About two weeks ago we proactively released that we were behind on our payouts but also had a plan of action to correct the situation. We have been transparent and open to a fault. Not only was our transparency twisted by the media, but by a group of bullies who flare up any time they see me either falter or achieve some small success.

​

Over the last two weeks we have scrambled to put together resources and a plan to be able to move forward. We were prepared to continue through an amazing holiday season that would have done the bulk of the work to pay everyone out. Over the last 72 hours it has become clear that this will be an impossible task. The bullying has redoubled and now an active smear campaign (including an 87 page manifesto) has been launched asking people not to shop at Maine Micro Artisans and detailing all of my supposed wrongs. We spent Thanksgiving with our phones turned off and ignoring emails after receiving a disgusting amount of horrific communication including mob-mentality name calling and open threats. Two different people made open comments that I deserve to die. For being behind in payouts, I deserve to lose my life? What the actual?

 

The amount and nature of personal attacks have crossed into new territory and we feel it is no longer safe for us to continue - not safe to have our children or employees in the stores. Our website chat was spammed; our Google reviews plastered with one star reviews from people who we've never dealt with.

 

We can recover from small business obstacles - we were prepared to do whatever was necessary - sleeping on the floor and not seeing my family for weeks - we were digging deep to get through this and we had high hopes. What we cannot dig out of or abide by is a situation where we are physically, mentally or emotionally in danger. I have made no bones about the extreme toll this has all taken on my mental health. It is my firm belief that Rebecca Emmons (Nerdcore), Sam Camino (Shenanigans by Sam) and Andrea Tiefert (Creating Maine) took this opportunity to lead a crusade that they believe personally damages me; unfortunately, it doesn't - bankruptcy is unpleasant but an easier out for Michael & I than what the next month ever would have held for us. What it does mean for everyone else is that the handful of assets we have - which are not many! - will be liquidated and used to pay the largest creditors first. We have no control over this. We were keenly aware that our makers would be at the bottom of the bankruptcy list which is why we fought so hard to avoid it. Unfortunately, with the recent increase in abuse, the relentless, continuing chargebacks and the compromises to our safety and health, this now remains our only option.

 

The public should know that 195 of our makers (2/3) chose to stay with us. If that isn't a testament to the truth of the situation and our commitment to our makers I don't know what is. These people have believed in us and knew we'd make it right. The forces now at work aren't damaging us the most, we can and will personally recover, they are damaging their maker community. These are the people who will now have to wait through bankruptcy instead of having their payouts by Christmas. Without a plan forward employees who were owed won't be able to maintain the payment plan we provided and our last employee lost his job yesterday.

 

The potential that this community has when it chooses to rise up together for good is amazing! On the flip side, though, the destruction that the community can bring when it is determined to hurt someone is horrific. I'd like to say that I'm sad to step away but to be frank, dealing with this continual abuse while also trying to build something inclusive and positive in this retail climate is impossible. It is already hard enough to be a small business. Trying to push forward surrounded by people actively trying to damage you is impossible.

 

We spent almost three years of our lives dedicated to the community around us. We lifted up our neighbors. We have chances, took risks and made some really big things happen. Those memories, those positive contributions are what I will choose to take away from this. It is my sincere hope that Maine Micro Artisans touched your life in some positive way. Maybe it challenged you to leave your comfort zone, maybe it launched you, maybe it presented new friendships and connections.

 

We love you and appreciate you.

Mary & Mike