13/03/2022
Although today is not the anniversary that the WHO declared us in a global pandemic, March 13th, 2020 marks the start of it all for me. That day was the day we picked up our children for an "extended March Break." It is also the day we had to put our beloved dog down. When I think back on that day, I just feel grief.
And it seemed as though it was also the beginning of some difficult times for me and my family. The pandemic of course brought it's massive share of change, isolation, worries, stress and fear. As a parent, there have been so many decisions to be weighed. For our family specifically, in the last two years we have also faced major illness, job insecurity, financial stress, death, difficulties around anxiety, and routine stress. Sometimes it has seemed like we are just perpetually losing.
However, I have been trying more and more to focus on the good, the positive and the hopeful. I have been trying to live a life of gratitude. In reflection, there have been many good things to come out of this all, including the start of Hope & Love Handmade!
At the very beginning of the pandemic, when masks were scarce, I was a part of a group that made facemasks for those living in longterm care/nursing homes in Burlington. It felt so good working to be helpful in some small way. When the emergency need was met and the group closed, I kept making facemaks, but to sell. I had wanted to start a small business for years, and this was the kickstart I needed. And soon into the business, I began making the Toothfairy Pillows that I still carry today.
Hope & Love Handmade will be two years old in August, and in the last year and a half I have learned so much. There have been many times I have felt lost and frusrated, and felt like giving up. But, the times of pride and success have so far outweighed it all.
In the spirit of how my business began, I strive to be community minded, and to make you quality handmade products that are both fun and whimsical, but also serve to make things a little simpler.
Thank you to those who have followed my journey since the beginning, and a "welcome" to those of you who are new!
(And, if you've read this far, thanks!!)
Rebecca