23 Comments
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Michelle Morrone's avatar

There is a great NY Times Daily podcast episode today with a woman very similar to you in her situation, titled “Her Business Was Thriving. Then came the tariffs”. I had wanted to share it with the commenter who suggested you needed to take this opportunity to build in-house but I can’t find that thread. This podcast so clearly lays out how that is next to impossible (actually not next to but truly impossible) at this time to do that. This woman is an Army veteran from Minnesota and doesn’t check any partisan box in case there is anyone thinking this is some anti-Trumper. I suggest it for anyone to listen so we understand what our fellow entrepreneurial citizens are going through. Emily, you have done such a good job clarifying and being transparent through this situation and I am rooting for you.

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Donette's avatar

Thank you for continuing the conversations on tariffs and the costs to small businesses. I run some shops in California and we have been hit hard by the drop in tourism after the wildfires and now the tariffs - all of our goods come from overseas. I appreciate your posts explaining how it all works, because most people just don't understand. I've been a long time customer and was excited, happy and proud to support your company on Launch Day. Thank you!

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Emily Ley's avatar

Oh my gosh, Donette. I'm so sorry. Thank you so much for the support. Cheering you on.

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Amanda Cote's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing your story and breaking it down so it's understandable. I'm a calendar-year girlie but that didn't stop me from placing a launch day order yesterday! I love the new patterns and I'm looking forward to them coming in. 😁

You have a voice, and you use it well. ❤️

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Christine's avatar

Echoing this! Thank you.

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Sonya's avatar

Your story about Joe made me tear up. I didn't need anything during spring launch, but I bought a couple of items I wanted to try in support and because I just love the Faraway Land print.

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Emily Ley's avatar

Thank you so much Sonya

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Katie Johnson's avatar

I’ve never been more proud to support the BEST brand and team and community! Here to fight for you and Simplified and all the small businesses!

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Emily Ley's avatar

Thank you Katie!!

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Patricia Danch's avatar

Your message is so disappointing for so many reasons. Most of all the idea of promoting your political grievances to your customers. You are pleased to hear from those who agree with you, but you may not hear back from a large group of those who support the expansion of US products and jobs. I think you are missing the big picture.

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Emily Ley's avatar

Patricia, I’m sorry that a small business owner fighting for survival is "disappointing" to you. I've paid $1.17 million in tariffs while employing nine Americans, and now face potentially business-ending increases.

This isn't political - it's financial reality. Facts don't require your approval to be true.

What's truly disappointing is dismissing legitimate concerns about American livelihoods as "grievances" while offering zero solutions. Perhaps you'd prefer I quietly close my doors and lay off my team rather than speak the economic truth?

I respect my customers enough to be honest with them about why their planner prices might soon double - or why my company might not exist next year. That's not politics. That's transparency.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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kristy McCormick's avatar

Cheering you on!! :)

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Emily Ervin's avatar

Cheering you on!

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Kim Shanks's avatar

I’ve never been so proud to follow and support you over the last 6 years. You speak for thousands of people who do not have a media presence and use your influence for good and truth and honesty.

Keep the faith ❤️

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Kelly Scifres's avatar

President Trump.

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Erika Bennett's avatar

So proud of you for being so transparent and vulnerable about the tariffs conversation! The more voices that speak out, the more we can do to force change. ❤️

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Emily Ley's avatar

Amen. Thanks, Erika!

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Kelly H's avatar

Can't wait for my Launch Day goodies to arrive! Proud to support you, Emily, and Team Simplified, always!

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Emily Ley's avatar

Thanks, Kelly!!

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Kelly H's avatar

I got a good chuckle from the Launch Day Stats email when I saw that Cottage Floral Weekly (which I will order for calendar year launch) was the top planner and that 4 of the 5 top new products were things I ordered!

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Emily Ley's avatar

How funny!!

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Elspeth's avatar

Thank you for breaking it all down for us to understand. I’m proud to support simplified and your mission through and through. Cheering you on!

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Emily Ley's avatar

Thank you so much!

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