Running a small business has always required grit, determination, and endless optimism, but surviving in today’s political and economic climate has felt like climbing a mountain whose peak just keeps moving.
For small, independent brands like Stella Carakasi, the roller-coaster of tariff changes and economic uncertainty has pushed us into some of the most challenging moments we have ever faced. And yet, we continue to move forward because we believe deeply in what we do, in the people we serve, and in the community that supports us.
The Tariff Yo-Yo: A Daily Struggle to Stay Afloat
Tariffs are nothing new, but the unpredictable yo-yo effect of the high tariff amounts has created a level of instability that makes it nearly impossible to plan ahead. Like any business, we depend on forecasting, from developing styles, sourcing materials, planning production timelines to placing orders on time, and managing cash flow. But how do you forecast when you don’t know what the tariff rate will be by the time the goods are ready to ship?
The truth is, you can’t.
And that uncertainty affects everything.
Many customers are understandably nervous right now. They are watching their budgets, evaluating every purchase, and waiting longer before committing. We understand this completely, but it also means additional pressure especially on small businesses already squeezed by rising costs.
And when tariffs drive up production expenses, small brands like ours face a nearly impossible choice: try to absorb those increases entirely or pass down a portion to our customers. We always attempt to take on as much of the financial burden as we can, but no small business can carry it all. The result? Higher prices we wish we did not have to charge, but must, just to stay afloat.
Scaling Back to Keep Moving Forward
To survive this volatile retail and manufacturing landscape, we have had to scale back our style offerings and place smaller orders. These decisions are never easy. Every design we choose not to produce represents creative ideas, potential sales, and work opportunities lost for the people we employ and for the customers we serve. But these adjustments are necessary to navigate the current economic reality responsibly.
While big brand names have deep pockets and corporate infrastructure to weather storms like this, small businesses like ours run on passion, personal sacrifice, and the unwavering dedication of families and team members who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Your purchase is not just a transaction, it is rent, groceries, and the livelihood of people who pour their hearts into every detail.
Why Small Business Support Matters More Than Ever
So many unique, creative businesses have already closed their doors, permanently. Every time a small brand disappears, the world becomes a little less interesting, a little less diverse, a little less human.
If you love discovering unique, beautifully made products…
If you want to support craftsmanship, creativity, and real people rather than faceless corporations…
If you want the option of something different from the same mega-brands you see everywhere…
Now is the time to support small businesses.
Not just Stella Carakasi, all the wonderful, independent creators and makers who are still fighting to stay alive.
Why Not Just Make Everything in America?
We hear this question often, and we wish it were that simple. Many of the industries required to produce specialty fabrics, trims, and garment types simply no longer exist in the U.S. Rebuilding that infrastructure would take years and would lead to extreme price increases that most customers could not absorb. We would love to produce domestically where possible as we once did, but the current manufacturing landscape makes full-scale U.S. clothing production unrealistic for many apparel categories.
What We Create, and Why We Believe It Matters Despite the challenges, we continue to design and produce clothing that stands the test of time, pieces that are body-shape and size inclusive, comfortable, enduring, and truly wearable.
Unique, versatile, and seasonless, these are wardrobe staples designed to be worn 24/7, 365 days a year. A great white shirt instantly pulls any outfit together, and ours are engineered to flatter most shapes and sizes. If you love tunics, you cannot go wrong with our best-selling Tiburon Tunic, available in a beautiful range of colors. Looking for something truly unique? Explore our Pitch Perfect Tunic, a standout piece that is sure to turn heads. If tunics are not your style, you will fall in love with our distinctive Showstopper Shirt, the name says it all. And for a classic shirt with unforgettable design details, discover our Diamond Tuck Shirt, a timeless favorite that pairs perfectly with blazers.
✨Our Exclusive Coats & Jackets
These are true unique classics, timeless silhouettes crafted in our proprietary textured fabric, ideal for fall and winter. They make thoughtful, long-lasting gifts and become instant customer favorites year after year. Our Definitive Coat has been a customer favorite for many seasons, and each Fall/Winter we reintroduce this best-selling masterpiece in fresh new colors alongside timeless classics like Black and Birch. The same is true for our beloved Favorite Jacket, a versatile style that can be worn almost year-round. For those who prefer a padded vest over a sweater, our tried-and-true On the Go Vest is the perfect solution, lightweight, stylish, and endlessly practical. And for all the cardigan lovers looking for a standout designer piece, be sure to explore our flattering Go To Cardigan, a truly unique style you will not find anywhere else.
Soft, comfortable, and endlessly versatile. These bottoms pair with everything, move with your day, and transition effortlessly from running errands to dinner out. Every piece is created with intention. with real women in mind. We design for shape diversity, comfort, confidence, and effortless style. One of our best-selling Ponte bottoms is the Slimming Ankle Pant, a versatile style available in all Ponte as well as Ponte with vegetable leather. The same goes for the equally flattering Love the Look Leggings, designed to move with you while keeping you stylish. If leggings are not your preference, our Lounge Dress Pants are the perfect alternative, classic dress pant details with the comfort and flexibility to take you from the office to yoga class, no kidding.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As we reflect on the road we have traveled, one thing shines brighter than any challenge: You!
Our customers have been the backbone of our Stella Carakasi brand from the very beginning. Your loyalty, your enthusiasm for our designs, your willingness to shop small, and your belief in what we do have carried us through so many years of change.
Your support has never been taken for granted, not for a single moment!
And now, in a time when the landscape is more unpredictable than ever, your continued support means more than words can capture. Not because we are desperate, but because we are deeply grateful.
Grateful that you choose to stand with small businesses.
Grateful that you value craftmanship, independence, and integrity.
Grateful that you understand the impact of every purchase made with intention.
You remind us why we do what we do.
You give meaning to every late night, every design decision, every challenge we choose to overcome.
From our entire small but mighty team, thank you, for the years behind us, for the support you give today, and for helping ensure that small businesses like ours have a future worth fighting for.
From Our Family to Yours
This holiday season, we hope you continue choosing small, choosing independent, and choosing products that bring beauty, creativity, and heart into the world. Whether you shop with Stella Carakasi or with any of the many incredible small businesses out there, please know that your choices truly matter.
Your support keeps dreams alive.
Your support keeps people employed.
Your support keeps the creative world turning.
Thank you for being part of our journey, and for helping us continue creating timeless, inclusive, beautifully made clothing for women who value comfort, style, and individuality.
For more inspiration, check out our Looks We Love Page.
