A Holiday Note from Bryony & Birch Founder: Katie Cavic

As our second pandemic holiday season rolls around, I want to take a moment to say just how grateful I am for the gift that is the Amesbury, MA community.

Never in my life could I have imagined Bryony & Birch becoming what it is today: an ever-evolving collective of locals who love creating, collaborating and coming together to help each other thrive.

I knew launching a business in the midst of a pandemic would be difficult, but I didn’t realize that the numerous challenges would bring so many silver linings. (A pleasant surprise to say the least!)

Having limitations made us think outside the box, adapt the way we communicate (with our clients and with ourselves) and prioritize our values. Sometimes this meant conducting virtual yoga classes. Other times (for us hairdressers and photographers) it was finding ways to reinvent ourselves so we could still offer our craft even if weddings weren’t able to go ahead. Many times, it was finding a meditation practice that helped us stay centered and grounded.

Perhaps the thing I’m most proud of is how we managed to expand our reach. From creating Porch Fest to establishing Bryony Body in Exter, NH, the Bryony & Birch team has achieved things I thought were deep into the pipeline. (I thought these were five-year plans!) This is a true testament to Amesbury’s incredible residents and visitors.

Over the last two years, our little North Shore town banded together in the most heart-warming and soul-soothing way and I feel so honored to be part of it. It didn’t matter if it was local small businesses coming out to Porch Fest to do a pop-up stall or the generosity of those who championed our brand and mentored us – we felt like we were and ARE in a family.

I also want to thank the Bryony & Birch team near and far. We have yoga instructors, hairdressers, web designers, photographers, videographers, brand content consultants, wedding planners, reiki and crystal healing practitioners and even woodworkers making the Bryony & Birch dream a reality.

I often wonder when holidays will feel ‘normal’ again. With each Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas that I get to physically be near the people I love, I also wonder if I’ll maintain the same level of awareness and gratitude that I’ve come to have living in a world with COVID-19. Never in my life have I valued the simple gift of being in someone’s presence and vice versa.

If you’re able to be with the ones you love this season, embrace them in your arms.
If you’re unable to be with the ones you love this season, embrace them in your heart

Wishing you the happiest holiday season and the most magnificent welcome of 2022.

Bryony & Birch Founder

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