As the season of the sprout draws to a close and the bathroom scales whisper you things you do not wish to hear i thought i would reflect a little on the 363 days that have just flown by.

Now i am not one for setting myself targets and the only thing i really had as a goal at the start of 2011 was for Summerjunk to still be a going concern by the time the sprout entered my life again at the end of 2011. i am immensely pleased that this has been achieved and even more so that the brand really has progressed over the last few months.

Running and funding a small clothing line by yourself i must say is pretty tough, especially in the current economic climate we find ourselves battling in. The fiscal rewards are not great that is for sure but this is more than made up for by the sense of achievement and fulfilment you feel when someones decides to part with their hard earned pounds to buy something that you have designed. In a way it feels on a very small scale like a leap of faith, that they are buying into what you believe in. Or they just want a new t-shirt!

Actually what do i believe in ?

Well this is very simple and has stayed true throughout the formative years of Summerjunk. I just want to provide nice looking high quality affordable threads that are a little different to your next door neighbours. When one buys something i want them to feel that they have bought something that has been created with a bit of heart and soul so attention to detail from labelling to custom sprayed packaging is everything. Simple as that.

2011 was just ticking over really until i decided at the last minute to hit a couple of festivals in the summer. The only real regret of 2011 was that i didn't decide to do this earlier as the response was really positive and sales exceeded all expectations. To be honest  i was getting a little disheartened and was thinking maybe it was time to knock it on the head but the sight of people buying lots of stuff and spotting them across the festival sites really was a wake up moment. From then on i haven't looked back.

This success has allowed me to fund the extensive Lucky9 range which i am going to properly launch in January and am really excited about. I am so happy the way these have turned out.  Already it looks like i am going to have to restock as the response to these designs has been really great, so fingers crossed it continues and i can then launch the next idea i have up my organic combed cotton sleeve. Its a goodun.

We are now stocked in Treat Me Myself and I in Sheffield, which is a cool little independent store now spreading the gospel of junk. A few more stores approached me at the end of the year and will follow that up in January, so fingers crossed.

Anyhow enough of this dribble, its time for a list right ?

Best sporting moment of 2011 - Norwich getting promoted to the premiership

Best Album of 2011 - Oh Minnows - For Shadows

Best gig of 2011 - Evan Dando

Best TV of 2011 - Man vs Food

Best Wine of 2011 -  Anything from Chile

Best Sandwich of 2011 - New York Deli ( M&S) 

Lots of exciting things planned for the opening months of 2012. I will elaborate on these in the New Year.

Thanks for all the support and hope you have a great New Year.

In a while.

Jon

Well done for reading this ! For 1 week only you can get 30% all orders if you type in 'goodbye' at checkout.