Here comes another new year, and with it a great opportunity to reflect on the unexpected events of the past year 2020 and what it meant for us at GoodWays. At the beginning of the year, when I was writing a similar article and looking back at 2019, none of us had any idea what societal twists the coming year would bring. How did we cope with it, and what do we have planned for the coming year?
The year 2020 was full of unexpected events, changes, and challenges that were not easy for any of us. We are glad that we could spend our time at home in quarantine doing something that makes sense to us and that we believe in.
How did we experience the first wave of quarantine?
During the first spring quarantine, we didn't sit idle and used the fresh energy of the new year to create a whole new company concept which includes, for example, the name change from GoodGlass to GoodWays, launch of the new version of our e-shop and preparation of new reusable and sustainable products.
However, we must admit that the crisis period, just like for many other smaller companies, significantly affected us as well. We recorded a significant drop in orders, both from customers and business partners. In the first wave, no one knew how the whole situation would develop, and therefore people understandably focused primarily on meeting basic needs and helping others. We ourselves tried to help wherever needed and supported, for example, the Brno organization ADRA, which provides psychological and material support for the elderly.
However, since the beginning of May, people began to realize the impact of the crisis on smaller businesses and started to support us with their orders, for which we are very grateful to this day.
The new name and concept of the company
The biggest change we went through was the name change from GoodGlass to GoodWays. At the beginning, we founded the company GoodGlass with just one single product. Gradually, however, we are introducing new products, and our new name now represents us much better. With our products, we aim to offer good ways or paths to a sustainable lifestyle.
News of 2020
As I mentioned above, we are constantly working on expanding our range of products that are reusable and sustainable, thus replacing many non-ecological disposable items. In April, we finally managed to complete our long-term project - protective felt cases for GoodGlass, which we're incredibly happy about. Not only are they very practical, serving both protective and additional thermal insulation functions, but they are also sewn sustainably in the Czech Republic by our friendly company Vigvam design from Plzeň.
In the summer, we created another meaningful collaboration with the company Bylinca, which started making teas and spice blends exactly to our taste. The summer edition of Cold brew and Herbs & Blossoms was so popular with you that we decided to create both autumn (Breathe & Immune) and winter editions (Fruit delight, Christmas punch spice blend). However, the biggest hit became the spice blend for Golden milk. We are excited to see what we will come up with next year!
In the second half of the year, we introduced our new design line of products for zero-waste shopping and dining sewn in the Czech Republic. Shopping bag GoodBag is adapted for zero-waste shopping with its smart system of inner pockets, and the cotton-linen snack pouch GoodSnack in various colors is very popular with you! We complemented the entire set with a new bamboo cutlery GoodWays, which we plan to improve a bit in the new year. Are you curious?:)
To top it all off, just before Christmas, we introduced our brand new section on Dental hygiene. The main star - bamboo toothbrush GoodBrush - is the best version of a bamboo toothbrush we have had the pleasure of encountering. It is made from the highest quality materials and, most importantly, it doesn't irritate the mouth like many of its bamboo alternatives. We are thrilled with it!
And what awaits us in 2021?
Not every period is easy. We learn from our mistakes and work every day to continuously improve and fulfill our goals. We are curious about what new challenges and lessons the new year 2021 will bring us!
In the new year, we also plan to keep expanding the GoodWays product range. We have a lot of interesting ideas in mind that are coming to us faster than we can implement them. We are excited that in the new year we will be able to complete many ongoing projects. Let's be surprised!
“If you find a path in life without obstacles, it certainly doesn't lead anywhere.”
Arthur Clarke
With love,
Tereza, Johan & the GoodWays team
