I realize that it has been a long while since I have posted anything in regard to my business, here or on my Facebook page, but I figure it’s time I give you all a bit of an update.
In 2015 when I started coming up with the idea of starting my own costume shop I knew I wanted to run a business that I could focus around having children, work around my physical and mental health challenges, and would ignite my creative side with something I enjoy doing. Kittie’s Kostumes has been a wonderful side venture in my life that allowed me to do just that. I have been so blessed to have been able to attend music festivals and comic/pop-culture conventions with my family.
In 2019 business was going so well, and I was certain that 2020 was going to be “lit”. I was talking to and securing investors for the growth of my company, I had intended to add between five to ten more events to the calendar (with even more the year following) and have a brick and mortar store for 2021, and was finally at a point that the investment of time and finances into my company were going to be able to actually begin paying me a wage (instead of just re-investing my “wage” into the company to help it grow).
But then 2020 happened, all of my potential (and “secured”) investors backed out and I put all of my available business funds into storing my entire inventory and fixtures – knowing that a pandemic would mean 1-3 years of no events. So, I upgraded my website to be able to sell items online and figured all would be well. During the following couple of years I managed to have a couple of custom orders, and I sold a few masks but I wasn’t sure my business was going to make it through.
Last year events began to happen again and I was so thankful. But as other vendors know the re-opened events came with a lot of hiccups. My music festival roster completely dried up due to rule changes regarding covid proceedures, allowance of children or against imported goods. I nearly decided that I wouldn’t be returning this year.
But I made it through the difficulties of re-opening after a pandemic, and I love the communites that have welcomed my family and business into their fold. We have met some AMAZING people! So, I do intend to keep going to events. But due to the changes in the world, my shop needs to change too.
And so for the rest of my events this year (Kelowna Comic Con / Penti Con / Kam Con) I will be having steep discounts on my childrens selection and adult costumes, as well as my tickle trunk items. Bringing them down to cost or lower. This will not include any of my table items. I have also taken my shop down on the website for the forseeable future.
Next year we plan to take on a smaller foot print, not have any clothing racks and be accessories based only for events. For those looking for particular costume pieces, I am still more than willing to have discussions about either sourcing or making other costumes but need to re-build my business for the changes that have occured.