April Update

Hi All!

This is the very first Pastel Co blog post. I’m sure you’ve all been refreshing the website daily to see if it’s landed. Well, here we are.

Those of you that have been following the newsletter (a healthy mix of UK and Australian-based sign-ups so far!) will know that the iterative process of starting a business means that you log on thinking the day will be focused on developing the website but quickly become engaged in a steep learning curve focussing on creating bar codes, figuring out SEO, or building decks on Canva!

The past couple of weeks have been fantastic, in truth. The community around Bath has shown a lot of interest in what we’re building at Pastel, with the organic slow growth model being our choice.

With any new venture, a dose of imposter syndrome comes along with it, but if I have one message for you in this blog post, it is to ignore it and keep moving forward authentically, honestly, and with a positive mindset.

The response to being transparent and focused on relationships first has been very encouraging. In a world where truth is hard to find, I hope that this blog can provide a slither of open and honest insights into the challenges and internal conflicts.

For example, on our roadmap, we want to be as sustainable as possible, but this is something that we will have to work towards as we grow and mature. Becoming financially sustainable is the first step, and I hope our customers understand that this is a grapple many small, medium, and large independent businesses face.

We’re two weeks out from launch, which is a mixture of excitement and nerves. The website is a working progress, the Instagram account is gaining some local traction, albeit slowly (organically), and we’re on course to have a fantastic product ready by the desired timeline.

For someone that isn’t a natural at content, the whole Instagram and TikTok world is fun and scary. Bear with me on the reels etc.; some will suck, but that’s ok.

One thing I am super confident in is that you’ll love the product. The sun’s out in the UK (for now), and after running the Bath Half surrounded by people wearing running caps, I could see there’s strong demand but also space for something fresh.

On the topic of Bath-based businesses, I want to finish the blog post with three that I have loved getting around since returning to the UK:

• Marchon Bath’s gym opened this week, in the safe and energetic hands of Koach Knussi. We completed the 2nd session today, and the staff and other members have created a 10/10 community and vibe. Cafe on-site for coffees or post-workout protein shakes, co-working space, and a sauna incoming! Love it. 
• Green Street Butcher - just go and visit the best butcher about; it’s insane. Rumour has it the beef rolls are the one; I’ll be diving into one soon. Find them at www.greenstreetbath.com
• Electric Bear - a local brewery which hosts run clubs and makes some of the best brews in the country. They’re on an industrial estate just off Newbirdge Road, a very chilled-out environment and super fun spot to visit. Good proper independent business this one! Find them at www.electricbearbrewing.com 

Anyway, there’s my ramblings for this month. Hopefully, next month’s will include completely selling out of the first batch of caps.

Cheers all, 

Bibs