Well, it's hard to believe but one year in Downtown JAX has sped by but we are already approaching our anniversary as a brick & mortar shop! Our mission of pioneering a fresh retail concept and bringing an interesting shopping experience full of unique items has survived its first year in a downtown district otherwise void of boutique options. Varick and I knew it would be challenging to open Wolf & Cub in Downtown but we wouldn't want it any other way. Our deep rooted passion for the city is apparent from our past contributions to the arts and culture of Jacksonville and we are so happy to be continuing to contribute to the urban core by opening Wolf & Cub in the urban core.
Being downtown has come with some challenges. Specifically, for a city that wants to progress and ignite the downtown corridor, there is very little support or incentives for small business entrepreneurs to take the risk of moving to an area so desperate for more retail and a sense of place. Sure, I could add lots of fluff and sparkles and unicorns to this blog post and say that it's been such a breeze but no, that is not the reality at all. Running your own business might sound oh-so-glam but every day is a hustle if you want to succeed. It keeps us constantly pushing forward and working hard to create fresh products, bringing in interesting artists and makers and offering the best curated vintage at affordable prices. THAT is what makes us unique.
In the first year of the store, Varick and I both continued to work other jobs to support the shop but I'm excited to announce that I've transitioned to working the shop full time in hopes of pushing it even further. With Varick is still cranking away at his day job he also takes the lead on on the shop’s branding and design. We are still just as passionate about continuing to build up Downtown as we were last year when we signed our lease.
You know what makes it all worth it though? When out of town visitors or Jacksonville residents that rarely venture Downtown happen upon the shop and immediately travel to a different place. They walk through the door and wander around looking at all the objects and curiosities that fill the shelves. We love inspiring others through the shop and at the end of the day that's why we do what we do. We want others to find their own spirit animal and be as unique as they want to be!
This first year wouldn't be possible without the love and support we've received from so many of you! Thank you to everyone who has supported us, sold us product, reposted an event or sported a W&C tee in our first year. We can't pay our rent, keep the lights on, or buy more cool stuff to stock the shop without the support of ALL OF YOU! Thank you for believing in us. We're celebrating our first year with a party on Saturday, July 29th from 6 to 9 p.m. Swing by and enjoy beer, bites and bubbles! We're releasing some new t-shirt designs PLUS we'll be giving away limited edition totes (with the design at the top) to the first 25 shoppers who spend $30 or more! Click here to head over to our Facebook event page and find out more!
Find your spirit animal and then lead the pack with Wolf & Cub! We hope to see you soon!
XOXO,
E & V