Hello sweet friends and customers,

It's with a big ol' bag of mixed emotions I announce that Ridge & River is closing... well, almost!

After 6 years of business, 4 of which I have run Ridge & River full time, I have come to the hard decision to close down the entire supply side of the business.

This was not a decision made lightly - I went back and forth for over a year trying to come to terms with the fact that I just no longer love doing this. The intense demand for constant creativity, keeping a shop stocked with a supply inventory of over 3000, always having to be on social media and forever thinking about what is next/how I should grow more has really consumed me the past few years. And to be completely honest - I’m burnt out!

The flexibility in working when and where I want the past 4 years has been amazing. It’s allowed me to grow our little homestead, prioritize subsistence, and travel. But, as many small business owners can attest, the other side of the flexibility coin is never fully being able to disconnect from work. If I’m not working, I’m thinking about how I should be working or what I’ll do next when I get back to it. Please don’t get me wrong - this is not a complaint! There’s always a trade off no matter how you choose to make a living, and the best part is:  when it no longer feels right, it’s time for change. 

 I feel incredibly lucky to have come to this decision out of a want to explore new things and not out of a lack of support/business. You all are what has made Ridge & River so successful and such a JOY to run all these years. This community of artists and art lovers is such a positive presence in my life and I’m not planning a complete exit.

Which brings me to this: What will Ridge & River be now? Great question. I haven’t fully figured it out myself, but step one is liquidating my entire inventory of beading supplies. The entire shop is 35% off till everything is gone! 

I do plan to continue making earrings for sale here and there, as well as dive into some other creative interests. Who knows, maybe you’ll see some pottery, stained glass, textile or leather works pop up for sale here and there. There are so many things I want to try! 

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for your support, encouragement and kindness all these years. I truly don’t have words to express the gratitude I feel towards this community of people who made my dream of supporting my family through art possible. I will always treasure this chapter and look forward to how Ridge & River will evolve in the future!

❤️ Shaina, smol bear, lorge bear and black bear