If someone had a crystal ball that could show me what our 2018 was going to look like, I would probably have chosen to crawl under a rock, sleep through 2018 and hit that fast-forward button to 2019. I’m not sure if I would be willing to ride out such a “prognosis” to the year.
2018 for Happy Bunch was anything but smooth sailing.
The company experienced a 3-year itch as we merged slowly into our fourth year. During our first 3 years, it felt like we could do nothing wrong. Everything we did turn to gold. Every new idea we had was met with roaring success. Then slowly in the subsequent year, it felt like we could do nothing right. It certainly felt like there were more misses than hits.
For instance, we’ve enjoyed a super high staff retention rate before this. Our team was generally happy and we had zero staff turnover. I kid you not. Zero resignations and we proudly told everyone this. Then Year 4 came and things started to change. 30% of our core team decided to leave us. If it’s any consolation, it wasn’t because they didn’t like us anymore, and they left either because they found something they were more passionate about, or because they needed something different, given their different phases in life. But they did leave us, nonetheless. And change is always a little painful at the start.
Then there was Valentine’s Day this year. About 100 bunches could not be delivered on what was the most important day for most couples. We disappointed a lot of people and did all we can to make it up to them. We pulled through, thanks to many of our customers and fans who encouraged us. They told us that this was a small hiccup and will continue to love and support us in spite of our road bump.
And did anyone notice the new packaging we introduced? What am I saying, of course you did! This was one of our big misses this year. We felt the burlap was getting a little boring, so we thought we’d introduce something new and fresh. Many of you spoke up and shared your thoughts about the new look. You didn’t like it. It’s times like these that we realise how much you care about our brand. You took the trouble to tell us how you feel. And we want you to know how much we appreciate it. We hear you. And yes, we’ll be bringing back the burlap real soon.
It has been challenging, yes – hard even, I’ll admit that. But highly necessary. I’ve learnt that it is through the toughest times that you learn the most. A refining fire was necessary to make us stronger, healthier and better. It was exactly what we needed to prepare us for 2019. And as 2018 comes to an end, I am breathing a sigh of relief. We made it. I am grateful I didn’t miss what would be one of most critical inflection points for Happy Bunch.
What’s next you ask? We experimented with curating a gift box with our favourite partners for the first time this Christmas season, and that has proven to be a real hit. We’re glad you’ve enjoyed the boxes and perhaps, just perhaps, there’ll be more to come.
We’re now gearing up for Valentine’s Day, making sure our plans are smooth because there is no room for failure. We are focusing on bringing you the best flowers & gifts (Hint, hint! Yes, there will be gifts!). It will be limited, so let me tell you, order early & don’t miss out.
We’re super pumped up for 2019, we’re calling it the year we rise and rebuild. We know this will be our best year yet. And we can’t wait to share it with each one of you as we navigate through our little flower-verse. Thank you for sticking it out with us. We wish you the most amazing 2019, with lots of beautiful flowers by your side.
Much love,
Jo xo
