I really hope Cecily and Samantha take the time to read this comment. It is the least you both could do after putting out this half-assed video. 

1) There is not an ounce of sincerity shown. This video is choppy and has too many cuts. It feels like you rushed to save face, and just babbled off a bunch of accountability jargon. 

2) To initiate this video with a disclaimer that you don’t have experience in building a business from the ground up…is tone deaf. As successful women in the influencer industry, you have the resources to get proper business advisors/consultants/people with the proper knowledge to research and advise on a business plan. It is not your potential customers’ job to be understanding of your lack of credentials. You need to make yourselves qualified to participate in a certain industry. That takes more than a social media following. It takes research, time (more than less than a year that you worked on this), patience, humility, HARD WORK. 

3) To bring up your lack of profit from this endeavor in the name of “transparency,” is extremely offensive. You both act like you are doing us a favor by letting us know you won’t be making a profit, as if we are responsible for the horrible business scheme. Most people know it takes time for a new business to make a profit. Again, as successful influencers, you make an amount of money, year round that is unfathomable to many. Maybe that’s why you expected to make a profit on the first launch, because you’re used to an unimaginable amount of income. This again shows your lack of preparation, how are you making it out with no profit on a product that costs no more than $20 to make!!! After the price reduction you would be making +$50 on each product!!!!! Your family modeled, you copied marketing from In My Sundays, and used cheap materials. You cut corners in every way you could and then still expect your audience to pay a paycheck’s worth for PJs. 

4) I see a lot of discussion that the people complaining about the prices aren’t the ideal client base. That there are people who would purchase PJ’s for this ungodly price. Yes that’s true, but those people expect luxury quality,  and reputable/credible brands. The average person who follows you is not in that category and YOU made the decision to market this brand as if it was accessible to those followers. Most are working or SAH moms, people with multiple children trying to juggle the everyday stressors of life. So yes, there is a client base for this product, but they did not advertise or create a business for that ideal client base. 

5) The obvious, irritated demeanor from both of you is astounding and the most offensive. To be frustrated with your audience for holding you accountable for YOUR lack of preparation and common sense is disrespectful. You are so far removed from reality you have no understanding of how many Americans are struggling to pay for necessities for their families…much less hundreds of dollars on matching PJs for one holiday. 

6) You started a PJ business, a year after another prominent influencer created her PJ business, sent you PR and you advertised it to us. In the same town, with the same friends and same or similar followers/fan base. She already gets criticism for her pricing/business plan and hers are more affordable, better quality, and actually sell. I have no clue how you thought this rushed, over priced, product would do well. 

Lastly, I wish influencers would come down to earth and remember they all grew their following by being relatable. Remember the house that built you. I unfollowed every influencer about few months ago because the lack of awareness is astounding. Brandishing designer bags, lavish trips, and mega homes. Starting business to make more and more while others make less and less. Truly a disgusting and deplorable industry. 

An open letter to these two: