There is a trail in North Carolina that spans the state from Clingmans Dome in the Smokies to Jockey's Ridge on the Outer Banks. It is called the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) and this month the trail turns 43. The MST has a special place in my heart as it is where I discovered my love for trail running about 9 years ago. The section that runs through my hometown of Asheville goes from Mt. Pisgah to Mt. Mitchell. There is even a crazy little “fun run” that local trail runners affectionately call Pitchell where they run from Mt. Pisgah to Mt. Mitchell along the trail in one shot - some 60+ miles with over 15,000ft elevation gain! I however, stick to running & hiking shorter distances on it! Sections of the MST are lovingly maintained and cared for by various folks through the non profit Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea. What does this have to do with Blyss? Well, one of our Trail Skirts is named after this glorious trail and we are doing something special in honor of the MST's 43rd birthday.
I still believe Blyss could be wildly successful and big with the right funding and leadership, but at this point in my life I'm not comfortable with taking that financial risk nor am I excited about leading a big company. I truly like knowing each of my customers and had hoped to be able to remain small and successful.