Season’s Greetings! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day weekend. I was lucky enough to have three Thanksgivings this year – one with my family in Chicago a week early and two in NYC. Though I can hardly believe another year is coming to a close, being so well-fed while huge snowflakes fall outside my window is definitely convincing me.

As many of you pointed out, it’s been a while since I sent out a newsletter. It’s been a pretty crazy year and my dedication to service always takes precedence over content. Plus, the Virgo in me doesn’t let me send out half-hearted newsletters. Only quality content here folks. So until I take my assistant’s advice and hire a team of content writers, newsletters will continue to take a back seat when things get wild. The silver lining from all of this was hearing how much you love and missed the newsletters!

This time last year, Lord & Taylor was closing their 5th Avenue location, this year we are saying goodbye to Barney’s on Madison Avenue. I am sad to see Barney’s go, but more surprised that they couldn’t come up with a better solution to keep the doors open. Over the years Barney’s kept up with the trends but not consumer habits. Meanwhile, across town both Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom opened up their first NYC stores. Neiman Marcus is taking a big bet on the locationally challenged Hudson Yards hoping the Instagram-worthy Vessel structure will lure tourists and their dollars to the store. Nordstrom took a more calculated approach, scouting real estate for 20 years before placing their mix of merchandise and renowned customer service near but not next to NYC’s other flagship department stores. The evolving world of retail and the consumer habits that drive it are so apparent in NYC, and while stores are doing their best to attract and maintain clientele, knowing what to buy remains the plight of the consumer.

But that’s where I come in. This year marks 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS for me! Did you know according to Forbes, only 1 out of 3 small businesses will last 10 years?! I’m practically speechless, but beyond grateful to all of you who have made this possible. From coast to coast to Chicago where it all started, thank you for supporting this small business and trusting me with your life, money, and dreams! You are all incredible people doing amazing things and I’m so happy I get to be a part of your journey. I’m honored and humbled everyday I get to spend time with you this way. I had some celebratory company swag made up and have been giving to clients as I see them, but let me know if you want one and haven’t received. The totes are the perfect size for shopping and, of course… returning.

I hope you have a beautiful and relaxing holiday season and wish you abundant health and happiness in 2020. Truly nothing else matters!