Wherever you are in the world, I hope you and your loved ones are safe. During these crazy times I hope you are finding a few quiet moments to relax (if you can). My friends and family are all over the world and some are in worse situations than others. Thank goodness for the internet and technology, allowing us to connect and remain in contact with each other. This is a time when we all need to look after each other and practice kindness.
I wanted to take this opportunity to give you an update about how Covid 19 is affecting things at Vanyanís. This post is both personal and professional, because small business is like that and my life is heavily entwined with my business. To me Vanyanís is not just a “job”. It is my passion, my livelihood and I could not imagine doing anything else. Covid-19 is affecting businesses everywhere and these are strange, uncertain times.
I have prepared some information below about how Covid-19 is affecting classes and shipping. Each section will be updated as the situation develops.
Australian Corsetry Classes and Sewing Days
Due to the restrictions put in place by the Melbourne Government (who are doing an excellent job of managing the pandemic, in my opinion) all Australian classes will continue to be postponed. Classes will be scheduled when it is safe to do so and there is more certainty around the scheduled dates going ahead.
Wellington Corsetry Classes
As of 7-Sep-21 all of New Zealand (except for Auckland) is operating at alert level 2. Our scheduled classes for October through to December are booked to go ahead (provided there are no further restrictions). Students will be required to scan in upon arrival and use hand sanitizer. Unless we are back at alert level 1, masks will need to be worn during class.
Whilst I have had my first vaccination dose, my baby is unable to receive a shot so I am being particularly careful as I have a beautiful, but vulnerable boy to take care of at home.
Want to book into a future class but feel uncertain?
Whilst nothing is certain during these times, it is most likely that classes scheduled for later in 2021 will go ahead. If for any reason classes need to be postponed due to further Covid-19 restrictions, then they will be rescheduled so that no one misses out. If you are unwell or isolating you will be able to transfer your ticket. Please feel confident to book in and know that you will get to learn with me and your ticket will not be wasted.
If you want to try your hand at making a corset on your own at home then please consider the Vanyanís Aeryn Underbust Corset Pattern which is available here as a digital download which you can print out at home. Use code “LOCKDOWN” to save 10%.
Feeling unwell? Stay at home!
If you are feeling even slightly unwell, please let me know and do not come to a class. I will be happy to transfer your ticket to a future date (valid for 12 months) so you don’t miss out. We all have to work together to stay safe and well. This is not the usual way refunds/cancellations work but in light of Covid-19 I feel that the health and wellbeing of everyone is the most important thing, so I will do my part to be adaptable to the situation.
Online Learning
Whilst we may not be able to meet in person, we can meet online! If you’re stuck with a project at home and need some guidance, I am happy to offer private tuition via video. Please email me at info@vanyanis.com to discuss your needs. Be sure to include what you want to learn/what you need help with.
I don’t have the right camera equipment to run a structured online course at this stage, but I am taking this opportunity to work on some tutorials and corset patterns which will be available for purchase and download via my shop. At the top of my writing list are: How To Take Measurements For Corsets and Perfect Busk Insertion. If you have any suggestions for tutorials you’d like me to create, please leave a comment for me below.
Online Shop & Shipping
Any orders placed over the website can and will still be shipped. My priority is the safety and well being of my staff and customers and I want you to know that every care is being taken by my assistants to practice social distancing and maintain safe hygiene practices. All orders are being carefully wrapped with clean hands on clean surfaces.
Because worldwide travel is limited, shipping will likely take longer than usual because there are less planes flying around the world. I’ll be sure to communicate with anyone who places orders and let you know the status of your shipment. Please be patient if it takes us an extra day or two to get your order in the post. At this stage the post offices are still open, but queues are long, and slow. We’re all doing our best.
You can use code “LOCKDOWN” to save an extra 10% off our ready-to-wear clothing which is currently on sale. Simply enter the code at checkout to redeem the discount.
What’s coming next at Vanyanis
The long awaited Skadi Jewellery collaboration and the lingerie collection with Karolina Laskowska will be coming very soon. There’s nothing like a lock in to ensure all the photos get edited 😉
I’ll also be publishing tutorials over the coming weeks and months, so make sure you join the Vanyanis VIP list here to ensure you don’t miss any important announcements.
Whilst I consider sewing and creativity to be essential for our mental health, meeting in person is too dangerous during these current times. We all must do our part to keep each other well and stay apart now so that we can come together again in the future.
All businesses are hurting right now and many are operated by one person (or a very small team). If you’re in the fortunate position to be able to place an order, then please do so. If you can’t order something, then share their work. It all helps. Amazon doesn’t need another rocket to space, but your local bookstore needs to put food on their families table. We’re all in this together.
How are you planning on spending the coming days and weeks in lockdown? Do you have lots of sewing projects to keep you busy? Will you be working from home at all, or just have the time to yourself?
Remember, it is ok to not be at your most productive during this times. We all have grand plans for the things we want to achieve during lockdown but we have to remember to be kind to ourselves and let ourselves just “be”. We are living through a pandemic and we have to remember to just do what we can to get through these days. What are some self care things you’re doing for yourself?
I’d love to hear from you so leave a comment below and tell me what you’re up too 🙂
Stay safe and stay at home (if you can).
Warmest Regards,
Lowana