As we step into a new year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on 2025 and share a little update from Shelter.
In January of last year, I made the very hard decision to sell our brick-and-mortar store. After welcoming twins in 2024 and moving my family to Denman Island, it became clear that I needed to prioritize my four sons and the life I wanted to build for them—one rooted in land, wilderness, and community. My beautiful manager, Shaeleen, took over the store, and I’m endlessly grateful that it continues on in her hands.
Selling the shop meant liquidating everything Shelter had at the time. By February 2025, I truly had nothing—no inventory, no collections waiting in the wings. What I did have was space. Space to pause, to breathe, and to ask myself what parts of this brand I deeply loved, and what I could finally let go of.
From that place, Shelter 2.0 began.
We reopened slowly, starting with made-to-order basics sewn by my longtime sewer, Beverly, in Courtney. For the first few months, everything was small, intentional, and careful. Then, for summer, I created a modest collection—and something clicked. After a few really hard years (like so many small and slow-fashion businesses), Shelter felt alive again. I didn’t know if it would work, but I wasn’t ready to give up on something that continues to feed me creatively and emotionally every day.
Summer went well. I moved gently, taking baby steps, committed to not overproducing and to staying grounded. Then in late summer, the tariff situation hit hard. The logistics were overwhelming and far outside my skill set, and we made the difficult decision to pause U.S. shipping for three months. That meant losing roughly 50% of our sales during that time, with collections already made. It was a wild and humbling stretch.
We balanced that season with a really strong Boxing Day sale, which helped move additional inventory. Sales are something we approach carefully—our pricing reflects the true cost of sewing, natural fabrics, fair wages, and keeping Shelter sustainable. But sales can also create a softer entry point for first-time customers, and that part felt good.
Today feels like a quiet turning point. This week, my twin boys started full-day daycare, and for the first time in a long while, I had a full, uninterrupted day in my studio. I cleaned, reorganized inventory, and finally allowed myself to dream forward—mapping timelines, quantities, and ideas for 2026. I’m focused on staying small, thoughtful, and intentional, while exploring new colors, fabrics, and stripes that I can’t wait to share with you.
Thank you for standing behind Shelter, for your patience, your trust, and for giving us another year to keep doing what we do. I’m so excited for what’s ahead.
With gratitude,
Alison
Owner & Founder, Shelter Clothing