The Story Behind the Last 8 Months — and What’s Coming Next

The past 8 months have been some of the hardest and most clarifying of my Alta Outside journey. What began with litigation over my Favorite Bag design spiraled into a season of discouragement I never expected. The company who believed I had copied them—even though I hadn’t—went on to use my own advertising ideas and themes in their already-established business, even calling their product their “Favorite Bag.” Watching strangers take the very messaging I had created was incredibly painful. It knocked the wind out of me and left me feeling sad, hurt, and confused about why this was happening.

So I stepped back. I prayed. I took a breath. And I reminded myself that I was not done. In the quiet space I created, I went back to where all of this started: my sewing machine. I stitched through the frustration and let new creativity flow. More designs poured out of me, and I got to take them on family trips this summer — using my own creations in real life. That was empowering. It reminded me why I started this dream in the first place.

Slowly, new opportunities appeared. I found some incredible local contacts, and for the first time, manufacturing my bags in the USA felt possible. One connection seemed so promising — I got really excited — but they ended up blowing me off. Right in the middle of that disappointment, my trademark was denied. Another gut punch. Another “really?” moment. It felt like every step forward came with another roadblock.

But again, I prayed. I kept sewing. More ideas came to life. And then something unexpected happened: I felt complete peace about letting go of my trademark altogether — and with it, the name I had grown to love. It was time to start fresh. And honestly, God’s hand has been guiding me the entire way. A new name came to me, one that fits even better. It embodies everything I do, everything I teach, everything I dream for this brand. I cannot wait to reveal it, because it feels perfect.

From there, the miracles kept coming. I secured the new URL. The Instagram handle — which wasn’t available six months ago — suddenly opened up. I’ve started the trademark process for the new name. My website is being rebranded. And I have a meeting Monday with another local company who says they can manufacture my bags right here in the USA. We’ll see where it goes, but for the first time in a while, I feel real momentum again.

To everyone who has been with me through the ups and downs: thank you. I haven’t given up — not even close. This dream matters too much to abandon. I’m moving forward with more clarity, more faith, and more determination than ever. The next chapter is coming, and I promise… it’s going to be even better.