Thanks to U.S. trade policy changes -> "trump tariffs", lol - using certain materials has become unsustainable for small businesses like mine. So I’m making a change.
Some of my tools will now be made of 6061-T6 aluminium. It’s a smart, earth-friendly shift.
Aluminium is 100% recyclable, and because these tools are small and light (we're talking just a few grams), the carbon footprint from shipping is minimal and much better than shipping heavy boards of composite from the West Coast to here in Ontario. It can be manufactured using renewable electricity. This keeps my environmental standards high and lets me avoid price hikes that would hit both of us, me and you.
Let’s be real: Most of the changes happening in trade benefit big players and hurt the little guys. I’m a one-person operation. I’m the CEO, the production crew, the designer, the tech, the shipper, and the guy who gets my coffee.
Because of that, I’ve learned to adapt. Every time I’ve had to pivot because of external forces, I’ve come back stronger. I don’t end up with "almost as good." I get better, faster and my tools become easier to use.
So I’m not giving up. I’m evolving.
And to the forces that keep trying to knock small creators off balance, I’ve got one thing to say: Eat shit.
While other small companies are folding when faced with the slightest shipping challenge or procurement setback, I'm just getting started.
Thanks for sticking with me. I appreciate your support more than you know.