A LOVE LETTER TO #TEAMWERKSHOP
I wanted to reach out to all of you, my AMAZING posse of bendy babes, to let you know about a recent chain of events that have occurred here in the land of rocking eagles.
As many of you know, there have been delays in my getting inventory on the webshop. Being out-of-stock for so long is turbo lamesauce and I felt that you all deserved a proper explanation.
My sublimation printer (whom I have been working with for over a year) had recently approved a large production order for me. As soon as I cut the fabric, they unforeseeably informed me that they would no longer do any more work for Eagle Rock WERKSHOP™. This, of course, was devastating as I was relying on them for my next three months of webshop inventory. Soon after, I came to find out that they had been secretly, and duplicitously, working on their own line of leggings the whole time that they were doing work for me. They had led me to believe that they would do my production so that they could simultaneously launch their own brand ... knowing full-well that I would be out of stock and unable to compete with them. They have copied my pattern/fit, are using eerily similar product descriptions, replicated my webshop design, and now they have started reaching out to all of you on instagram in a shameless marketing ploy. And while imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, what they have done is simply unethical and wrong. I could absolutely sue them for unfair competition leveraging, but it would hardly be worth it ... the last thing I would want to do is subject myself to all that negative energy. I prefer to take the higher route.
In the midst of all of this, I close my eyes and fill my heart with light and positivity. My amazing friend Dawn (@monkeymix) chanted this mantra the other night during a yoga class that she taught and it was exactly what I needed to hear at the exact moment that I needed to hear it :
I am reminded that Eagle Rock WERKSHOP™ is more than just a brand. It is the foundation of something much greater. #TEAMWERKSHOP is a family; WE ARE A FAMILY. We practice together. We laugh together. We cry together. We support each other. We inspire each other. We take small breaks throughout the day to connect with each other from around the world. We are beautiful. Also, you can be sure that every single "like" and/or comment you receive from @werkshop is 100% genuine and filled with my sincere gratitude.
That said, I hope that you stand by me over these next few weeks as my stock remains idle and I restructure my business. I am incredibly proud and excited to announce that I am now partnering with a phenomenal production facility here in Los Angeles that specializes solely in the highest quality activewear. Not only do they share my philosophy and pride themselves on being a place of integrity, but they have also been in business for 35 years! Together, we are planning very big things for the future of Eagle Rock WERKSHOP™. I can promise you, without a doubt, that once our new studio is fully operational, #TEAMWERKSHOP will be unstoppable!
In short, I see this temporary setback as nothing more than an opportunity to connect with you, my virtual family. While (this brand that shall remain nameless) thought that they could steal you away from me, I say we let them bring us closer together ... I would love for you to reach out and share your story with me; tell me what you love about Eagle Rock WERKSHOP™. Tell me what you think I could do better. Let me know what you'd like to see from me in the future ... or, if you'd like, just drop a note to customercare@werkshop.com (or below) and say hello. You are both the reason that I am able to do what I do and the reason that I do it ... without you, there would be no TEAM in #TEAMWERKSHOP. I will never forget that.
xoxoo,
Tina Z
Comments
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ShurmanOl said:
A round of applause for your blog article.Thanks Again. Much obliged.
Alejandra Quevedo said:
Dear Tina,
After purchasing leggings from eagle WERKSHOP during the jumpstart of your amazing line of activewear in Kickstarter, I have not purchased any other leggings from any other store!!!
Your line is top notch quality, you are a genuine person and genuinely talented too, why would I switch? I am sure many yogis and non-yogis feel the same way after trying your products.
I was back here in your website to see if I can get myself some more amazing leggings, but after reading this, I am MORE THAN WILLING to wait!
Don’t worry, everything falls into place eventually, and this little inconvenient that you are going through is just that, “a little hiccup” that compared to what awaits for you in the future, is nothing!
Much love and positive energies from the East Coast!
-Ale
(@apqc on Instagram)
Erica Ford said:
Wow I was coming on here to check out these awesome leggings I have heard good things about! I prefer for my purchases to be made in the US and when it comes to yoga wear it has to be the best material that can stand the test of time and still look great. This new move has gained you a new customer from Orange County! Can’t wait to see the new line!
lydia said:
I come from China, hear your experience, feel sorry also glad that the problem of early enough, not enough to influence the development of you. Believe that you will be better and better.
Good luck. Lydia. China.
lydia said:
I come from China, hear your experience, feel sorry also glad that the problem of early enough, not enough to influence the development of you. Believe that you will be better and better.
Good luck. Lydia. China.
Katelyn said:
Tina, I’m so sorry that happened to you! No worries tho, something great will come your way and it will be so much better than you ever expected! #teamwerkshop loves you very much and we’ll stand by your side through thick and thin! You’re a blessing in this world! Love you girl!
Xoxo,
Katelyn :)
Kelly Strona said:
I will patiently wait the re-release of tut and dark sugar, and hope that this other company has an adequate dose of karma coming their way. I have no doubt your brand will emerge stronger than before! You’re right, Werkshop is much more than just a brand!! Hugs <3
Clarissa_Mae_ said:
Just wanted to say I’ve been admiring your products for a long time, setting aside a percentage of my teaching $$ to buy a pair & just keep checking back. I’m so sorry to read about this but grateful to you for your honesty & openness. I have so loved being a part of this wonderful yoga community on IG that brings people together from all over the world. I know it has vastly changed my
Yoga practice for myself & as an instructor. Good for you for keeping your head high & moving forward, it will only get brighter from here! And love Dawn’s chant, she’s a gem! Sending love from IL! @clarissa_mae_
Gia said:
It’s so unfortunate that people can’t be cool. I have many leggings from many brands and I LOVE YOUR WERK! I am hard pressed to find a better fit or better quality in a legging. In protest of the other nameless brand, I will buy MORE WERKSHOP leggings! Thank you for creating a beautiful comfortable product.
Abigail Lopez said:
Stars can’t shine without darkness… As someone who bought a Kickstarter (lucky random earlybird that reappeared) I feel like this will only make you stronger! You’re awesome and karma will take care of them.
dawn said:
hi, just wanted to leave a note to say your work and products are really awesome. sorry to hear about what happened, though what doesn’t defeat you will only make you stronger. so, chin up babe! :) i, and i’m sure every other fan will be keeping our eyes peeled for your next collection which i believe will be awesome. i just hope i can manage to get my hands on a few pieces before they sell out! (being in asia is a disadvantage i feel… :))
take care :)
dawn
(@xdawnsxx on IG)
sissi said:
Oh my gad, this is really the biggest blow for designers. Do not worry, we’ll follow you, though I have not grabbed the mix and king THT. Come on！
Melyssa said:
Awfully awful. Sorry to hear. But I’m excited for you to get back up and running. I can’t wait to try out the leggins I’ve heard so many good things about.
@memay46
Valerie said:
I LOVE my werkshop leggings! They are my best friend in my 75 minute hot yoga practise! Your leggings are so comphy and breathe so beautifully that I could never imagine switching to another brand! Please keep up with the new styles!
Kendall said:
I am so sorry to hear about this duplicity. There are truly some sneaky, manipulative, and horrible people / companies out there. Keeping doing what you’re doing and hold your head up high! I recently ordered a pair of leggings and I can’t wait for them to arrive and for you to get more stock! I love #teamWERKshop and I know you’ll recover from this
Thereasa said:
Tina and Team,
Your product could never be duplicated because it is your love and passion for what you are producing that is truly yours and no one can take that away from you!… Your designs are beautiful, original and make people smile! All I can say is “Karma” is a bitch, and the people responsible for unsuccessfully trying to duplicate your product will see that! Stay strong you have a committed strong loyal base of consumers xxxx
Kyla said:
My leggings from you are my absolute favorite pair! Best wishes with everything, and I’ll definitely be picking out another pair once you’re back up and running. No doubt you’ll come out of this stronger. :)
Karen Wilson said:
So sorry to hear your plight. I have only recently purchased my first pair of leggings (dark sugar) and absolutely love them. As the leggings are a little pricey, coupled with shipping to Guernsey, I will have to wait for my next pair. You have a superior product and should feel proud of your efforts. Good luck for the future – I will watch Instagram for further news! x
Florence said:
Thank you so much for letting all of us know what happened. Will wait until you restock and buy the original of course. Very not kool!! Sueing them will probably result in nothing especially because its in Italy. So informung your customers was exactly the right thing to do! Now you can say all made in America! Ha! Yogis are loyal.. so dont worry too much!
Florence
Therese said:
I am so sorry about this act of duplicity! I hope to find out who this conniving company is, so I will boycott them for sure! I have been spreading the WERKshop love to friends, and they come back and tell me thank you, and your product is amazing! I remain a loyal loving fan- so excited to see what else you come up with in future! Glad you found a better partner in the City of Angels! <3
Morgs1127 said:
I only have one pair of leggings from you but have been following your line of amazing rocking eagles for a while now. The dedication you have to your followers and customers is unbelievable. Keep your head up girl, everything happens for a reason and when door shuts another opens- as you can see. Let the other business do what they will – what doesn’t kill you makes you STRONGER!
Again, anything I can do to spread the #teamwerkshop love I am so there.
Love and gratitude and high flying eagles,
Morgan
(@morgs1127 on insta)