I’m probably breaking all the business rules here, but if you know me you know I don’t like rules anyway. I’m going to be very vulnerable in this post that marks the two year anniversary of AK Cycle Chic opening its doors in Anchorage.

Many of you ask me “how’s business”. I feel the same way about that question as a senior in high school who is asked the question of “what are you going to do after you graduate?” The reason I struggle with that question is not because I don’t want to answer it, or be honest. The reason I struggle with that question is because it will take me so long to tell you exactly how business really is. So I serve up the general answer as “it’s good” - with a side of body language that may or may not reveal whether that’s true at that moment.

So here’s a State of the Chic address - Year Two. And the reason I’m sharing this with you is because I believe you have invested in this business with your support of all kinds - whether it be as a customer, a social media follower/fan/sharer, an artist that trusts me to be a steward of your work, a musician who entertains on First Fridays, a First Friday participant that’s just here for free (some would say s**tty) beer, a friend who stops by to say hello (and a sip of my wine collection) and offers encouraging words, a small business peer that recognizes the work/life balance, a maker and creator of awesome merchandise, pretty much all of you. 

Here we go. Business is...are you ready for this…good. And by “good” I mean it’s a dichotomy of really hard days, sleepless nights, slow sales days versus really awesome days, sleepless nights, and high sales days. If I listed all the struggles, I could fill a page. I could also fill a page of wins. That doesn’t really give you specifics, and it is not my intention to give you a full financial report, but I will give you a few takeaways on how you can support AK Cycle Chic and all local businesses (also, this is not an exclusive list):

• Shop and buy local first - this creates a ripple effect for the success of your community
• Social Media - Follow your favorite local shops. This helps keep your finger on the pulse of what's going on at your favorite places. 
• Add yourself to email lists and read them, share them, and engage with them. I know I know I can hear you saying, ‘who has time for more email’. But if something catches your eye in the subject field and you’ve read more than a few lines, then share and engage. Most business emails give you an “out”, so if you really no longer want to receive them, give it a second thought, and then kindly let them know. (Then see 1 & 2)

A few highlights of this past year: 

• Alpine Fit setting up a Shop in Shop inside AK Cycle Chic. They are awesome people, make an awesome team, and create awesome products. You can shop them local at AK Cycle Chic, at their warehouse at 600 W 41st Ave, Ste B, or online. Have I mentioned they’re awesome?!
• I broke my ankle in early December. How is this a highlight? It’s not, it’s just a memory of the past year, and reminds me that I can get through hard things with determination and the help of many friends. 
• AK Cycle Chic was able to support roughly 15 local non-profit organizations - whether by volunteering for events or as a monetary sponsor. 
• AK Cycle Chic hosted over 20 events, including First Fridays with fresh artist’s work and live musicians, Sip ‘n Shops, and clinics. 
• Everyday interaction with YOU!

A few things AK Cycle Chic is looking forward to in the year ahead:

• Cleaning the windows. It’s true, my outside windows are in desperate need of a good cleaning. Told ya I was gonna be vulnerable. 
• The possibility of actually hiring an employee. Or hiring an actual employee. However you want to look at it. (submit your desire to work but not make a living wage and resume here)
• The possibility of including menswear, more than the current drawer they already have. (feedback welcome here - write small)
• Broadening my online shop, which means broadening the scope of my reach outside Southcentral and Alaska. 
• More events, and celebrations, and First Fridays, and MORE OF YOU - because I can’t do any of this without YOU! 

I'll see you soon,

Krystal