Over the years, I’ve come to realize that the foundation I stand on today was built by the adults who believed in me—people like my parents, and Mr. Rasmussen. He was my band teacher from 5th to 9th grade, and someone I will never forget.

Mr. Rasmussen didn’t tolerate nonsense. There was no dicking around in his band class. He was deeply engaged in his work, and his passion for music was infectious. Under his guidance, I became a very good clarinet player. I’ll never forget the time he chose me and a peer to represent our school at a county competition, where the best band students competed against each other. Knowing the clarinet I had wasn’t up to par—it was plastic, not wood, and the difference in quality was stark—he lent me one of his own. That gesture meant the world to me.

I don’t remember much from grade school or middle school, but I remember the confidence Mr. Rasmussen instilled in me. He made me feel special. Gifted. His belief in me left a profound impression, one that has stayed with me all these years.

I owe him a thank-you letter. One that tells him how his belief in me helped shape who I am today. Teachers like Mr. Rasmussen are rare, and I’ll forever be grateful to have had his influence in my life.

Sometimes, it takes someone pointing out the greatness within us before we can see it for ourselves.  Watching someone live the type of life we didn’t know existed shows us what’s possible.  

There’s a girl I went to school with—Lisa. Her story is one of heartbreak and cycles, shaped long before she even had a chance to break free. Lisa’s mom grew up in a dysfunctional home with no one to guide her or believe in her. She did the best she could with what she knew—but what she knew was dysfunction.

Lisa’s mom married a man who molested his children, including Lisa. When Lisa found the courage to speak up, her mom dismissed her, accusing her of lying. Lisa’s world was filled with people who mirrored the brokenness of her home. It wasn’t long before she started hanging out with gang members, getting into trouble, and falling behind in school.

Lisa was robbed of the opportunity to be mentored by a positive adult—a role model who could have shown her a better way. Without that influence, the cycle repeated. Now, at 40 years old, Lisa’s life is in chaos. She has children of her own, but they’ve experienced homelessness, and Lisa has turned to meth.

But here’s the truth: Lisa is a good person. She really is. The tragedy is that she grew up unequipped to navigate life differently, and the kid who didn’t know any better is still running the show. Yes, people can choose a better path—and I’m not suggesting Lisa can’t or won’t—but the power of a positive adult influence cannot be overstated.

Few things change a child’s life more profoundly than having a role model who believes in them. Someone who demonstrates—through their actions—what is possible. Someone who sees the potential a child might not yet see in themselves. That connection can alter the course of a life forever, unlocking a greatness that might have otherwise gone untapped.

As I prepared to open my store—my dream—I wanted to become part of the solution. I believe in the power of giving back, in helping those who’ve been overlooked or forgotten. This store is more than a business—it’s a step toward building something greater.

We’re ramping up to turn that vision into reality.  As the store grows, so will our ability to give, to support causes that matter, and to provide resources for at-risk youth like Lisa—kids who just need someone to believe in them.

I’m sharing this now because I want to be transparent about our intentions; I’m excited.  This is about building a community and creating a ripple effect of positive change. Every order brings us closer to materializing this vision. Together, with the support of customers like you, we’ll turn this dream into something tangible and lasting.

It’s on the horizon, and I couldn’t be more excited to work toward a future where we, as a community, can give back in profound and meaningful ways.  ❤️

- KARLA