To the Rescue!

In my search for new product lines, I'm always on the lookout for young start-ups and/or companies that give back to good causes and charitable organizations.  This week we brought in leashes from Resq/Co.  The "Resq" is actually pronounced "rescue" which leads (no pun intended) to the fact they really do rescue animals.

One leash equals one donation which equals one life saved.  Ten percent of every purchase goes to animal shelters and animal rescue facilities.  The company donates to a different shelter every month and asked me to let them know of any animal shelters that are in need of help.  Hint:  Seriously, let me know of any animal shelters that might benefit and I'm more than happy to pass the info on to Resq/Co.

But back to the leashes....they come in two diameters, 3/8" for the smaller pooches, 1/2" for the big guys, and the length varies from 4 to 4 1/2 feet as a result of being handmade (in the USA).  The three strand premium grade line features a five tuck hand spliced handle with secured ends. Each leash is outfitted with a solid brass swivel clip that will withstand the elements and evade corrosion, a hand-stamped leather tag, and a solid brass key ring for holding waste bags, tags, keys.  We currently have stock in the natural and navy colors. 

On a personal note, I'd like to thank Finn (and his Mom, Lyn) for posing as our poochi model (get it...poochi instead of Gucci...what do you expect?  I was a fashion designer for 25 years).  He's a very handsome boy, I'm sure you'll all agree!

Let's Hear It For The Boys!

All too often, in the world of boutique retail, men are....sadly.... forgotten.  Relegated to the "bored husband chair" or biding their time just outside the door, shifting their weight from one foot to the other as they periodically glance at their watch, they have accepted the fact there isn't anything fun or manly inside.  We here at Lucky Hill have set out to change that antiquated retail model.

 A few weeks ago I started to compile a list of products men use that might be appropriate for our little shop.  As soon as that was in place, I went to work scouring the countryside for the best products in those categories.  Trust me, men have not been forgotten when it comes to product development.  Shaving and grooming have been elevated to an art form and there are now candle lines with fragrances specifically tailored to turn any man's head....be it bald, bearded, or burnished by the sun and sea.

Over the course of the next month or so, we'll be introducing these new product lines.  The first one to arrive was Prospector Co. out of Savannah, Georgia.  I think it's fabulous that the company also embraces men who have chosen to limit their degree of shaving.  Having married a bearded man, I love the fact they carry a beard oil.  A few drops massaged into the beard moisturizes the skin, softens the folicles, and conditions the beard.  As an added benefit, it can be used as an oil-based cologne. 

The descriptions of each product reminds me of the J. Peterman catalogue, the best of which being the Miss Annie Jones Shaving Oil.  As the story goes, Miss Annie Jones was the foremost bearded lady who capitalized on her unconfirmed case of hirsutism.  Born in Virginia in 1860, her "affliction" was evident even at nine months old at which time she was being paid the hefty sum of $150 a week by P.T. Barnum.  By the age of five, the patches of hair had blossomed into a mustache and sideburns.  Absolutely priceless!

In addition to the Beard Oil and Miss Annie Jones Shaving Oil, we stock the Peary & Henson Aftershave, K.C. Atwood Aftershave, and Brummell Shave Creme.  If you're curious and want to try an assortment, we offer the Tester Vials Kit ($16) of all the products with the exception of the Brummell Shave Creme.  Products range from $16-$28.

 

This Is What It's All About

I just have to share the best morning any shop owner could have.  Mornings at Lucky Hill are great because we get to smell all the yummy aromas coming from Bah's and see everyone walking down to partake in the delicacies.  A few minutes ago one of my customers was walking by with her family....which included her adorable 4 year old daughter.  The tyke stopped in front of the door.....decked out in pink with matching pink sunglasses.... waving happily to me.  And then she called out to her Mom, "Look Mommy!  It's the soap lady!"  Yes.  I couldn't help but burst out laughing.  These are things that made me miss having a shop all those years I was away from retail.  I wonder just how long it's going to take to get me to stop smiling about this one today!