Thank you!
Posted on | Thursday, May 12, 2011 | 20 Comments
Thank you to all the great Twigs & Honey blog readers and fans out there. I truly appreciate all your support these last 3 years!
I really do love what I do. It is a ton of work and it means the world to me to hear all the sweet comments and read all your wonderful emails. :)
We're continuing to grow and evolve and it's been a great learning experience. We've added a couple production workers and have lots of new endeavors on the horizon.
I have one awkward thing to say in the midst of all this.
As a designer, I think it's common to find that imitation does not feel like flattery. Sometimes it is a few instances and other times, repeated offenses, but it can be frustrating when you feel like you're putting your heart and soul into your brand only to see it continually copied and emulated. Many times, it's minor and no big deal (you have to grow a pretty thick skin), but lately (the last year or two), there has been one other designer that continually replicates not only designs but branding, marketing, descriptors, logos, etc. I've had several other designers/individuals point it out to me so I know I'm not going nutty, but it is definitely disheartening. I think it is one thing to copy someones designs, but it takes it to a whole new level when all the branding is nearly identical. I could point out a plethora of examples, but I don't want to be too obvious. It is actually kind of creepy and makes me uncomfortable - that is, the extent of how far it has gone (common responses from moi - "WTF?" "Really?"). I personally find it very odd to try so hard to be exactly like another company. Why would you want to do that? I really don't know what one could achieve besides short term monetary gain. Ethically & personally - I think it is just wrong and unfruitful. That's just my opinion.
Long story short, the best I can do is always look forward and continue doing what I have been doing. As part of a continual effort toward making Twigs & Honey a unique and innovative brand, I've decided to do some revamping of the branding. I think it's time for a lovely facelift. A huge motivator is the aformentioned offending designer, but another big factor is to keep Twigs & Honey fresh and refined. I can't wait to unveil what we have in the works! Keep checking back for updates. Some new things in the next few months... bigger things over the next year and beyond!
Keep on keeping on! :)
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May 12, 2011 at 10:15 AM
Kudos for rising above the imitators. You're truly an original, and it is so wonderful to read about your inspiration, process and hard work on this blog. I can't wait to see what you do in the future! Perhaps you can work on an idea for a reason a lady can pull out her veil and wear it again? Mine is sitting on a shelf... rather lonely.
May 12, 2011 at 10:19 AM
You just stick with what you know is right and don't worry about what some lame outsider is trying to accomplish. We know that you hold the true talent. Stay strong Myra! I cannot wait to see what you have in store for Twigs and Honey!!
May 12, 2011 at 10:22 AM
You're a force to reckoned with...leave those imitators in the dust!
Can't wait to see what new things you have in store for us.
May 12, 2011 at 10:29 AM
you are so talented and SUCH a pleasure to work with Myra! we are all behind you 100% and have our support! big hugs!
May 12, 2011 at 10:43 AM
Perhaps you should spend less time worrying and complaining about imitators and more time responding to your client's emails, etsy convos, etc. I can't really think of a way to leave a comment like this without seeming like a crazy person, so with that risk in mind, I just want to say that it's extremely frustrating that I've had to try three different ways to get in touch with you about an order, and received no response, and yet you have time to throw around this kind of negativity. While your work is exceptional, amazing, perfect, the concepts are not completely unique, your ideas were inspired by something else. And yet, no one can do what you do, even if they try. Let it go. Imitation is everywhere in fashion. You're not the first designer to experience this and you surely are not the most-wronged.
May 12, 2011 at 11:17 AM
Thank you, Amy, Jade, Amy Wing and Allison! Your kind words mean a ton!
May 12, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Thank you, Littlebell, for your thoughts. I use this blog as an outlet for thoughts, ideas, inspiration and other random things so I think it totally appropriate for me to write what is on my mind. I know you won't understand my perspective. I am literally working around 100+ hours a week and have been for 3 years. I get from 800-1000+ emails and etsy convos a week, so just the sheer man hours to answer all the emails is nearly impossible. Trust me when I say I spend countless hours answering emails/convos. I know it doesn't mean anything to you, but every once and a while, I might want to take a 5 minute break and get some thoughts off my chest. You had mentioned, "Let it go. Imitation is everywhere in fashion. You're not the first designer to experience this and you surely are not the most-wronged."
I'm fully aware of this and made no mention of this being an isolated experience for myself. If you read the post, you would see that it wasn't a little bit of design copying but much more that I didn't want to elaborate on.... but I thought it was enough to say that it was creeping me out.
As a designer, you do have to have a thick skin. I let so much more go than I bring up. Many readers of this blog are designers too and know exactly what it takes to try to build a unique business from the ground up - so I feel like posts like this are pertinent to those readers. It's hard to describe the feelings one goes through when the extent of imitation is as great as it is in this particular case. Obviously, this does not mean anything to you, but I thank you for your comment. You're probably going to be upset that I took time to reply - for that, I apologize, but I thought it was worth responding to.
At this time, I am currently spending the majority of my time fulfilling current client orders and shipping, reordering supplies, etc. If you have a pending order with me, can you let me know your email address and/or order # if you have an inquiry about it and I'll get back to you asap.
Thank you so much for following the blog.
May 12, 2011 at 11:43 AM
I agree with Amy Wing...leave them in the dust by always staying fresh! :-)
May 12, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Thanks for responding, I won't fault you for that. And I understand you have hundreds and hundreds of emails and convos, but get interns to do those things, and if you have some, get more. Surely there are lots of young designers, or marketing students, or people who just like pretty things clamoring to just be in the presence of someone as gifted as you. (I say that without an ounce of sarcasm, I truly admire your work) And folks like me, with very simple questions (Can I buy a swatch each of champagne and ivory tulle for the teardrop veil to know which will better match my two-tone dress?) can be answered in a speedy fashion. It doesn't make good business sense to ignore folks, especially if there are copies out there.
May 12, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Keep doing what you are doing Myra! Those who are in a business on their own understand. each piece you make is essentially one of a kind and take time to make. many people think that it's easy and takes no time at all to make.
Keep up the hard work, do what you can and at the end of the day be happy with what you have accomplished because you are the one that has to live with yourself.
May 12, 2011 at 12:50 PM
The thing is this, you keep growning and evolving with your art and the copiers can try to capoy but you are alway onto the NEXT collection, the next idea and the next bit of Pretty! You are at a different level than your copycat. Your work is sought after, it sells secondhand, almost the moment it's listed.
You have bulit a brand, a lovely product and people want YOUR work!
I don't think you should hesitate in emailing someone whom you feel has copied your intellectual property.
May 13, 2011 at 3:01 PM
As cliche as it is...You go girl!!! I love your blog and look forward to seeing your brilliant mind and designs evolve. Cheers and thank YOU for your constant inspiration.
May 13, 2011 at 3:15 PM
I ♥ you & your originals!!! ;) xo
May 13, 2011 at 3:45 PM
I completely understand! I learned the hard way that etsy provides no copyright protection for its vendors!
Your work is lovely - and a copy is never as good as the original!
May 15, 2011 at 4:32 PM
Twigs & Honey is the first blog I followed that showcased the hand sewn flowers, headbands, belts and other accessories/designs that you've created. Your work and style is impeccable. I'm so happy for your success as I am a corporate girl wanting to get out into the style/design/photography world. I can't wait to purchase one of your creations and wear it proudly. There is no other blog I will turn to for these accessories. Keep on keepin' on!
May 15, 2011 at 9:07 PM
The thing about the people that copy your work is that they do so because they lack the ability to innovate on their own. You will always be two steps ahead, and they always will be a few steps behind you, hoping to catch a glimpse of your creations.
Your larger accounts and loyal customers look to you for just that - your innovation.
While it can be very frustrating to feel that someone else is making money off of your sleepless nights and hard work, you'll be the brand that stands up against time.
Your story of success is motivating and inspiring to many women and small business owners. Don't lose heart! Just remember that you have touched lives of many...and all around the globe!
Your creation was the piece de resistance of my wedding attire and every time I look through our wedding album, my husband and I think of Twigs and Honey.
Best wishes for great success!
May 15, 2011 at 10:07 PM
In all seriousness there's no one out there who can innovate like you can with your skill level? Add to that the quality of materials you use. Believe me, you're the leader of the 'blush and lace' head wear movement . . .
May 16, 2011 at 10:50 AM
I went through the same thing a few years ago and all I can tell you is that the people who lack the ability to create on their own (and therefore have to copy), just won't last. You need passion to deal with the everyday struggles of running a successful creative business and the people who don't have the heart to feel "bad" about copying are also the people who don't have enough heart to keep a business afloat. I think you're doing it the right way though...use the copying as a motivator to better yourself!
June 2, 2011 at 5:39 PM
C'mon, tell us who it is! Just a hint, I SO want to know now...hehehe
June 2, 2011 at 7:33 PM
I came across your blog from ohjoy! and I love your hair pieces. I can understand where you come from and despite what others say about how we should be flattered its still wrong ! Looking forward to your new work ! :)