I am currently sitting on a plane that just departed from San Francisco. I finally got on my transfer flight after a five-hour trip from Newark, New Jersey, and got to see California for the first time from the plane window as we took off. I never could have imagined that I would be on a plane headed to Shanghai and Tokyo for work.

The goals of the trip are to find some special new pieces, meet some of the reputable companies we've worked with for years, and get PLENTY of content! Last time we were in Japan, I realized I really missed an opportunity—I got some mediocre content here and there, but people really loved it! I'll be buying a large piece of luggage to check for the way back, filled with some special pieces that will be available for purchase. I could do the cute, trendy, vlog-style videos showing our trip, but what makes us different is our authenticity. If you know me or have seen our page, you know I am not one to pretend. I value peeling back the curtain to show what things are really like because, let's face it, nothing is as perfect as it seems.

Although we will buy some pieces at specific vintage luxury events, a common misconception is that you can go to places like Tokyo and buy things at the best prices. This is far from the truth. Granted, you can definitely find some deals, but our store sells items many items for less than those big auction house storefronts in Japan. The reason is, we source from the same places. Then, we source from their suppliers, then their suppliers' suppliers, and so on. Josh has worked tirelessly to dig deeper to find the best deals on the best products so we can continue to build a strong brand and community.

To wrap things up, I will be getting all kinds of content on the trip for you all! Please let me know if there is anything specific you would like to see. I have never been to Shanghai, and I am incredibly excited to be back in Tokyo for a few days. I'm nervous, but in the best way. I never could have imagined having opportunities like this. I am so thankful for you and love what I do every day. Thank you.

I love you all.

Alex K