We love wine.

But somewhere in there, Scott got it in his mind that opening a cocktail bar was the dream. 

When I met Scott, he couldn’t mix a drink to save his life (love you, babe. Really). And though he grew leaps and bounds in our final year living in DC, when the opportunity to buy the Factory became a reality I will admit here and now: I had my doubts. 

Full time teacher. Director of Public Affairs for a national organization. Full time farm life and 4 legged family. Not to mention, Scott had never stepped a foot behind a bar as an actual bartender. 

He came to me and pitched this idea. We blogged together for years, treating the blog as our creative outlet. We knew we worked well together, but experience and advice warned us that working on this project would be disastrous for this “picture-perfect love affair”.

I liken the Factory to having a baby. I don’t have a clue what that actually means, but from what people tell me you instantly fall in love with this THING. And then you love your spouse in a totally new way.  And I can say that the sleepless nights, the constant anxiety, the worry, the concern, the pride over new steps and small victories, and watching Scott in the role as Father of the Factory – yeah. It’s similar. 

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We parent this baby by dividing and conquering. Scott handles the business and finances, I handle human resources and media and marketing. We both get our hands dirty in dish water every time we are there, and that damn step-up in the back is the bane of our mutual existence. We both beam with unparalleled pride when someone compliments our efforts, and we both carry for weeks the shame of a bad review or criticism.  And though we’ve waxed poetic at how much we love our team on social media, the truth is this industry requires a TEAM to succeed. And we know that hands down – we’ve got the best. 

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Two years ago, we published our news that we were taking ownership. And that first year (and most of the second??) my dearest friends and family truly worried about my health. I’ll admit publicly – the weight of it all was just. too. much. I was not well, and so much stress had me always seconds away from tears and breakdown.  Scott and I had a deal that if I was still not myself in the fall of 2019 – we’d talk about letting it go so we could have our normal life back. 

 

The last 6 months have been transformative. We promoted one of our bartenders-turned-chef to manager (Madison, if you are reading this, you can’t know how much we value you), and our veterans (Hannah, Abby!! We’re looking at you!) continue to pave the way with their dedication and loyalty to pushing the new vision for the Factory. Our newest and youngest members (Cora, McKenna, and Diago!! You rockstars!!) have stepped up with energy and maturity that is light years beyond their age. And of course our bar team (Chris, Brad, you’ve become the 3rd and 4th wheel in my relationship) have Scott’s back each and every night to further his dream and reflect what he hopes the Shirt Factory can be. 

So Alix has her groove back because of a team that is truly the best you’ll ever find, and a husband that is as solid as a rock. Two years ago I told Scott and the staff that my role would be “taking photos” – that’s the biggest fallacy of my life. But I am so grateful that Scott and I have been humbled to this life, to have the opportunity to meet and chat with the members of this community. We’ve had wedding receptions, bridal and baby showers, welcomed little ones into this place, watched engagements outside our front window, and celebrated a million milestones from birthdays to anniversaries with complete strangers. 

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If you’re wondering: we know how lucky we are. We don’t take lightly the role we play as small business owners in this beautiful town, and Scott and I sit nightly and discuss what we can do, how we can be a part of helping promote and honor where we live. It’s such a privilege. And no matter what happens, after two years I can say that I will forever be grateful for the lessons the Factory has taught me, and will carry them with me always. 

So cheers to TWO YEARS!!  We thank you profoundly for your support, your business, your patronage. Scott and I are scheming currently on the next phase of the Factory – so let’s hope that 2020 brings that to fruition :) In the meantime, let’s all stay warm this February and dream of spring patio nights!