01/08/2014
I want to quickly send a letter of thanks to those who have posted messages and stories, written letters, and published tributes to Ziezo over the past couple weeks.
I assure you, I do not deserve all the credit.
I was the captain, but it was always the crew that was invaluable.
I provided the space, the tone, the encouragement, and the endurance.
I also bought the goods, opened the mail, paid the bills, secured the bank loans, negotiated the credit card interest, fenced gobs of daily emails, updated budgets, reconciled bank statements and generally burdened a lot of the not so fun stuff.
I depended on the crew to pay attention to detail, take initiative, and to never pass judgement on anyone who walked in the door. The rules were simple: be on time, be pleasant while on the sales floor, keep an open mind, sell stuff, identify problems and try to solve them, and please dress fashionably (or at least with some spark of individuality) and represent the iconic ideal of the store.
I think, after reading some of your stories and sentiments, that the store took on a (fashionably) organic life of it's own. There was a distinctive energy source within the walls of Ziezo. It was a combined effect of the product we sold, the displays we created, the music we played, the remarkable people who worked there, and the extraordinary diversity of our clientele that allowed us the privilege to see into other peoples worlds.
It's wonderful to have been a part of something that has influenced, effected, and touched so many people. It is clear that Ziezo provided not only a much needed start to a revolutionary fashion movement in the early 80's but also created a sort of conduit that magically linked people together providing lifelong friendships, alliances, treasured experiences, and memories. This is invaluable.
As I try to recall everyone whose worked for me over the past 32+ years, I find myself smiling, smirking, grinning, grimacing, and laughing a lot. Most people who came to work in the shop stayed for long periods of time so I got to know them well. Some I couldn't seem to get rid of. A few I tried to fire, but they talked me out of it. Others I thought I had fired, but they would show up for work the next day making me feel like I was crazy. Everyone, for the most part, who worked there helped to shape and mold what the store was. Most of them are my friends today.
Many of you who wrote such prolific tales about the store worked there or were a part of it in some way, be it a regular customer, a neighbor, someone who walked in and wasn't expecting the experience they received, friends of employees who frequented our amazing parties, independent designers that needed a place to sell their stuff.
Thank you all for taking the time to write such lovely letters about how the store made an impression on you in so many ways. It makes me feel like I served a purpose and I had my hand in something very special.
Over and Out,
Carol
