You Can't Hold Us Down

A Message From Our Founder, Nicole W. Brown 

Where do I begin?  It’s been a while!

As I started writing this update, the phrase "You can't hold a good Black woman down” immediately came to my mind.

This year, Izzy & Liv faced challenges and hurdles that at times seemed almost insurmountable, testing both the strength of our brand and the very essence of our foundational principles.  As a Black woman-owned business, we carry an inherited legacy of resilience. We've heard stories of our mothers and grandmothers, who, against odds, built lives out of scraps, turned obstacles into stepping stones, or met adversity with grace and tenacity.  Drawing from this strength, we’ve cultivated a mindset of relentless perseverance.

Navigating economic fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and the usual ups and downs of the economic landscape has been one thing.  But adding to that, as some of you may recall, was the significant warehouse and operational conflict that began earlier this year. This reared its ugly head, raging on for months.   We were forced to navigate through some of the toughest times our business has ever faced.   We were pushed, at times, to what felt like the edge.  Many of you saw the impact of this, noticing our usual well-stocked site, reduced to almost a bare minimum for months, and the shift from hearing from us often, to hearing from us rarely, while we battled behind the scenes.  

One moment, we were in February making big plans and having big dreams for the year. We were gonna have BIG fun y’all 😂!  Then boom, the next moment, things popped off,  and fight mode had to be activated.   Today, I feel like I blinked and suddenly it’s September!   Where did the time fly!?  Now that the dust is settling,  what saddens me the most is recalling all the plans we had at the top of the year that never materialized, the lost time, the proverbial dreams deferred.   Yet, as the end of the year approaches, I am reminded that it’s not about how you start but how you finish that truly matters.  I am determined to make the rest of this year remarkable.

You can't hold a good Black woman down.

In many ways, the trials we’ve encountered as a business only underscored what we've always known about the spirit of Black womanhood: it's unbreakable.   Time and time again, we rise, leaving indelible marks of our beauty and spirit for the generations that follow.  It is this very essence that inspired the birth of Izzy & Liv over 8 years age  — a space where we are recognized, represented,  celebrated, indulged, and cherished.   A place where each visit honors your beauty, radiance, and strength.  I won’t be defined by setbacks. Instead, I chose to persevere, write my own story, and for this business to continue to be a symbol of empowerment in our community.

Izzy & Liv will always stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of Black women. We don't just survive; we thrive.  Every challenge has made us stronger, more dedicated, with more passion and a deeper commitment to our mission. The journey hasn't been easy, but then again, nothing worth having ever is.

To you, our cherished community:  your unwavering support has been our beacon of light in stormy seas.  Your prayers and belief in us and our vision have uplifted us.   To each and every one of you: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

The spirit of the Izzy & Liv brand mirrors that of  YOU - our beautiful community.  As we move forward, remember that there is no challenge too great, no mountain too high. Let's view each obstacle as a stepping stone, propelling us to adapt, evolve, and grow even fiercer and stronger. Here’s to new beginnings, endless possibilities, and a future filled with love, abundance, and of course Culture, Confidence, and Soul! Because, as you already know, you can't hold a good Black woman — or her dreams — down. The best chapters are still being written! 🚀

(9/5/2023)