i’ve always found it hard to let go when an ending has surely come. i tend to hold on [quietly, tightly] like when i put off watching that finale of a binge-worthy season. my grip on onderbroeks has followed suit.

but what always surprises me is the lightness that comes when i finally loosen my hands. so, to preface this read, know it’s a happy one!

i’ve spent the last decade sewing thousands upon thousands of robes. over the years, there was a common, innocent question that always came up. truthfully, it always bothered me;

“why robes?”

as if it meant i wasn’t doing enough, that i should be doing more. so, along the way, i added a few extra pieces here and there; to spark creativity, yes, but also to “do more”.

& now i think i had it right all along; one product that kept calling people back.

so, why robes?

from a business perspective; it’s a beautifully & simply sewn pattern, adaptable to many shapes & sizes, with various ways to wear.

but when i think about it now, it’s not the profitability i see, it’s the moments they’re made for.

the busy mama with negative minutes to herself to throw something on, the beautiful bride having their makeup done to celebrate love found, the sister gently holding her first newborn, the single gal who loves their morning ritual, the mother wrapped in comfort during treatment, the nurse needing that end of day unwind, the friend who’s the best ‘just because’ gift giver, the mix & matching couple enjoying their koffie. the concert goer dancing life to flowing fabric.

what an honour to be woven
into your many stories,
through this one beloved robe.

the last year or so, i've been holding on [quietly, tightly] to a dream that already happened. i did the thing, i built the brand! it’s time to say farewell.

thank you from the bottom of this deep heart for holding me steady with your support & encouragement.

i hope you’ll be inspired by where my creativity leads me next.
some maybe to sell,
some just to story tell,
but all by me; un-branded,

x tara.

now, we celebrate!

as i begin to wrap up this beautiful chapter, i wanted to offer one last thing;
a little farewell robe collection.

i spent a quiet afternoon in my backyard photographing the last of my studio fabrics, hanging pretty in the breeze. there’s just enough of each for a few final made to order robes or lounge pants, offered at a [50-60%] discounted rate. enough to cover my costs — and maybe treat myself to a celebratory dinner.

a special love note goes to;

my parents. to mom for always jumping in on the production line when i was in overwhelm, for hand delivering packages (this includes care packages for me), for continuing to order online (full support), for being the most encouraging soundboard & creative boost. to dad, my business guru, for guiding me with the best advice, for meeting my anxieties with calm, for building my favourite cutting table & all additional labours, for being the most encouraging soundboard & creative boost. i’m forever grateful.

my closest friends & family (you know who you are!). for celebrating the wins, being a place to land for the fails, & for the gentle pushes through the in-betweens.

pigeons & thread for helping create the beloved robe pattern; turns out, it was a hit.

my teammate, rose. for working with me & all my quirks on the daily. i treasure all the memories of work time, but more importantly tea time.

my photographer, and now dear friend, kass. for capturing not just the product, but the emotion, always.

my wholesalers for trusting in my product and for speaking life into these pieces as you shared them with your clients & customers. a special shout out to my very first wholesale account, bloomfield beauty co; thank you emma & annie for leading the way.

my brides, what an honour to be included within your magical day.

& of course, my sidekick; for being the best studio dog there is.
(ok cue the tears, happy tears!)