125% Tariffs: The Death of an American Dream?

My journey from Etsy seller to leading a lawsuit against Donald Trump's trade policies

[Author’s note: Since posting this essay, we have received confirmation that our tariffs are now 150%. The 125% recently announced is in addition to the 25% we were already paying].

I carefully wrapped the Harney & Sons tea tins in red paper, neatly securing the ends with tape, before tying a gold ribbon around each box. I'd chosen Jasmine tea as a symbol of respect and harmony. A few Google searches and conversations with friends told me the red wrapping paper would communicate good fortune and best wishes for the coming year.

I packaged the gifts in a small box, put my son in his car seat, and drove to the nearest FedEx to ship the gift to China. Its intended recipient was "Joe" (actually Zhiqiao), but he went by his English name given to him by teachers when he was young.

I smiled as I filled out the shipment forms. Joe had become a good friend over our years working together and he told me that of all his factory's business partners, I was the only person to ever ask him his given, Chinese name. I was hopeful he would enjoy these gifts, carefully researched and chosen, as his teammates and family celebrated the Chinese New Year.

Three years earlier, I'd sat at a small desk in my guest room, sketching what I hoped would become a day planner to help busy women like me. At this point in my life, I owned a busy graphic design business and had an infant son. I was busy, overwhelmed, and in need of a tool -- something to help me manage the many aspects of my life well. I needed something simpler than anything I could find on shelves. But I also wanted it to have a luxury feel: something that would feel like worthwhile investment in yourself and your future.

I produced my first batch (without bells and whistles, as I was told those were cost prohibitive) in the U.S. The cover was laminated and the binding was a white spiral. Tabs were a no-go because the facility didn't have a die-cutting process. I sold each planner for $50 on Etsy. And each unit cost me $38 to make. Add in all the other expenses required to run a business and I made no profit that year. But I was okay with that. I knew if I tested the idea, and it was received well, I had options.

It's been a journey since 2008.

I continued sourcing in the United States for the next year's production run. Over and over I was told the type of product I wanted to make could not be made domestically in a profitable way.

Searching the internet, I came across a website that connected businesses with international factories specializing in many different processes. Many of the manufacturers I came across, asked if I was missing a "0" from the quantity I'd submitted to be quoted (500) as they only worked in large quantities. I was new, determined to run my business debt free, and only had enough money for 500.

That's when I met Joe. His factory had wonderful certifications and references. His tone was warm and friendly in his response: "You are new to this business, I would like to help you. Let's work together."

We worked together producing the Simplified Planner, the first day planner of its kind, in 2012. He was friendly and helpful in answering the numerous questions I sent his way. When I held the first sample of The Simplified Planner in my hands, I wept. This idea, born of my own need, created of my own imagination, had come to life – thanks to a friend thousands of miles away who'd taken a chance on me.

Joe and I continued to work together for many more years, until our needs outgrew his factory's capabilities. We remain friends to this day. This year, he even sent red scarves to my three children to share with them the joy of Chinese New Year.

Were it not for the vast capabilities of international trade, my company, Simplified, now employing nine women, serving hundreds of thousands of women all over the world – both on our website and in mass retail stores – would have never gotten its start.