Well, it’s time. We opened Treasured Locks twenty years ago, this past April. Kayla was five, and Shayna was two years old. The idea was to make enough extra money that we could go out once or twice a month and pay for dinner and a babysitter. I had no idea that Treasured Locks would be our primary income for nearly two decades. This week, I announced that Treasured Locks will close soon.
Treasured Locks allowed Tywana and I to stay home with the girls through their formative years. I worked from my office on the first floor. Tywana’s office was on the lower level (basement), where she schooled the girls, packed orders, and supervised employees when we had them.
The business arc has been interesting, from packing a handful of orders weekly to making a couple of hundred thousand dollars a year and back to a handful of orders.
Tywana had to return to work full-time two years ago because our medical benefits costs were too high. As a result, I’ve had to pack orders and do everything else it takes to keep the business running. Since I’ve been coaching for three years, I find Treasured Locks distracting from what I’d prefer to focus on as I’m in my sixty-second year.
It’s tempting to think of closing the business as a failure. But, unfortunately, it never became what I started to envision a few years into it. It didn’t become a million-dollar-a-year business, even though it has done millions in revenue. It didn’t become a multi-generational business. But the girls both said they never wanted to run it.
As the words from “Everything Must Go” ran through my head over the last couple of weeks, I realized that the business had a life, like anything else. It was born, it peaked, and it’s run its life. It’s served us well. I always thought of Everything Must Go as selling off the inventory. It’s that. But, it’s more. Every thing must go. Everything born has its time to transition to the next thing.
It’s high time for a walk on the real side
Let’s admit the bastards beat us
I move to dissolve the corporation
In a pool of margaritas
So let’s switch off all the lights
Light up all the Luckies
Crankin’ up the afterglow
‘Cause we’re goin’ out of business
Everything must goTalk about your major pain and suffering
Now our self-esteem is shattered
Show the world a mighty hidey-ho face
As we go sliding down the ladder
It was sweet up at the top
‘Til that ill wind started blowing
Now it’s cozy down below
‘Cause we’re goin’ out of business
Everything must go
Steely Dan, “Everything Must Go”
8 Comments
Whew!!!! A long journey but when it’s time, it’s time… You and Ty did well and the business grew to more than simply fulfilling a need I believe. But, as we grow, so do our interests and needs. I pray you and Ty have no regrets and manage this micro-trauma with peace. Sending love
YOU have a fantastic business and you are now moving forward. WAY TO GO BRIAN! I am excited to see where your next path leads. You are an excellent grief coach. Thank you for shining your light on so many. YOU ARE AWESOME.
Thanks, Becky! I only need about 999 more people to support me the way you do and I’ll be all set!
Twenty years go by first, huh? 😉
There’s nothing wrong with walking away from something that no longer does what it did for you.
We were fortunate to be customers; and you were fortunate to provide products that met our needs…and yours as a family.
I don’t even know y’all personally, but I am proud. Here’s to your success: past, present and future
I don’t know where to begin but I truly understand after reading this. I’ve been a customer for about 10 years and your products are wonderful and work wonders. The products I always ordered had my hair growing so fast so I had to slow down using them but I’ve always recommended people to your company as I always got compliments on how thick my hair looks and how healthy it is. I panicked when I saw the email about y’all were going out of business and of course I immediately ordered more products. I always appreciate your kindness and help as well as Brian is very personable and helpful. I pray that God will bless both of you on your future endeavors.
Please don’t ever let the word “failure” come out of your mouth or take up space in your mind. Two decades! That’s a long time to serve me and others very well during our hair journeys. You had a vision, and as we know, “where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Prov 29:18) God used you for a season, now He’s moving you to the next season. (Eccle. 3:1) You and your family will do well. You’re already blessed. Thanks for being there for us for 20 years. HUGS!
Please don’t ever let the word “failure” come out of your mouth or take up space in your mind. Two decades! That’s a long time to serve me and others very well during our hair journeys. You had a vision, and as we know, “where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Prov 29:18) God used you for a season, now He’s moving you to the next season. (Eccle. 3:1) You and your family will do well. You’re already blessed. Thanks for being there for us for 20 years. HUGS!
Brian and Ty, you may never know all of the people and lives you have touched. You certainly touched mine. I appreciate so much the products you have provided and for allowing us a glimpse into your lives and sharing with us. You both are an inspiration to me, for my husband and I also lost a young daughter 11 years ago. I cried when you shared your story and your grief. My prayer is that GOD will bless you and your family in a mighty way. Continue to follow HIS lead…wishing you blessings and much success and lots of love. Thanks again!