Tariffs, Tension, and Trying to Stay Grounded

I’ve been sitting with a lot of stress lately, and I think it’s time to talk about it.

These new tariff talks and looming price hikes have left so many small business owners—myself included—feeling stuck in a weird limbo. Should I order up now and try to beat the increases? Should I hold tight, save my money, and wait for more clarity? No one seems to know. The flow of information is patchy at best, and there’s a shared feeling across the industry of standing around with our jaws open, wondering what on earth happens next.

And that’s the hardest part: uncertainty. In business, it’s the one thing that can completely paralyze you. It’s incredibly difficult to make smart decisions or take meaningful risks when you can’t predict critical things—like what something will cost. That uncertainty creeps into everything: buying, planning, even just marketing the beautiful items we do have in the store.

I’ve also been wrestling with how to communicate with all of you. How do I talk about spring color stories and gorgeous new textiles when there’s a real chance we’ll see major disruptions just around the corner? I never want to sound tone-deaf or out of touch, but I also don’t want to lose sight of the joy this shop brings to so many people—including me.

It’s all giving me major déjà vu—back to those early days of the pandemic. That feeling of “do we pause? pivot? power through?”... I wouldn’t wish that stress on anyone. And I really, really don’t want to go back there.

But here’s what I do know:
Squash Blossom will continue to be a place to come and feel good.
To take a break from the noise and worry.
To lose yourself in color, pattern, beauty, and community.

Whether you’re shopping or just stopping in to say hello, our doors are open. We are proud to be your happy place—and we’re going to keep showing up for you, just like you’ve always shown up for us.

Come say hi. No purchase necessary—just come soak up the good vibes.

With love and a little deep breathing,
Lisa Bobb
Owner, Squash Blossom Boutique