Only good things
A focus of the positives
Hey everyone,
I wanted to focus today on some of the positives that have happened so far on this journey. Sometimes I don’t take enough time to take stock of how much has happened, and it’s easy to glaze over the small victories.
In no particular order, here are some wonderful things I am grateful for:
You, dear newsletter readers. My newsletter is currently being read across 16 US states and 21 countries. Even though there have been times since I started where I experienced writer’s block and wasn’t very active, paid subscribers have stuck with me, and my overall subscriptions and views continue to grow and reach new milestones. It really means so much to me for you all to be here, whether you contribute financially or not. Being able to speak to a group, bare myself, set out my intentions, and share my process as been so enriching for me. I know this group wants to see me succeed. Your support, interest and encouragement mean the world to me.
Tommy’s Whole Grain is still several weeks away from being open, but in the month of September we sold 40 T-shirts. Merchandise sales are so helpful to increase cashflow before our grand opening, and are great for marketing. Those first T-shirts went so fast, I had to order more. Not only that, but we added a sweatshirt, as well. All garments are from kotn, a certified B Corp. Illustration/design by my beautiful and talented wife, Kat. T-shirts are $50, sweatshirts are $70 plus taxes. If you haven’t got one yet, please reach out. I would love to see you all in one.
More good things:
I know most of have read my last newsletters, so this isn’t news, but Charlie-May Bingham. I am so grateful to have Charlie-May as part of Tommy’s Whole Grain’ management. Also, I’m shocked it has been six weeks since she started. Time has never moved so quickly. I am looking forward to introducing you to more of the team by the end of the month.
Half the equipment has arrived and is in the space. Not just that, but the biggest pieces, too. I found the anticipation quite stressful, and had my doubts if we were actually going to get these things to fit. Amazingly (bless the movers), all equipment has been loaded in smoothly. The sheeter is scheduled to arrive next week. That leaves me to empty my storge locker of two convection ovens, and we are just about there.
The GoFundMe campaign for Tommy’s Whole Grain has passed 25% towards its goal. Don’t let that seem like a small deal. 44 people have made donations totaling more than $5,000. Its money that I won’t have to pay back, that I don’t have to pay interest on. It’s community support to help insure this bakery can become successful and have an impact in Vancouver. If you haven’t already, please consider making a contribution or inviting your friends or family to do so. There’s still lots of work to do to achieve this crucial goal, but I know we can get there.
Tommy’s Whole Grain was a recipient of the $10,000 Rock My Business Startup Award sponsored by Futurpreneur and RBC. I am so grateful for this award, and truly believe it wouldn’t have happened without your support. I have no doubt, that when they looked into my startup, your presence and support made an impact in their determination. My passion and vision are not enough to make this possible. It is only because of the immense community support I have received that I am here.
It’s hard to believe, but we are still on schedule for a December 1st Grand Opening. There is a ton to do before we get there, but I know we can do it. There are so many ways you can help support Tommy’s Whole Grain, and we need your support now more than ever. Please consider ordering a T-shirt or sweatshirt, or making a donation to our GoFundMe campaign. Engaging with our content is another great way to support us. Please leave a comment, like and share to help grow our following.
More than anything, I want to thank you for having interest in my work. This community has been transformative for me. I have never believed I would be the benefactor of such generous peer support that I have received from this group, our whole grain community.
Love to you all. From your friend.
Tommy it feels like it was just yesterday you were telling me about wanting to open a bakery and look where you at now..standing in it!
I love seeing passionate people make their dreams come to life, it’s so inspiring and simply refreshing.
Although you might not feel very “refreshed” these days as things are ramping up, keep celebrating every achievement and remember to trust the process.
See you on Dec 1st✌️