Over the past three years, I made a bold decision for STAY® that I believed would set us on a new path. I leased what felt like the ideal space for the brand to grow into. It was big, ambitious, and a symbol of where I thought we were headed. But in reality, it turned out to be more than we could manage.
Instead of helping us grow, that large space weighed us down. The stress of keeping up with the rent and other expenses was overwhelming. Managing such a big operation made it hard for me to focus on what truly matters: nurturing the STAY® brand, building this community, and fueling our shared mission of resilience and mental wellness. It felt like we were constantly pushing to keep things afloat instead of moving the brand and message forward.
But here’s something I've learned through this experience: mistakes are part of the journey. And that’s okay.
For a while, I thought that “bigger” would equal “better.” But I now see that focusing on experiences and connections is what truly drives success. So, after months of managing two spaces, we finally closed the door on the larger STAY WEAR HOUSE last month in October. Now, we’ve settled into a smaller, more focused warehouse—a space that feels right and allows us to keep moving forward. Ironically it's the same building we first started in, but just a different unit.
This isn’t just a story about a warehouse; it’s about embracing the lessons that come with mistakes and continuing to move forward. Our past doesn’t define us—it shapes us, teaches us, and prepares us for what lies ahead.
Now, ten years into STAY®, I can honestly say that this feels like a fresh start. This new chapter feels more aligned with our core purpose. And I’m incredibly excited about the future, not only for myself but also for you—our loyal community.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this journey, it’s that mistakes don’t have to hold you back. They can be the fuel that drives you toward something greater. Growth, resilience, and mental wellness aren’t destinations but a lifelong journey, one we’re on together.
So, here’s to embracing change, learning from our past, and focusing on the future.
Stay strong, stay inspired, and remember—we’re in this journey together.
The Best Is Yet To Come =]
Shane
Founder of STAY®