The ClutchCloth Update: Grinding Through the Return Home
Hey. It's been a minute since our last blog drop. If you caught the last one about our journey from Calgary to Europe and back, you know we have been all over the map, literally and figuratively. Today, I want to level with you on where things stand. ClutchCloth is not going anywhere, but it is going to need some tender care while I sort through the chaos of life right now. Moving back to Canada unexpectedly has thrown more curveballs than a backroad rally, and it is getting harder and more complicated every week. Let me break it down, keep it real, and share what is next.
Reflecting on an Epic Spring and Summer
First off, let us rewind to the highs. This spring and summer were straight fire for ClutchCloth. We hit the ground running, meeting tons of new people in the car scene, locking in fresh clients, and teaming up with killer designers. Setting up the affiliate program was a game-changer. We brought on premier race drivers like @ttwerdun, @michaelbulychracing, @islander033, and @slowsilvercobra, and built out our Garage Artists platform to spotlight global car creatives. Those collabs? Pure gold. From Jtooned's local vibes with designs like the Honda S2000 and RX-7 to expanding with artists like CarWorldDesign and Definitely JetAutoArt.Jr, it felt like we were building a real community.
We popped up at events, handled some corporate gigs, and kept the momentum going with new designs for clients. Products kept evolving too. Think fresh hoodies, sweatshirts, hats, lanyards, stickers, and more in the pipeline. We even nailed that Calgary Speed and Customs giveaway, drawing winners and hooking them up with custom GR86 shirts, flight tags, keychains, and discount codes. It was all about connecting with you, the enthusiasts who live and breathe this culture. And the plans for the new year? Still brewing. New projects, broader catalogs, bigger giveaways, maybe even dipping into YouTube content and car events on a larger scale. The vision of turning ClutchCloth into a full-blown car-culture media brand has not faded. Gear up, Rev High. That is still the motto.
The Reality Check: Life Back in Canada
But here is the raw truth. I was dead set on landing a temp or full-time gig to help my family re-set up shop back in Canada. Thought it would be straightforward. I was so fucking confident I'd land a job easy with my experience and history. Months later, and it has been a slog, absolutely horrible. BUT I am grateful as hell for my friends who hooked me up with a couple small opportunities to bring in some income and get us back on our feet. Without them, it would be even tougher. Balancing everything though? Being the best new papa I can be, supporting my wife through it all, chasing my passions, studying up a new career, maybe even two in the new year, job hunting nonstop, and while still working on ClutchCloth. It is all happening at once, and the grind is fucking real.
Canada has flipped dramatically in the past two to three years. From the time we planned the move, actually pulled it off, and now circled back, it is like a different place. Jobs are scarce, health care feels stretched thin, and even food costs are hitting hard. It is all lopsided now. And yeah, I will get a bit political here because it ties into the struggle. The Canadian government seems to have turned its back on its own citizens in favor of the non. It is honestly unbelievable. I have poured so much money into trying to come back to a country that does not seem to want me here. I am not alone in this. I have talked to so many people, family included, facing the same walls with jobs, health, and basics. It sucks, but I am not here to dwell or complain endlessly. Unless someone asks, I will spare the gritty details. I know what I have to do because I have been doing it for the past eight months: grind harder, keep trying, plan smarter.
Staying True to the Roots
That is what a Canadian-born hustler does. Conserve your life and family, push through until you are dead and beyond. Family comes first, always. ClutchCloth started as a passion project. This slowdown is not a stop. It is a pit stop to refuel. We are still fulfilling orders and taking requests as they come, and appriciate all the support from everyone. Still eyeing in-house production and inventory down the road. We will keep co-promoting, crediting creators, and dropping pieces that hit home for you.
A Call to the Community
I hate asking for help. It goes against the independent streak that built this brand. But if you are reading this and know anyone or any organizations that could use a hard-working guy like me, hit me up. By trade, I am an IT Project Manager with years under my belt. By night, e-commerce specialist running ClutchCloth from Shopify to POS at events. And by passion? Automobile hobbyist through and through. Whether it is wrenching on classics, shooting car content when possible, or dreaming up some designs, that is my world.
Drop a line via Instagram @clutchclothco or the site contact. Your support means everything.
Looking Ahead
ClutchCloth is resilient, just like the cars and people it celebrates. We will bounce back stronger, with more events, fresh drops, and that unfiltered car-culture energy. Thanks for riding with us. Stay tuned, keep revving, and let us connect soon.
The ClutchCloth Team
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