03.20.2020.

TO OUR WONDERFUL HEALER FAMILY,

Hi. How are you holding up? Are you hanging in there?

I know you've received countless emails like this over the past week or so. By this point, you're probably skimming them at best (or rolling your eyes at worst). Times like this confront us with two (often contradictory) impulses—to say something, put a name to it, acknowledge the hurt and confusion and uncertainty, and at the same time, an impulse to sit with things and try to quietly acclimate. To find a path into understanding. To take some time alone to try to adjust to our new current world.

So. If you skim this, or close this email now—no hard feelings. We're all a little burned out.

But after sitting quietly for a few days, I realized I did want to say something to you all. You're part of an incredible community that justifies HEALER's continued existence—and I know you're like-minded in the ways that matter. (That is: in terms of compassion, creativity, mindfulness, strength.) So it's important to me that I explain the ways that HEALER works on a good day, and the way that HEALER works right now, in this moment. 

HEALER is made up of objects from small makers throughout our country and around the world. In the middle of this crisis, we're strangely more united than ever in our global communities—because we're all, more or less, experiencing the same things. Many of these independent makers sustain themselves through relationships with brick-and-mortar retail spaces...which are now closed. Another great portion of them sell primarily at markets and other popup events...which are now cancelled. It's lucky, in this moment, that HEALER can pretty much continue to function the way it always has, online. But for many of the artists whose wares we sell (and many more we'd like to introduce to you over the next few months), we're only a small channel that doesn't make up for the other ones they've lost.

That's why we're trying to put in wholesale orders from both new and existing makers right now. This isn't our normal push to provide you with more shiny, well-made things to buy—though of course, we're choosing carefully as always, and are excited about being the way you discover new goods to improve your life (especially at home, given the current circumstances). No. This is about the influx of cash—yep, I said the word! Cash!—that makes a huge difference to an independent maker right now when their future is more uncertain than ever. Many are suddenly faced with way more time than usual to practice their arts...and less money than ever to gather supplies to do so. So. When you shop with us—if you shop with us—over the next few months, I wanted to make it crystal-clear where your money is going: it's going to independent makers who need our orders now more than ever.

Where else is your money going? We talk a lot about "community" at HEALER, and we firmly believe that one of the most integral parts of any community are its restaurants and bars. Those are also closed right now, and the loss feels monumental (even if it's temporary, which I hope it is). So, to help minimize the effect on the people who make our communities *really* worth living in, year-round, we'll be donating a portion of every sale to two organizations that support members of the hospitality industry: Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, and the St. Louis Hospitality Staff Members fund.

Okay. That's enough. If you've made it to the end of this long missive, thank you. We'll also be offering 25% off any purchase with code STAYIN for now, as a little thank you.

Wishing all of you health and strength as we muddle through this—we will see you on the other side, soon.

Sincerely,

P.S. I'd love for you to share your thoughts and experiences (regarding HEALER, regarding objects of beauty and use...) with me anytime. You can always reach me at emily@shophealer.com.

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