When we began 2020, full of plans and resolutions, we couldn’t have predicted a global pandemic and the many challenges we experienced this year. In January, I certainly didn’t anticipate that by April we would all be baking sourdough bread and Zooming into happy hours. It’s been a year full of surprises.

While there were moments of joy and clarity this year, for many of us 2020 felt like an inexhaustible onslaught of grim or disturbing news, as disease counts rose and we confronted some hard truths around our nation’s societal challenges. However, I realize that the collective experience of surviving 2020 underscores that, even in the face of what divides us, we share a common human experience.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t offer my deepest thanks to the countless people working in healthcare and frontline jobs. Those men and women who bravely put on a mask and helped those who needed it, cared for our sick, taught our children, and ensured that we could still buy our groceries. I also want to offer my admiration and respect to the many people who spoke their truths and opened our eyes to systemic injustices that so many face in this great nation. I’d also be remiss if I ignored that for so many, this year was an unfathomable challenge. I want to send our team’s love and thoughts to all of you.

Through all of this, I’m grateful. I’m grateful for the spirit of togetherness, creativity, and kindness we witnessed time and again. I’m grateful to have you as a part of our family. And I’m grateful for your patience as we navigated these strange and murky waters.

I hope everyone is having a safe and relaxing holiday. We are so honored to have your trust and partnership. Here’s to a hopeful 2021.

Lee Mayer

Havenly CEO & Founder