SONIA G update

Before I start with this update, I want to thank you again for your continuous support and your kind comments. In such journeys, passion, motivation, and determination are obviously required but, without the support that such a community fuels continuously it would not go that far! I know that we are a small community but how precious! I wake up everyday full of gratitude and I couldn’t be happier to be where I am today!

2020

So, 2020… what a year. For sure, covid had a clear impact on our ongoing projects, some projects have been delayed, others put on stand-by for the moment. The “work from home” will not apply to the Artisans who need their ateliers and components to create pieces. If the schools are closed then there is another challenge, to find someone or be there to take care of their children, therefore they couldn’t always go to work. Some providers or companies closed, either partially or temporarily, the parcels (prototypes, etc), were stuck in transit and I couldn’t fly there to help the development go faster.

It was a difficult year for so many, sales have been impacted locally as many shops and boutiques were closed and tourism was also paused. In spite of all the challenges, we were still able to work, to continue production, as far as I know, no jobs have been lost around the people that I directly know, but obviously I don’t know the overall impact and what will happen in 2021.

It did impact us also in many ways but we are ok and this is the most important thing. I hope that you are ok too!

Now I am going to share a few updates, so you have an idea of what is happening and if you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

KEYAKI brush set

With regards to the set being Limited Edition, I confirm this set will not come back, it was a difficult set, it took a lot of time and effort so I confirm that once the current stock is gone, it won’t come back.
You asked me in the comments if it was possible to have the Mini Base in the permanent collection, I don’t know today if this will happen, it’s a possibility, but I don’t know at this stage.

I read several comments about the handles, I confirm, the handles on these Keyaki brushes are short, actually in Japan it’s quite common to have brushes with shorter handles. Here are some other Fude for reference, if you have any of these brushes you can see more of less how the length differs:

This Keyaki is a set that you can use at home if you are comfortable with short handles and it’s a set that can be easily carried in smaller bags or pouches. I saw many people storing dirty brushes directly in their handbags, so, if the brush is short, lightweight and not bulky, it makes it easily portable in the smallest pouches and this was exactly the idea.

I thought that it would be really nice to have something small, yet functional and beautiful at the same time. Although I prefer longer handles, I always missed a touch up set that I could do everything with, without having to think what make-up I had on that day or having to match the brushes accordingly.

I also saw a lot of nice comments with regards to the price of the set. This set has a indeed a very good price and it’s not because the handles are short- they were complex to make and definitely not cheap. It’s also not related to the quality of the components or the manufacturing, these brushes are absolutely the same as longer handle brushes. The reasons why the price is quite interesting is more related to the initial quantity ordered, which helped to have a better price per brush. Also, we wanted to do something special for 2020 and do our very best to make this set more reachable in terms of sales price. It has been a difficult year for everybody and if getting this set helps brighten somehow our souvenir of 2020, it would really be absolutely amazing, even if it is in the tiniest way 🙂

To the Moon and Back Towel

I am so happy that so many of you loved this illustration!! The questions I saw were mainly to confirm if this is a limited edition release. In terms of illustration and colors of the microfiber, yes it is definitely limited.

Cranes over Mt Fuji Holder

The last shipment of the initial order should arrive sometime in January and since there was a lot of demand, we asked for a few more pieces but the manufacturing is so long that there are only a few of them and it’s for Spring 2021. Then no more will arrive.

Face One and Soft Cheek Restock

These two brushes are planned for January 2021, providing all goes well. The reason why it took so long was due to availability of bristles with a similar quality- this impacts all the brushes with longer saikoho bristles. These brushes are now made by a different manufacturer- we’re starting only with two and then we see how it goes. I will share additional information soon.

Face Pro, Master Face, Inochige Pro Restock

They are on stand-by, no date for the moment. This doesn’t mean they will be discontinued. When I find that they can be made with similar quality they will come back.

If you are a Fude lover (brush lover), you may already know that prices are increasing in the Fude world, while quality and availability is likely to decrease since the demand is so high today.

Pouch collection Launch

I confirm it’s coming soon. Shipment is ongoing at the moment and we are aiming for a January release providing all goes well.

As soon as I can I will share all the details. The good news is that they are made in Japan by artisans but unfortunately, they are also aligned with artisan-made prices. I sincerely hope you will love the designs, the quality and the functionality!

Base One Restock

It’s in production, I don’t know when it will be back in stock as it is taking long but it is ongoing. Some brushes take a long time to make and it is due to many factors, I am not even sure this would be interesting for you to know but I can share more in the future if you would like me to.

Permanent Walnut brush holder

It’s in production but I don’t know when it will be completed. It was planned for January but today I am not certain they can meet this deadline. The artisan behind this piece is also making the Cranes over Mt Fuji and he is quite busy with both… I will inform you on Instagram as soon as I have a confirmed an availability date or window.

2021

I am so thrilled that you ask me about new projects and brushes planned for 2021! There are several projects ongoing for 2021 but it’s too soon to talk about them. We will see how everything evolves but I am happy to see that things that weren’t possible one or two years ago, become possible with time so this open new doors and it’s so exciting!

Being able to travel again would be amazing but I don’t think it will happen that soon. I have booked the hotel in Hiroshima for September so who knows… if it’s safe to travel I will be there!

We are also working on a dedicated Sonia G website, where you will find all the information regarding the brushes and lots of helpful pictures and details.

I wish you all a very peaceful, healthy, joyful and successful 2021, I hope we will be able to travel, to discover new places, enjoy them at a whole new level and to spend more time with our loved ones!