For as long as I can remember...
...I've had a deep appreciation for expert craftsmanship and the skilled artisans behind it.
Yet recently, the demand for cheaper and faster is growing stronger than ever, with events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day dominating the shopping landscape.
I've personally never understood this desire. Not only does it ignore the artisan behind the art, but it is a disconnected, disinterested, and unsustainable approach.
We need to slow down and be thoughtful about what we buy, who we buy it from, and why we buy it.
In early 2023, I founded Gladfellow with the intention of doing just that; creating a greater connection to the goods we buy, the people who make them, and the likeminded individuals who appreciate a high level of quality and care.
Furthermore, I felt it was high time to create the kind of place I always wanted to shop at. A store that didn't have the same old stuff every other shop had and that truly celebrated the craftspeople behind the products.
Buying from a skilled artisan means we tangibly honor their mastery. And there is great humanity in the appreciation of another human's hard work. As the Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibran once said, "Work is love made visible." I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment.
In fact, much of our name derives from this concept. Glad – meaning joy. Fellow – meaning companion. Our products are companions, made from love to bring us joy.
Unlike many stores that prioritize profit, we aim to provide a shopping experience where customer service is paramount. At Gladfellow, we truly value the loyalty of our customers and strive to create lasting relationships with each and every one of you.
While we don't have a storefront (yet), we are located in and ship from Los Angeles. Occasionally, we even do pop-ups. Keep your eyes peeled!
In the meantime, we are excited to grow alongside our customers and to build lasting friendships with many of you. Please don't ever hesitate to reach out and say hello – your feedback and support mean the world to us.
Warm regards,
Jeff
Jeff Galfer, Owner