It’s been a minute. In fact, it’s been 486 days since my last blog post and 112 days since I threw some pics on Instagram (shameless plug, @spiltmilk_clothing if you aren’t already following). I keep asking myself why it was such a struggle to keep pushing the brand forward, especially over the past year or so. A few things come to mind. But the most obvious answer is that I was nearing the end of my journey through college.
I put a lot of pressure on myself to figure out not only what I wanted to do with my life, but also what I needed to do to support myself. Starting a clothing brand, unless you get some lucky break (and I’m talking really, really lucky), is not the move if you care about short-term financial freedom. And I’ve had a love-hate relationship with SPILT MILK because of this reality. The ebb and flow of the energy I put into the brand has always been the result of this constant clash between my desire to be creative and my need to be practical. In the past few months, I’ve graduated from college and taken a corporate job with a big company. Although SPILT MILK has been on the back burner, I’m determined not to let it fade away. But why am I telling you all this?
Here’s where I’m at now. That big, corporate job I just told you about? I was laid off about a week ago, only two months into the position. Thanks COVID-19!
The virus and the damage it’s causing worldwide sucks, but it’s been a huge reminder of why I made SPILT MILK in the first place. It’s never been about the clothes. It’s about inspiring everyone to live out their own “don’t cry” philosophy. Embracing your mistakes. Standing tall in the face of adversity. Am I bummed that I got let go from a well-paying job working for people I really admire? Of course! But I think this pandemic and all the terrible things that have and will come of it serve as a testament to the brand and what we stand for. There is so much to learn from these strange times.
Although I won’t be dropping new threads anytime soon, I’m not going to let the current situation stop me from getting creative and spreading the word about SPILT MILK and our “don’t cry” philosophy. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting blogs as part of a series to help you learn how to shift your perspective and make the most out of your time in quarantine. You may have felt bored, sad, stressed, lonely, or all of the above at one point or another during this whole ordeal. But you’re not alone. Don’t cry, let’s do something about it. Together.
Keep an eye out for fresh posts and be sure to share with friends and family.
By Noah Jacobs, Founder of SPILT MILK