep in the heart of London's cultural community, watching innovators and entrepreneurs build the city with nothing but grit. No grand scheme, no governing body. Just ideas and action.
The core vision of 121 Studios is one of growth. The idea is that working together, we can create more, faster. Our business accelerated by being inside this space. We found endless support and resources. But because of this amazing environment, we got to the place where we had to move to the next stage of growth.
Working at 121 Studios really changed me and my idea of how to pursue my chosen vocation. In the past, there was conflict, struggle and negativity. I was used to having to prove myself all the time and losing everything I gained with a single mistake. Suddenly I was surrounded by positive people who saw failure as an opportunity, who brought into practice innovative business approaches. This support system allowed me to find my footing as a bookseller, and I will never forget how this has altered my perspective fundamentally.
This announcement of our move has turned into a bit of a love letter to 121 Studios, but much like going off to college, you have to stop and say goodbye with drunken tear stained faces to your high school friends at prom. And while we are still members and we are still going to see them all the time, it's different from being there everyday.
Thanks guys :) -- Vanessa
