Hazelmade

My old house was about 2 blocks from my studio, so I could go home for lunch everyday. It was quiet at home at lunch time. I got to talk to my cat Dizzy (you know, check in on how her day was going). I could do a quick chore. Sometimes I'd watch a little TV. Best of all, I did not have to pack a lunch. I really hate packing a lunch.

My new house is a 15 minute drive each way, so I've been adjusting, but honestly, it hasn't been going well. I'm not a "gray area" kind of person, but I've been working on that. It is possible to really love something (new house) and also be disappointed by some aspects of it (packing lunches). But, this week I've started rotating around the city parks near my studio, and I'm realizing there may be some hope in this new routine after all.

Preorders have been extended through August 27th! Here's your chance to have a piece of the table: https://shophazelmade.com/collections/limited-edition/products/longest-table-tea-towel

I never thought I would lead a social media workshop. But that's exactly what I did last month.

When it comes to social media I've tried it all: the things they say you should do, and the trends they say you should follow. It's exhausting, and I hated every minute of it. Then I invested in a little (jk, it's huge) process called Brand Strategy and everything changed. I started showing up in all corners of my business, social media included, in ways that truly reflected who I am as the owner of my brand.

That's what we talked about last month at this local session, and it resonated with so many business owners, which felt great. I'm considering offering this as a virtual session. Comment below if you'd be interested in a free virtual meetup!

Hazelmade is hiring! ✨

Are you a logistics pro with a passion for creative brands? Are you interested in joining a growing team? We're looking for a 𝑭𝒖𝒍𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 + 𝑺𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒐 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅 to be the operational heart of Hazelmade.

We're looking for someone comfortable with:

✔ Customer Communication
✔ Inventory Management
✔ Scheduling + Coordination
✔ Digital Platforms

For the full job description and application instructions, visit the link in our bio.

I've been working on something new. A letter club for the digital age. This is your invitation to join me for the release of Return Address, my new Substack where I dig deeper, share more, and slow down.

There's a link in my bio to join. It's entirely free. You don't need an app or a login. Just enter your email address and I'll see you there.

Last month a few friends came over for dinner. I hesitated when reaching for these 1970s coupe glasses my mom gave me. I thought about how they were probably dusty and would need to be rinsed. I thought about how I was already running late. I thought about how they can't go in the dishwasher.

I ended up spending more time sharing the story behind these glasses with my friends than I did rinsing and washing them.

Here's your invitation: Use the good dishes. Let the story unfold at the table. Don't hesitate.

After a brand strategy deep dive, Hazelmade returned to its roots. What followed was newfound excitement and energy driving the brand forward.

Join Susan Hazel Rich, founder and creative director of Hazelmade, and Robyn Young, brand strategist and founder of Young & Co., as they discuss the clarity, creativity, and opportunity that comes from rediscovering your brand's voice and returning to its foundations.

Join the conversation live on Substack, Monday, August 17, 2:30PM EDT / 11:30AM PDT.

For anyone looking to open their own doors with a refreshed brand perspective and a return to the motivation that started it all.

Register for free to join: https://main-haze-599.myflodesk.com/substack-live

PREORDERS NOW LIVE 🍽️

Hazelmade is playing a larger role at this year's Longest Table here in Kent as an official cohost. As my community gathers to set the table, they'll be greeted by custom artwork I created to help mark this occasion.

Together with our event partners, and , we hope to make this event a permanent fixture in our community. With the addition of this year's commemorative tea towel, you can have a piece of this table, even if you aren't able to join us.

Preorder the limited-edition towel at the link in my bio.

If anyone is counting, I've made it halfway on my goal to post monthly recaps this year. I'm really loving this use of social media, a way to slow down for a minute, think about the past 30 days.

July was easing into our new home. We ate strawberry cake with friends. We swapped the folding table for an actual dining table. Our friend Robby came to visit, and he left a trail of heart confetti behind. I made more time for rest: naps with Dizzy and yard sales with a friend where we found this massive collection of porcelain bells. We had a road trip to Chicago, during the wildfire smoke. I said yes to an insane project at a friend's house (more on the mural soon).

How was your July? Join me in sharing a moment of reflection in the comments.