February | IRL
a January re-cap and goals for this month
Did January feel like the longest year month ever, or was it just me? We kicked off the year with a bang, jam-packed with events, classes and 2026 future planning. Now we are easing into February with laser sharp focus and clarity.
We are not popping up anywhere this month outside of our showroom - so be sure to take some time to head down to Studio Forma during the week ( open Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10am - 3pm ) and discover our home-base for 2026.
I am, however, on-site this Thursday February 5th from 12-3pm to shop with you, chat and answer any questions you may have about something you spotted online, or a question about your knitting project. I will even have a few Beanies on hand!
If you’re not local, skip to the end of this message to read our January re-cap, February goals, and of course - shop online 24/7 from wherever this email finds you!!!
Thursday February 5th from 12 - 3pm at Studio Forma
South Lake Union | 700 Dexter Ave N Suite 201 - Seattle WA 98109
Stop by this week to explore our new home-base for 2026. Here you will be able to find our full collection of vintage, select modern, and found objects. I plan to host an open-house on a monthly basis where I will be on-site to help answer your styling questions & fit questions as well as future pop-up events with other vendors, new classes I’m teaching, and monthly mini headshot sessions.
Studio Forma is currently open Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10am - 3pm
With no events planned for February outside of our open house this week, I encourage you to stay engaged with our Substack/Newsletter, and check our website weekly for new arrivals. I am planning to have some new vintage online this weekend, and be fully caught up with Beanie orders from the Holidays in about 10 days - which will drop our Beanie turnaround time back to 3-4 weeks.
You can now discover up-coming events & classes via our website for those trying to stay off social media. We recommend RSVP’ing for free if you want a reminder - but not required.
There are a LOT of fun events happening this month in Seattle, so I hope you find some community events that excite you, and you find new ways to connect with the city and support your local businesses. Text a friend, go for a walk in your neighborhood and discover something new!
JANUARY RE-CAP
This year I want to take better accountability for my personal and business goals by sitting down at the end of each month to re-cap what happened, and set ( or adjust ) goals for the up-coming month. January was a big and exciting month and I’m proud of myself for taking charge of my health, releasing our second knitting pattern, and teaching my first (sold out!) knitting class. To round out January, The Really Big Warehouse Sale was a huge success and I’m so happy for the show of support.
FEBRUARY FOCUS
This month my goals are to get back on track with Beanie sales - with 150 left to go, my goal is to hit 50 sold per month now through April. With a few big events in March & April, and with consistent online sales I know this number is doable (!!)
My other business goals are to reach consistent pattern sales daily ( 5+ per day ) and to have one photography client/project per week. This year marks 20 years with my photography business, and I’m excited to flex my creative muscles again with my camera.
I’ve been reading a lot more again ( currently on my nightstand, How To Be A Rich Old Lady, The Second Mountain, and You Are A Magnet ), taking time to reflect on how I show up in the world, and to better learn what my strengths are / how I can share my knowledge. I spent all of 2025 digging into my business finances and learned so much about where every penny goes, what I could cut, and what are smarter decisions I could make. I have been running blaksands for 7 years, and 2026 is the year that I really figure out how to grow, instead of just survive.
POP-UPS, EVENTS & COMMUNITY
Want to pop-up with me this year? I am looking to host vendors during my First Thursday open house events, as well as to connect with small business owners for future pop-ups and larger events.
If you have interest in learning more, or pitching your idea, please email me.
CHICAGO?
This year we are focused on expanding our Chicago/Midwest customer base. With plans to spend more time in my absolute favorite city - I am hopeful to connect with more people and community there.
If you have a connection to someone looking to sublet their apartment in September I would love to chat. If you have a favorite AirBnb, restaurant or shop - please share. If you would love to collaborate on a pop-up, photoshoot, carry the Beanie in your store, or just generally connect please reach out. I am really excited to dive into more opportunities in this city I am quickly growing so fond of. TYSM!!!
lastly, for the love of my sanity - please email me with all the important stuff:
I am signing off of Instagram DMs in 2026.
love you, mean it.
-Michelle
Michelle Moore is a Seattle-based creative, vintage curator, photographer, writer and educator. You can catch her at an up-coming pop-up, swing by on a night she’s hosting at the restaurant in Ballard, order one of her hand-knit Beanies, or hire her to host & plan your next event.
connecting you with good clothes + good people.