What is the Haberdashery?
The Haberdashery is a resource for a new generation of makers. It is a place where people can find materials, information, guidance and instruction for a wide variety of pursuits towards self-sufficiency. From candle-making to book-binding, upholstery to agriculture, hat-making to canning, we are here to support the rising tides of a post-consumerist culture. We will connect with farmers, producers, artisans and educators who share our values. We will inspire people to make instead of buy and educate them with the tools they need to do so. We will keep our money local and accept barters for classes from those without disposable income.
A retail store, library & classroom...
In our retail store we will carry a selection of tools and materials, focusing on locally produced and hard-to-find goods. For example: beeswax from a local apiary, hand-forged scissors from an independent cutler, soles for shoe-making and reeds for basket-weaving. We will house an in-store library of instructional and inspirational reference books and offer a line of how-to instructions for many kinds of projects. We will offer a wide range of classes taught by ourselves and our ever-expanding network of local artisans.
Where will the money go?
The space. To secure our location we need first & last month's rent, and a security deposit: $3,000
Build-out. To ready the space for our launch, we need to paint the walls, refinish the floor, build shelving and a counter, buy furniture and office supplies: $2,630
Inventory. What would a store be without anything on the shelves? We need to fill the shelves in order to launch: $3,500
Advertising. To keep the Haberdashery sustainable into the future we need to get the word out! $500
Perks. They ain't free! Wax for all those candles, fabric for all those hankies, stationary & postage for all those notes & invitations: $600
Indiegogo & Transaction Fees. For this incredible opportunity to crowdsource funding, Indiegogo keeps 4% of the money raised, plus 3% transaction fees: $770
About Us
Melody Litwin is a self-employed seamstress, radical educator, animal lover and DIY evangelist. Gentle and nurturing, openhearted and passionate, she pursues her goals with relentless vigor. Lifelong learning is her mantra, and inspiring others towards a radically ethical future is her life's work. She practices what she preaches on a small homestead in Northampton, MA with fiancé and business partner, Chris Figge.
Chris Figge is an artisinal baker, practical joker, herbalist and handyman. Kind and generous, hard-working and dependable, he is a loving, excitable soul with undying enthusiasm for a hand-built lifestyle. He is eager to confront the new and exciting challenges he will face in this endeavor, and beams confidence in this adventure with the love of his life by his side.
Starting a new business is hard, and it may take a long time before we begin to turn enough profit to support our family. But the Haberdashery is our dream and someday, our nest egg. We can only expect obstacles along the way, but we are passionate, driven, and persevering. We have both worked in a number of small businesses before, experienced their struggles and triumphs, and feel the call of small business ownership. We are ready for the climb.
With love,
Figge & Melody