Where to go from here
I sit this morning working through how BC Limited will be moving forward in 2024. I came across this image last night and thought I'd sort out the past in the hopes of finding direction to move forward. I weigh the continued chase for money against peace and family.
The idea of BC Limited was born in April 2018. The idea was to write pieces sharing thoughts on various topics that I felt may resonate with other Gen Xers and possibly others. The first product was the Beast, Angel, Madman glass. A basic rocks glass that was laser etched; offered as a preorder that ended up taking a month to get done. Over the following 2 years there were ups and downs but always a direction. January 10, 2020 I was laid off from my job and decided to lean into BC Limited to support my family. It was a rough start for us, surviving off my wife's church's food back and financial help from family and friends. We went hard and July 1 of that same year I signed a lease that eventually became the 12,000 sq ft home of BC Limited. We had 2 warehouse spaces, a place for the kids to do their remote learning (during COVID), offices, an entertainment area, and our own gym. This was the peak. October 2021 the decision was made to move to Texas to be closer to our graphic artist/website design guy. In looking back this was the right move for my family but marked the beginning of the downward slide of BC Limited. In January 2022 Facebook banned BC Limited from advertising. This resulted in a 75% decrease in sales. It became a slow bleed out over the next 2 years with vacating a warehouse, selling all the gym equipment, and moving the business into my home. I kept our graphic art/website person until there was no more money, which in looking back was probably a year too long. At the end of December 2023, which capped the hardest 3 months I've been in business, we parted ways and with him went all his work.
Today I stare at a computer screen comparing today to January 11, 2020 and I see no difference. This time instead of relying on others to put food on my family's table and keep a roof over our heads I have been searching for employment and doing contract website design/copywrite, Google SEO, and various sorts of advertising consulting. BC Limited will continue on but I am going to keep it smaller. I will not continue to make the charge up that hill thinking there is a great payoff at the end of this. I will continue with BC Limited as I originally intended, as a platform to share thoughts and challenge preconceived notions of others. Products launches will no longer be this ongoing flurry in a desperate attempt to meet payroll obligations but instead a return to a well thought out items that I feel all of you will enjoy.
Thank you for all the support over the years. I have become friends with many of you, or at least Instagram acquaintances. This next season of BC Limited will be a return to a more person interaction. In this new season I hope to have more peace and time with family. I enjoyed when we did well though time with those I love did suffer immeasurably. My son now quickly becoming a man and my daughter seemingly running towards womanhood I can think of no better time to make this transition.
17 comments
I’ll never forget my first order on a week night at maybe 11pm or even after 12am. I clicked on contact us and when the phone rang I figured answering service. No sir, It was you who I spoke with. When you started in Stl. I actually travel there several times a month on business. I still have all of my original shirts. And will continue to support as long as I can. I too have had a few bumps in my own personal 32 years of self employed. You my friend are a true survivor
I really hope this turns around for you! I have been proudly wearing your shirts since 2019 and have loved every one of them!!! There are very few companies that have made such meaningful content and put that message on a shirt the way you can!! This brand has is second to none! I would choose your shirts over any other brand out there!!!! You keep creating awesome shirts and I will keep buying them! All the Gods. All the heavens. All the hells are within you. – ‘Joseph Campbell’-
BC – wow. It’s all I got. I love your products. I wear your stuff almost daily. I carry one of your giant cards you send with orders as O travel the world.
Maybe having a third party manage the fulfillment and delivery part would give you the time you deserve with your family while keeping your vision alive.
Time to stock up on my favorites!
Wishing you and the family all the best.
I’ve been wearing BC shirts almost exclusively since I found BC.Limited in 2021. Not just for the message, but they are great fitting and great quality. I wear BC shirts almost every day and get complemented on them frequently. I always make sure to share your web address when I do, especially since FakeBook rear-ended you and I do what I can to send business your way. I will continue to support your business in 2024. I respect your resilience and perseverance. Stand firm, brother.
-TC
I’m sorry to hear about the challenges you and you family have been facing Brian but commend you and your loved ones for the hard work and effort y’all made in offering an outstanding product. I proudly own some of your awesome shirts, patches and decals and will continue to support & promote your brand in the future.
Best of luck in your future endeavors and as always… “remember your why.”
Brother, I’ve been buying your merch since my PC was wearing one of your shirts since 2019. He told me about your stuff, found your site and been hooked ever since. Like every one has commented, I will continue to support you in any way I can. Family first.
Stay strong
My brother BC. It saddens me that you are going through trying times, I love the shirts you put out, I think I have most of them. My wife gets on my case every time one or two show up at the door. Lol. All my shirts are from your company. Don’t give up the fight, you still got it in you. I look forward to the next drop and your next post.
BC
As sadden I am learning about your reduction, I am thrilled you are keeping up with your family duties.
I am sorry things didn’t pan out. But you have a faithful base.
All my running shorts are BC limited. Under Armour lost my business in that aspect.
Thank you sir
Fellow Texan here. Actually just left Austin. Would love to buy ya a beer in the future. I have been buying your merchandise for a long time!!! My closet is jam packed with BC. Absolutely love them. As long as you’re selling em, I’ll continue buying!!! If there’s ever anything ya need brotha, just holler. I’m not far from you at all. We help each other out as best we can here.
Fellow Texan here. Actually just left Austin. Would love to buy ya a beer in the future. I have been buying your merchandise for a long time!!! My closet is jam packed with BC. Absolutely love them. As long as you’re selling em, I’ll continue buying!!! If there’s ever anything ya need brotha, just holler. I’m not far from you at all. We help each other out as best we can here.
I love your products, wear them proudly and will continue to support you in any way I can.
Thanks for sharing this, Brian. I’ve been a huge fan and loyal customer since you started BC Limited back in 2018. Love what you do and why you do it. Keep it coming as you can. I will continue to support this great company and philosophy. Best, Art
I also have learned the hard way on working hard to make money and somewhat missing my sons growing up. You always think you have plenty of time until it runs out. My oldest son Kade is 6 1/2 years in being a Marine and I said my see you laters to my youngest son Kyan today at MEPS as he leaves for the Air Force. You have truly been a Warrior adapting and overcoming all the adversity handed to you. I love your products and will continue to buy as long as you sell. I also enjoy the Instagram posts and emails. Wishing you and your family a very blessed new year! Godspeed Brother
Prayers and support from Kentucky.
Brian,
Been wearing your gear since I stumbled across it back in ‘18. Will keep buying it as long as you’re selling. All the best man.
Sam
At the end of the day you can’t put a price on peace, and time with your family!
I love your products and will continue to support you anyway I can. You’ve made a life long follower out of me. I’ve always loved your products (I have many :) )
Best wishes moving forward!
All the best,
Scott
Good luck. I appreciate the quality and fit of your shirts. They are probably my most favorite t-shirts.