Today dawned quietly, a rather gloomy day compared to the bright warm sun we've had for weeks. As I went about my day the date eventually dawned on me that it has been one year since the doors of AK Cycle Chic opened up to the public. I immediately got teary - so much has happened this past year, and the year prior to launching this business, and there's still so much to do. They were tears of joy, sadness, and pride, all mixed together. Mostly I'm pretty damn proud of what has been accomplished and so excited for the future. And mostly that has everything to do with this amazing supportive community in which we live. YOU have welcomed this local business into your shopping routines, You have promoted it by word of mouth and social media sites. THANK YOU! I really can't thank you enough. And please keep doing what you're doing to keep this place thriving! 

A few of the things I'm especially proud of...

• The shop has been able to give monetarily to local non-profits and support and sponsor local events for all ages, including: GRIT (Girls Riding Into Tomorrow), Challenge AK, Gold Nugget Triathlon, Arctic Bike Club (MTB for Women, and racing divisions for Posies and MTB), Ski 4 Women, Ben's Bike Playground (Chugach Mountain Bike Riders), and Bike Anchorage.
• Art Gallery and First Fridays - Coming out of a pandemic, hosting First Fridays was important to bring the community back together to support local artists and musicians, as well as to be able to do it safely. And It gave artists an opportunity to showcase their art they had been working on in solitude for months. Also! you guys like hanging out around here! 
• Broadened depth of recognition - AK Cycle Chic is more than just a cycling boutique for women. The original business plan was thrown out and the shop is becoming known for an inclusive place to shop for women in Anchorage. 
• I'm smarter and wiser than I was a year ago. I still reserve the right to make mistakes, and learn from them. But as I'm learning retail as a second language, I now know margins are more than what borders a Word Document. (I actually knew that beforehand, but you get the picture)
• More and more people are learning that 'chic', is pronounced "sheek"
• The disco ball - I love the disco ball! As one young lady said "you can have a party whenever you want to" :)

Probably the one thing that brings the most pride and joy to me is when I see you on the trails or at the park or at a concert or in an airplane - anywhere - sporting the logo or something chic you purchased at the shop. 

Cheers to You and Year Two!

Krystal