05/08/2023
The former FF staff has every right to share their feelings and side of the story with what transpired. I do not believe that I owe anyone an explanation and ask for your patience and privacy while I handle this transition. I did what I thought I had to survive and I am so sorry that resulted un hurting all of these wonderful people. The business between myself, the staff, and the new shop that has opened was very complicated and I see now how my communication led to the feelings the staff had. Without a doubt do I wish things ended differently. I wish nothing but success to all of the local business that support body neutrality and fat liberation. I will say this, I tried my best and still am. I ended up in a very dark place and did what I could to survive. I never meant to hurt anyone or be a harm to the community but I will not say those things aren't true and those feelings arent valid. I am sorry. I was out of touch and not communicating well. Not then or ever did I mean harm to the staff and again, I take full responsibility and apologize for the hurt I caused.
I have not paid the staff owed wages and have done what I can to hurry the process along with making the best decisions I can. I will be sending each one a cashiers check by certified mail, today I requested the addresses to do so and I did receive them today. Slowly but surely I am reaching out to everyone to send payments and communicate on funds. Each day I am able to do a little more but my body and mind have a lot of limits right now.
I just completed a 5 week outpatient program and will soon be starting another 6 month program to help me learn how to deal with a lot that I didn't even know what was going on with my body. With new diagnosis and medication I am feeling hopeful. I have more tools thanks to these programs and I am not trying to make excuses. My husbands cancer and surgery after all the struggles of taking on a wild business like Fat Fancy was too much pressure for me to handle.
I am so thankful for all the goodbyes on Saturday. I will miss you all so much. One day I hope I am able to continue to do more but for now I need to focus on staying here and making right with everyone as much as possible.
I am sorry. I love you all.
Erica
