letter from leslie: with respect and in reponse part II

The last few weeks have been quite a time of collective pause, consideration and fierce dialogue; I think we can all agree that there is no going back to the way things were.  Perhaps this has been and will continue to be an alchemical perfect storm of events that will shift us from complacency to movement and more purposeful living on all levels.  Growth and change is uncomfortable: the more Uncomfortable = the more Growth and Change is needed.

During this time of ‘divine reset’, I’ve been reflecting on the store’s ‘reincarnation’ (that was announced at the end of 2019) and how best to move forward now.  I honor all of the intense shifts of this year thus far and hear the clear message that it is time to operate with increasing focus and more heart… It is time for small business owners, in particular, to consider our roles in how we can effect change in our environment, community and culture beginning with ourselves and how we express our personal beliefs, tastes and joy in diversity via our respective businesses. I understand the challenges via my lens and respect the infinitely varied perspectives in my community and beyond.  It is a time to listen, respectfully share, pay attention and sacrifice a bit in order to continue to grow and to build a community that is better than it was when we arrived. 

While waiting to re-open Finefolk, I’ve thought about the what I’d hoped the store would be when I first opened in 2013: creating a space and a bit of a joyful escape that was inviting, warm and inclusive and to do it my way in an industry I was quite unfamiliar with.  The name “Finefolk” was chosen because it invoked luxury and community and this is something that I want to continue to offer.  Kansas City is my hometown and one that I’m quite proud of.  Yet, not at all immune to the social inequities that are at the center of some of the most important conversations happening right now.  Moving forward, I will continue to responsibly learn and engage in these conversations to be a better ally in the fight against social injustices.  ...and it will continue to be my mission to share what I love with my community.

I will also continue to partner with companies and designers who share in these core values and desire for growth.  I will continue to share with our customers the best of what I love and hope our dialogue of what makes our individual lives more beautiful, thus, the world around us more lovely, will continue to grow and help us feel more connected than ever.

Please take good care of yourselves and each other,

xx Leslie

Photo: Go'o Shrine, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Japan