Tales from a Small Business Owner

This week in August marks my 9-year anniversary at LACSON RAVELLO, and wow, what a whirlwind of a journey it’s been—nine years of crafting something beautiful that resonates with you. But, I'll be honest, I'm feeling a bit worn out. I'm sure you’ve heard similar stories from other small business owners—the fatigue, the burnout, the constant juggling act, etc. It’s a story that’s becoming all too common, and it’s something we need to talk about more openly.

This burnout with running a small business seems to be further fueled by inflation, a fluctuating market, world events, elections, and more. We started as a small grassroots brand and have grown into something pretty amazing. Yet, it seems like we are all experiencing a global shift—a collective change. It's exhausting, but hey, I’m not at peak tired yet! The world is constantly shifting—and so is LACSON RAVELLO.⁠

"But by taking a step back, seeking out inspiration, and approaching my work with intentionality, I can find balance and continue to create beautiful, meaningful designs."

Challenges of Running a Small Fashion Business

The journey has been a rollercoaster of excitement and rewards but also extremely challenging to navigate as a small business owner. Seeing my designs come to life and resonate with you is a thrill like no other. But behind the scenes, my wheels have been spinning in all directions. I've put more focus on some areas (i.e. marketing and sales) resulting in little time for design and development. There are moments when I’ve been cranking out collection after collection trying to adhere to a traditional industry calendar.

As a small business owner, the joy and sense of purpose were waning, capping my own capacity to deliver on many levels. It's not just about the physical exhaustion—the mental toll can be even more overwhelming. It's not sustainable as a business model and especially for my mental state. 

However, all the ups and downs have given me the opportunity to refine and rediscover who Lacson Ravello is and what I do best. Taking a step back to recharge and reset is an overdue realignment. It's about finding that balance, re-centering, and focusing on what truly matters.

Pressing the Pause Button: Self-Care for Business and Self

So, what does pressing the pause button look like for Lacson Ravello and for me? It's about a little self-care for the business and myself. It's about using this time to get inspired and be more intentional again. I want to offer more design and experimentation, to test new styles without the constant pressure of sticking to rigid seasonal deadlines.

I'll continue to carry my core styles, which have been the heart of the business, while infusing more newness and experimentation. Instead of rushing to launch two calendar seasons (spring/summer, fall/winter), I plan to launch new styles when I’m ready and the collection’s ready. This shift allows for a more thoughtful and inspired approach to design, resulting in a more innovative collection inspired by classic styling. It's a balance of offering tried-and-true pieces with fresh designs, focused on what customers love: classic styles that are made to last, with a touch of newness.

When it comes to making new styles, I’m committing to intentionality over quantity, continuing to focus on special, small-batch production utilizing our best-selling, low-impact, and deadstock fabrics. This approach represents a new chapter for Lacson Ravello and me—but don’t worry, the brand is here to stay.⁠

Finding Inspiration and Intentionality

One of the biggest lessons I've learned from this experience is the importance of inspiration and intentionality. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of running a small business, especially in the fast-paced world of fashion. But taking a step back will allow me to reconnect with what truly inspires me and to approach my work with a renewed sense of purpose.

Inspiration can come from anywhere—a beautiful piece of fabric, a walk in nature, a museum visit, or even a conversation with a friend. By allowing myself the time and space to seek out and embrace these moments of inspiration, I can create designs that are not only beautiful but also meaningful.

Intentionality, on the other hand, is about being deliberate in my actions and decisions. It's about focusing on what truly matters and letting go of what doesn't. For me, this means prioritizing quality over quantity, sustainability over speed, and authenticity over trends. By approaching my work with intentionality, I can create pieces that not only look good but also feel good—for me, for my customers, and for the planet.

The Takeaway

I hope this resonates with you. The support of small businesses means a lot right now, and I’m grateful for you, my customers. It means everything to me to be a part of your wardrobe and your life. I couldn’t do this do without you.

Burnout is a reality for many small business owners, especially in the fast-paced world of fashion. But by taking a step back, seeking out inspiration, and approaching my work with intentionality, I can find balance and continue to create beautiful, meaningful designs. Thank you for being a part of this journey. Here’s to a new way forward—together.

Related Reading:

• How It All Started: The Journey of Lacson Ravello
• Nine Years Strong: My Journey as a Three-Time Cancer Survivor
• Small Fashion, Big Impact: How Supporting Sustainable Brands Can Make a Difference This Earth Day