It’s not completely accurate to say BGLH Marketplace is back, because we never really left. But a lot did happen this summer.
After 8 crazy years I left Brooklyn and moved to Denver, Colorado to be close to my parents. It was becoming increasingly clear to me that it takes a village to raise 3 children and manage a growing business — and in NYC I did not quite have one.
Also, as much as I adored our Brooklyn storefront, it never brought in enough foot traffic to justify its existence. Instead of attracting new customers, it was really serving as a fulfillment center for an increasing number of online orders.
And so I cleaned out our Brooklyn storefront, gave away anything I couldn’t take or sell, and said goodbye. 🥹
On July 31 my kids and I left Brooklyn and drove to Colorado over the course of three days.
Aside from an accidental collision with a tollbooth gate (lolz), the trip was without incident, and we arrived safely at my parents’ house on August 3.
Selfie with my kids and dad just a few minutes after we arrived at his home in Colorado!
The initial plan was to use my parents’ house as a base of operation while I searched for the perfect live/work space in Denver. But a few days into our transition my mom suddenly took ill. So ill that she could not get out of bed. This was incredibly unusual for her, a lifelong health and fitness fanatic.
What followed was a blur of doctor’s tests and appointments, as we tried to get a diagnosis. I took on the role of caretaker as we waited on test results. Filling BGLH Marketplace orders took a backseat.
It was the first time in my small business career that I stopped work completely to focus on family. I hadn’t hired any local Colorado staff yet, so there was no one to take calls or fill orders while I cooked, cleaned and helped my Mom get dressed.
Liv, our customer service manager – still residing in Brooklyn and now working remotely – bravely manned the BGLH inbox during this time. But in mid August we shut down all marketing. No social media, no emails, no texts.
You can read part 2 of this story here.
Also, a few things;
More soon!
~Leila
🌿
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47 Responses
Family First! My best wishes to all. Take one day at a time and keep the Faith. Remaining a loyal customer, there is no substitute for me. Until later.
Thank you Gwenny!
Praying for your Mom. Look at those smiles 🥰Congratulations on the BIG MOVE!!
Happy to hear from you just in time for the Holidays.
Thank you Melissa! Yes we were happy to be done with the road trip. 😂
Happy to hear that all is well with you and your family. Every day I walk by the store didn’t know what happened but now I understand all is well you and your family. And I just want to say thank you for your awesome products that you have.
Hey Darlene! Yes, it was so sad to say goodbye to the storefront. But all is well with the brand.
You and your family are beautiful! Thank you for sharing all the transitions in your life. May you reap success from all the goodness that you pour forth. Your products are great and I’m glad to see you back!
Thank you Erin!!
You moved at the right time! Your mom needed you just as much as you needed her! Colorado is a lot of fun and I’ll totally make a trip to any future store fronts and excited to order online again. You have our support, always!
Thank you so much Amanda. ❤️ That means so much. And yes I am really enjoying Colorado so far! Can’t wait to get a storefront here 🙂
Oh no! I was finally going to travel to Brooklyn and stop by again, so sad to hear the storefront has closed. But family is incredibly important! I am happy you were able to take a much needed break and be there for your parents. I wish your mom health and your dad peace. Cute pic of the kiddos!
Oh no! I’m sorry we missed you. But thank you for your kind words. 💗
I am so very glad you have been able to stop and start again! Taking care of parents is hard work, but absolutely necessary! What a blessing to be able to transition to new place, settle your family, be there for your parents, and get your business back up & running! That’s looks like a victory lap!🙏🏽💯 Praying you all keep thriving …I’ll be ordering soon!🫶🏽
Thank you Vicki! Yes, I feel incredibly blessed that I can both help my mom *and* keep the business going. I don’t take it for granted. Thank you for your prayers. 💗
Hi
I’m glad your back I’ll miss coming to pick up my orders in Brooklyn but that’s life you have to roll with the punches . Hope mom is ok and everyone is adjusting tolife in Colorado I’ll be ordering my subscription box soon I’m one of those customers who orders more than I need especially sine the butters have a years shelf life and I also give the sample jars as stocking stuffers. So glad your back hope life treats you well in Colorado.
Barbara NYC
Hi Barbara! I am missing our NYC customers so much these days 🙂 I do miss you all dropping by the store for pick ups or to shop. It always put a smile on my face. But yes, I am adapting to the new situation and just grateful that I can continue to serve my customer base — even if it’s from a distance (for now.)
Onward and upward! Glad to see the relocation was successful but sorry to hear of your mom’s health challenges. All that to say, I’m glad you’re still with us. Your products are easily some of my favorite things. I just got out of the shower and slathering myself in my go-to fragrance—baby powder. Yes I’m obsessed. Again, welcome back! 🖤
Thank you Shauntay! Baby Powder is one of my faves 🙂 Glad you are enjoying it! And yes, I am looking forward to the journey that lies ahead. ❤️
Best of luck in Colorado! I have no doubt you’ll continue to be amazing, just as you have been throughout my entire time as a customer. I’ll definitely miss picking up at the storefront!
I miss the pick ups as well! It was such a privilege to get to speak to customers face-to-face. Thank you for the faith you have in me. ❤️
Welcome back and may you be abundantly blessed in Colorado. Thanks for sharing your story. I pray your mother heals and is restored to good health. Best wishes.
Wow Lynn. Thank you so much!!
I am so glad that you and your kids are back home with your family. You are where you need to be, home helping your Mother as she heals. Your family is beautiful and we are so happy that your business is back in full force. Thanks for sharing your story! 😊🙏🏾
Thank you Vicki 🤗 And yes, it feels good to be home.
Peace and blessings. Sincere thanks for sharing your story. It serves as reminder that there are no coincidences… all things are in divine order. Hope you take comfort in being right where you are supposed to be. I also say with just as much joy… Welcome back. We need you… and you are here.
Thank you.
Absolutely! Yes, all is divinely planned 🙂 And thank you so much. I am so happy to be back.
I hope everything is looking up from here on out. Family should always take a front seat to work stuff. And it’s so great that you are there (in person) to help your parents.
I’m happy you’re back, your products are absolutely lovely. : )
I absolutely agree. Family is most important!! Thank you for your kind words. ❤️
Thank you for the update! It was a journey but sounds like things are looking up.
Is there any way to shop in person in Denver? I’ll be visiting my family there in November.
Hi Steph! No ways to shop in-person just yet. But stay tuned 🙂
So glad you are there for your Mom! Happy you’re up and running!
Thank you Mari!
I’m glad you’re back and I pray that all is well.
Thank you Jani!
So glad you’re back! Your products are amazing! Wishing good health and prosperity for you and your family in your new environment!
Thank you Nikki!
Sends my good vibes your way! Glad you are back and it’s great to see you with your family! 🤗
Sending**
Thank you Cel!
Good evening, I hope this email finds you well! Thank you so much for returning and offering exceptional butters 😊. You did not have to come and tell us what you were going through but I find it admirable that you did. Today was not a good day for me, however reading your message brought me some joy in knowing that I’m not the only one going through a storm. I truly hope your mom heals quickly and continues to be surrounded by love! Thank you again for being vulnerable and I hope you have a great night.
Thank you so much Deanna! And yes, storms are just a reality of life. We all struggle sometimes. ❤️
Prayers to you and your family
Thank you CB. 🙏🏽
Oh wow! You’ve had quite the summer. Sorry for all the challenges, but so glad to hear you’re back!
Thank you Hillary!
So glad you’re back! Your family is beautiful.
Thank you!