My Crystal Ball's All Fogged Up... (The Future of TBB)

I've put off writing a state of the brand address all year, largely because I'm still not entirely sure what state the brand is in. However, I also reconize that those of you who've given me constant support and reached out with encouragement as I've distanced myself from social media deserve an update. The problem remains, I'm not sure what kind of an update there is to give. For that reason, I'm taking a more unconventional approach. Bellow you'll find a list of frequently asked questions that I've tried to answer to the best of my ability. If you feel I've forgotten anything you can add your questions to the comments section and I'll do my best to answer accordingly. So without further ado, I present an interview with myself:

What caused TBB (The Belated Beatnik) to slow down and lose business?

In complete honesty, I wish i could say it was due to a lack of effort. I wish it was as simple as "If I would've tried harder TBB would've been fine." However, there's also a certain relief in not having to take the full blame. In 2025 with the introduction of tariffs, as well as new importation laws in the EU caused TBB's international sales to plummet. Unfortunately, this happened at a time when my international sales were far more lucrative than my sales stateside. This coupled with the rising cost of fabric meant releasing bi-annual collections, or any collections was no longer financially feasible.

What was your response to the lack of business?

One of the first things I did was put more focus on this blog, committing to a monthly post to keep the website active and hopefully boost sales and engagement. I also spent the summer and most of the fall actively posting on social media. After spending six months attempting the influencer lifestyle, I am very certain that's not for me, nor do I enjoy playing the part of my own social media manager. As I'm sure you've noticed if you follow me on Instagram since I only post about once a month anymore.

Will you return to social media?

If i think it would be beneficial I would and will start posting again. Up until now though, I haven't noticed sales or website engagement being at all affected by whether I post or don't post on Instagram.

Will you release another collection in the future?

As of right now I don't have any plans of putting together another collection. Financially it's still not a possibility, and it's become even more difficult to source quality fabrics in small batches, especially in the rural mid-west where I'm based. That's not to say I'd never do another one if the opportunity arose and affordability changes. I have plenty of designs i would still love to bring to life someday.

Do you have another job?

No. At present time TBB is still my sole source of income. I've continued to earn enough of custom designs and local orders to keep my bills paid, and occasionally I've done some odd jobs to have extra spending money. I am open to finding another job as TBB seems to be moving to a backburner, though I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm actively looking.

Do you intend to keep sewing?

Yes, definitely. What that will look like and whether I will continue to sew commercially is still yet to be determined. I've found in resent months sewing for the sake of sewing is equally fulfilling to me as creating for a public audience.

Where is your focus now?

I would say my focus hasn't changed much, merely my circumstances. My goal to create vintage inspired clothes as authentically and sustainably as I can still holds as true today as it did when i started this business back in 2022. Lately I've been given the opportunity to design and create men's shirts for the first time, which has been a great deal of fun. I've also had the time to study pattern making in greater depth, and pay closer attention to contemporary fashion shows now that I'm spending less time designing vintage inspired collections.

How are you doing?

(This question is included as I've been asked several times in regard to my business and honestly thank you, I'm very touched.)

Overall I am doing well. I always seem to have just enough on my plate to keep me busy., something I'm very grateful for as a creative who gets bored quite easily. I've spent a lot of time this Spring sewing, roller skating, and caring for my cats, and have been blessed with the opportunities to visit with many out of state friends this year.

What is going to happen to TBB?

The future of the business is uncertain right now. Since the majority of sales have been coming in the form of custom orders and new customers seem to be finding me by word of mouth rather than through algorithmic SEO optimized web browsers, the website itself has become less of a necessity. Though I won't be making any changes until it's time to renew the website, (That will be around late September.) if sales continue to be made outside of the TBB shopping pages it will make the most sense to phase out the purchasing side of the website and keep the blog as a place to find and share inspiration.

Is this a good thing?

I can't say for sure it's a good thing, but i know for certain it's not a bad thing. I have no intention of letting go of TBB as a whole, after all it's become part of me, but it's for that reason it will continue to reshape to the lifestyle I live, and hopefully continue to grow with me in new ways. I'm looking forward to the future despite it's uncertainties and I'm excited to see where life takes me. So thank you, for being a part of this journey.

-Coco Elouise Marie