I’d like to follow up on my post from 3/14 with some updates, photos, and some words about the current developments worldwide and what they mean for The Varlet as it pertains to my situation here in California.
Let’s start with the more pressing matter. Since my last post, the situation has been developing rapidly with regards to everyday life and how businesses should operate here in Sacramento County and the entire state of California. Brushes were delivered to the Post Office on Wednesday, and since then we had a “shelter-in-place” order for the county effective 3/19/20, then the next morning our governor announced for the entire state a “shelter-in-place” order. It looks like many states are following suit very soon. So, as most businesses I’ve had to watch the situation with uncertainty this entire week and wonder what the next few months look like in terms of operations.
With regards to supplies, I am pretty well-stocked in everything as far as materials as well as equipment. Alumilite and badger hair stock is good, and my machinery is in good working order at the moment. I did replenish some sanding supplies this week just in case and ordered a new belt for my lathe as well. Despite the situation in China being stabilized, I’ve reached out to my hair supplier and will get an update soon. Regardless, I have hair in stock as I mentioned so that is a plus. We’ll have to wait and see of course but as with anything will have to figure things out on the fly if need be. It doesn’t appear that hardware stores and the like are closing completely, and there is always Amazon as well, should I need anything to continue production if anything breaks down.
As far as the order process goes, I’ll be contacting the rest of the list as I promised but wanted to wait and see what the developments were this week. Since I am still able to produce brushes, and at this time can still ship them, for those that are still interested in a custom brush they will still be available. For those that want to wait for now, until the Covid-19 pandemic passes, I fully understand and would be natural to wait if new priorities have sprung up. I’m sure things will continue to change in the coming months, to what degree is still uncertain, but for now as far as The Varlet is concerned I’ll plan to continue to make brushes, and to make blog posts frequently as well.
First and Second Runs
The First Run of brushes as I previously mentioned were shipped out on Wed, and they should be starting to arrive today or within the next couple of days. The Second Run entered final stages this week, I am going to try to ship them next week as early as I can. I have contacted nearly all on the Second Run and provided photos of the progress, though some brushes are not photo-ready but will be soon. Some handles did not turn out like I wanted so I am re-making them, but it is a slight delay only.
Below are photos of some of the brushes on the First Run. I will be updating the Gallery page on the site as well.
——-
That is all the news I have for now, I will try to get on the emails as soon as I post this and touch base with everyone by the time the weekend is over. Hopefully everyone is staying healthy and safe, and making adjustments with some optimism that we’ll return to normal in due time.
-Aldo
