10 Years! A letter from Michelle Healy, Co-Owner of Modern Domestic

Modern Domestic family,

What a time we are all collectively living in. By now, we have all learned to expect the daily highs and lows, the random tears and laughter from ourselves and those within our tiny isolation groups. We have all had to alter our plans that we were looking forward to. Our big event that is supposed to be happening right now is that Modern Domestic turns ten this month! This has brought me to tears, not because I’m sad, but because I am so proud of all we have accomplished in the last ten years.

In 2010, we had a simple business plan: Open up a sewing studio and classroom space that served Portland by providing a welcoming and well-equipped space with quality sewing machines and the friendly support to use them. Even if you didn’t have a sewing space of your own, you had ours.

Our business evolved quickly over the last decade. We became a BERNINA dealer, started selling fabric, bought our own building, and opened a second location. However, the most important thing we did in the last ten years is help build the most incredible community of sewists of all ages and genders. Our staff members have all become my dearest of friends and our wonderful customers have all become part of our big MD family.

When Lupine and I were brainstorming names for our business, I knew I wanted the word “domestic” in the name. I wanted to honor the notion of being domestic – caring for our homes and surroundings, by being creative and taking the time to enjoy making things. When I reflect back to the very beginning of Modern Domestic, I’m struck by the time we are in right now and how we’ve come full circle back to what I wanted to convey in our name.

This new world we are now living in has become the Modern Domestic life. We see everyone in our virtual world posting about making bread for the first time, getting outside and planting a garden, sewing masks for loved ones and strangers, and just finding that peaceful space for making things. We are all becoming more creative as we spend time at our most important place – our homes.

So, in a weird way, this a gift, we are taking the time to do the things we claim we never have time to do.

Even though this is not the time to celebrate our 10th year, it is the time to acknowledge our accomplishments, and honor our new Modern Domestic lives. Happy 10^th Birthday MD! You have brought so many wonderful people together. When the time is right, we will celebrate this landmark year.

For now, to all of our MD family, know we love you, we miss you, and we are here for you. We look forward to brighter days when we can all sew together, but for now try to enjoy the slowness and delight in the process, as this too shall pass.

– Michelle