A LETTER

EXHAUSTION.

Hello to our dear Les Sól family,

As we enter the last few months of 2021, we’re left gobsmacked that we’re still very much living in a global pandemic. If you’re like us, you’re exhausted. Physically AND emotionally. Just drained. We keep seeing a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, and—just like that (*snaps fingers*)—it fades away.

We were delighted when the vaccination became more widely available, and (albeit slowly and with caution) we lifted our mask requirements for those who were vaccinated. Just like that, the vibe of the shop shifted. We were so thrilled to see your smiling faces. There was an energy we hadn’t experienced since opening our Linden Hills doors last September. It was MAGICAL.

And then, BOOM! Enter, the delta variant. Back to masks in early August, and there was definitely a palpable mood shift. It’s what’s best for our community, but we so loved connecting through smiles for that short period of time.

Opening a business is full of highs and lows even in the absence of a global pandemic, but this experience has been...well...LET THE FLOOD GATES OPEN WITH TEARS AND ANXIETY. We’re not trying to be dramatic, we’re just trying to be real.

We are tired. And we know you are, too. Tired of worrying about your parents, kids, family...tired of not being able to connect with people in a deeper way. Tired of social distancing. Tired of fighting for appropriate mandates to keep your kids safe at school. Tired of the media...ugh, the NONSTOP polarization of our people. Tired of conspiracies. Just tired.

Exhausted.

Oftentimes, we second guess ourselves. We think, ‘Why are we doing this? Are we crazy? Can we sustain the business any longer? What can we do to help our community and amplify the makers we are proud to work with? Are we doing enough?’ And the list goes on. This path we have chosen is not easy, but there is no other path we’d rather be walking.

With our one-year anniversary of our brick-and-mortar right around the corner, we are exhausted, but we are full of hope. The only way out is through, and together we will get through it. There is a little glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, and if we link up and seek it out as a community we’ll get through it. We choose hope. We are dreaming of a better, healthier, pandemic-free future and we are so thankful to be in a community that continues to grow, inspire, and create a more sustainable future.

We see you. We know you’re exhausted, but we hope you’re equally hopeful, too. We’re in this together.

All our love,

Megan and Mikaela, Co-Founders - Les Sól