Tampa, FL.
Anna Maria Island, FL.
Our Faceplant store and family home have both been hit hard by Helene and Milton in recent weeks. The destruction we’ve witnessed has been devastating.
Just as we all began to dig out of the wreckage and devastation of Helene, Milton came barreling forward and forced us to evacuate a second time.
Three feet of flood water (although only the bottom level of a stilted home) caused shocking destruction. Two feet in our retail store damaged nearly all of our merchandise. Time is critical after a flood. The sooner you get the water out and begin cleaning and drying, the better chance you have of salvaging whatever is possible. We filled large plastic bins to get everything out of the store so we could get to the flood-soaked wood fixtures and flooring that needed to be removed.
We were overwhelmed by the damage and the flooding of emotion that comes from sifting through family memories ravaged by the storm. As my husband Kevin and I evaluated and prioritized our recovery objectives, we simply had to give up on salvaging products from our retail store and left this job to our staff.
As I write, nearly a week after Milton, we remain without power and our street impassable from downed trees and powerlines. Many close friends are now homeless. Many have lost everything. Now buried in piles of debris and broken homes, all of us have lost the comfort of the beautiful island we’ve called home.
So far, this is a story you’ve heard and witnessed on the news. And I can personally attest to all of it. But like every storm, we seek the silver lining in the clouds. Here’s mine:
Our staff couldn’t bear the thought of those bins of beautiful bamboo going to waste. They laundered what was necessary and distributed an entire store full of products to friends, neighbors and others who were in dire need of both clothing and comfort.
As we continue to weather the wreckage of this storm, I feel gratitude for our amazing staff who share our commitment to our local community.
Although we can’t touch the depth of loss in our community, we’re grateful that what could have been a loss to us, could bring comfort to so many.
- Brigitte
Comments
God Bless you! We know what it’s like here in Louisiana. My shop suffered during Ida. I had to relocate and that has been an uphill battle. It’s really sad the damage and destruction these storms can do. No one really understands until you go through it. We’ll keep praying for y’all!
My heart hurts for you and all of your neighbors. The devastation is un comprehensible. I will continue to pray for you all and of course keep shopping with your fantastic company ❤️
I love your products and feel your loss as we just experienced Helene in western North Carolina. I hope you and your staff are able to recover from this storm and are able to put your homes and your business back together again. The damage in North Carolina will take a very long time to repair in so many places, with so many businesses totally destroyed. It is heartbreaking. I wish you peace and patience in this recovery effort. Meanwhile I’ll stop by The Homestead in Hendersonville to pick up a few Faceplant treasures! ❤️🙏☮️
Bridgett, I totally understand where you are physically and mentally. After Ian devastated our home and community, in Ft Myers Beach, I functioned in a bubble for several months. After a year in a Motorhome we are finally back in our home. The last two hurricanes have grazed us again. It sends me into a panic every time.
Your products are the best thing I have ever bought. I own over 20 pieces, and live in them! I send you, your family, and your staff my love and encourage you to work through this terrible tragedy. If you choose to get a SBA loan, be prepared to be tenacious. We lost three rental homes in Ian. We are still waiting on money. It will come but they sure try to get you to give up.
WE NEED YOU! 🥰 please be encouraged by the fact that you have a wonderful product and we all want to see you up and running again.
Sending you much love, Susan
Our prayers are with you, your friends, neighbors & family, all who have been devastatingly impacted by these awful recent storms. We know you will continue to put your lives back together & help others in the same circumstances. Your strength & tenacity is obvious in your dedication to hard work & the creativity of your beautiful brand. We pray you stay strong during these arduous, difficult times. Many blessings!
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss do to the hurricanes it breaks all the hearts on the west coast people here as I’ve been a loyal customer for years hoping you safety and good health and know you will get back to business, we all know it will take time ,Thank you for the information
Love this silver lining attitude. Our hearts are with all of those impacted. Thank you Faceplant Dreams for giving to those in need. This is not the first time you’ve show generosity! May it always come back to you.
- Lemon, McMinnville, TN