Tariffs and Potential Layoff
Tariffs Update
USA folks, a few of my items were directly impacted by the massive tariffs on products shipped from China: the high top shoes and the purses.
However, Printful, the company I contract for those products, has made arrangements to have the now-lower-but-still-asinine tariffs are taken care of in advance and you do not have to pay those rates. 🎉
Printful had to raise prices a little to accommodate this, so mine have been updated accordingly. (This is still MUCH lower than paying the tariffs outright.)
Upcoming Events
May 31st - June 1st, MJ Tavern’s Pride Kickoff, Norfolk, VA
June 21st, PrideFest @ Town Point Park, Norfolk, VA
International Folks
I’m working on an Etsy shop so that I can actually sell internationally. I do realize that many folks are boycotting the USA and…valid. No hard feelings here.
I’m also aware that some are making exceptions for small businesses with owners in MAGA-targeted categories like LGBTQ+, chronically ill, BIPOC, etc. (waves hello in all but BIPOC)
Please Help Me Grow
The bit of bad news I mentioned is my day job will be furloughed or vaporized at the end of June due to Trump’s disastrous public health cuts. If you’re wondering why your free vaccine clinics, outbreak control teams, and community health centers are vanishing, those cuts the reason.
I’m waiting to learn my fate but with my other career expertise being in education and libraries, which are also under attack…job hunting will be more difficult than usual.
There are plenty of things that do help me that are free:
Comment on a social media post you like. Comments over 7 words long are currently what these algorithms are looking for.
Share posts, videos, or shop links with friends who you think would enjoy them. Word of mouth is the most powerful advertising.
If you’ve bought something in the past, show it off. If you tag me, I’ll reshare your posts too.
I’m also planning on expanding into freelance research assistance to authors, content creators, and others, so if you know someone who would be interested in a librarian for hire, please pass along my contact information.
If you are in Virginia, reach out to our governor and attorney general. There is a temporary restraining order on these funding cuts but our state is not benefitting because Youngkin did not join the multi-state lawsuit. 😠
If you were in the mood to spend money, I have some new products below. I also have a wishlist and tip jar for the folks who vibe with that kind of support option.