This time of year always brings out our gratitude, not just for our own family and friends, but for the community we’ve created with each other at KIM+ONO. From our online customers to folks wandering into our kimono store in Chinatown, SF, every time we interact with you, we are building the connections that are the basis of our hope for this small family business. Stitched into every piece is the heritage of our family and our hopes that each woman’s floral kimono robe is the start of a beautiful tradition in your own family.
Each kimono pattern sisters and co-founders Tiffany and Renee Tam have designed is meant to wrap you in a little luxury and inspire you to feel well. This wish goes much deeper than just whenever you’re wearing your favorite short kimono cardigan. We know that the past couple of years have been challenging ones, and we want you to know that every message we receive, every email you write us, and every interaction we have at the kimono store goes straight to our hearts. We are grateful to have gone through this challenging time together, and we know that there are brighter days ahead. When we stand together, we are always stronger.
So this week, our tiny team has put together some thoughts to create a message especially for you, friend. Below, members of the KIM+ONO team have shared both what they’re grateful for, and what they wish for you, our beautiful community, in the year ahead. Please read these messages and know they come straight from our hearts. We hope each time you slip into your favorite kimono pattern, or wander into our kimono store, you feel as wonderful as you truly are — a queen, a work of art, and someone truly special to all of us.
Linda, one of our amazing store associates, says she’s “grateful for being around my family this whole year. Spending time with them during this difficult year has been so important to me. My wish for our community this year is that we all get along well with each other, no matter what. My wish is to see the end of hate and prejudice, and see everyone filled with more love and peace than ever.”
Nalleli, who is part of our fantastic graphic design team, says “This year I am grateful for my family and friends' physical, mental, and emotional health. I am grateful to finally be working in the field that I have imagined myself in since I was a little kid. To be achieving dreams that I once thought were impossible. But more than anything I am grateful to have made it through 2021. My wish for our community is to spread acts of kindness. Considering the rough times we have been going through, one act of kindness can go a long way. As some people's actions and words can inspire. Inspire someone to overcome the impossible challenges life throws at us.”
Ivy, who’s a wonderful part of our online processing team, says “There are so many things to be grateful for in 2021! I am grateful for education. I earned my A.A degree from City College and was admitted to SF State University. I am grateful for my parents for supporting me with anything I need. My wish for our community is to always feel safe wherever they are, and for everyone to be kind to each other first and foremost.”
Marina, who runs our order processing team, says “I am so grateful for this year — even though we are still in the pandemic. I feel great when I take my workout class each week, have lunch with my loved ones, enjoy a walk with my lovely pet — all of those things make me happy and I enjoy every single moment. My wish for our community is that whether you’re at home or out and about, you’re safe and can stay healthy.”
Tiffany, our CCO and co-founder, says, “I am grateful for our community - which includes endless support coming from family and friends, team members, and customers that have come together to help us stay strong and be resilient as we come out of this pandemic. Even the simplest gestures - reading the sweetest note from our customers can just brighten my day. My wish is for everyone in our community to live healthy, enjoy the simple things, and appreciate each and every moment. Be the best version of yourself, and live each day as if it was your last.”
Will, part of our customer experience team, says “This year I basically set my life on fire and moved across the country. I’m endlessly grateful for my friends who have supported me through some major transitions, for human adaptability, and honestly for this wild ride I’m taking on this planet. My wish for the community is also my wish for myself: do the thing that scares you.”
Tina, our incredible lead graphic designer, says “I'm grateful for being able to spend time with friends and loved ones this year and simply just taking the opportunity to enjoy life no matter how busy life gets. During these times, we are in our heads so much that we forget to be kinder to ourselves. I wish that we take time for self care. To love you, for you. And to respect others how you want to be respected.”
Sonja, who is our Director of eCommerce, says “I’m grateful for family and the love that brings us together, no matter the physical distance between us. I wish that our community stays safe and well, and gets to spend more time with their loved ones in 2022.”
Brent, the Director of our Shipping and Logistics, says “I’m grateful for the good health of my family and friends. And to have had more of an opportunity to see some of them this year. My wish for our community is to be able to safely spend more time with family and friends. To see everyone continue to focus on living a healthier lifestyle.”
Renee, our CEO and co-founder, says “I’m grateful for being able to get together with family & friends again. My hope for our community is that 2022 will be filled with lots of love, laughter, and joy
Courtney, on our social and project management team, says, “I’m grateful for all the ways I failed and grew from those failures this year. It taught me that there truly is no such thing as failure if you’re willing to grow from it. My wish for our community is that you feel trust in yourself, know that you can handle anything that comes your way, and that you have time each day to relish being alive.”
From our KIM+ONO family to yours, Happy New Year!
