So for those who don’t know, my name is Fiona Hennessy. I run Elsa’s Hockey on my own bar my underground few of 2 or 3 who help me when I struggle. Oh and my suppliers and support network which, lets be honest no matter what we do and regardless if we pay them or not, still help our everyday function.
I am STILL the smallest Ice Hockey Company in the World. When I mean Companies I mean Bauer, CCM ect. Im making products that they are. Not just T-shirts and stuff like lots of smaller Companies do. I create a product that people feedback that they feel helps them play the game they love.
In 2018 I had went through a major trauma that was entirely self inflicted and I felt like I didn’t want to have anything anymore. I also lost a huge financial sum with import issues that snowballed from a shipment coming damaged and I never got an insurance pay out from it as no part of the chain would take responsibility. It was a very very expensive lesson.
2019 started with me wanting to quit Elsa’s Hockey.
So when 2019 started I spent days in bed. I came up with the final design for the Chausski in bed. This is the truth. I worked from bed yet most of me wanted to crawl up into a ball and die.
Once I did leave the house I went back to hockey regularly after 7 years of just going once every 3 to 4 months. I joined what started out as pretty much a team full of strangers thanks to my good friend Iain being the only person I knew on the team introducing me.
Being back at Hockey helped my anxiety and depression but also my productivity.
I came up with over 40 designs and ideas this year even though only less than 10 saw the surface.
Things were not perfect. I screwed up with delivery times, had production issues, made errors in judgement not only on products but people too. It doesn’t always work. I also have sadly have not given 100% customer service at times and that is something important to me which I need to work on and achieve.
Things started to change after my birthday when I decided I wanted to just sit there and be alone to work out what I wanted not just from Elsa’s Hockey but also from my own life and theres also where I started to see where I could move forward and also add more positive things to my life.
2019 is ending actually the best year for Elsa’s Hockey. Personally I have struggled and I have had to fight my way back from the brink, but I have kept going back to this creation of mine and I suppose my subconscious wouldn’t let me quit.
Ok, so 2020 is going to be a huge year and I will be adding AND sacking folk from my life. Its ok to disconnect, if its not working, its not working and its time to step up with people who want to work with me that we can grow together.
I do need to say some thanks….
These are in no real order but you all amazing.
Ayr Lancers – Giving me chance just off Iain’s recommendation. You have stuck by me and as you have been told you will never know how much you helped me.
Kilmarnock Piranhas – Not been a Fish long but again been accepted and brought into the fold.
Scott H, Brian M, Scott C, Matt and Rab – Thank you to you and the Demons, Sharks, North Ayrshire, Summer Classic and Blackhawks for again letting me along to the Tournaments and games. Not only business but friendship wise you are brilliant.
Nicky, Adam and Jamie from 4000 and Counting for doing something special and letting me be involved in supporting it.
Paul and Brian from PowerPlay Hockey for reaching out and wanting to make hockey more fun. Hey look, we even seem to be on the same Team now ha!
Paul, Adam and David – You have became such close friends and I cannot thank you enough. You are all Saints.
Colin Grubb – You have again let me be involved in your school and letting Elsa’s Hockey be a part of that.
Ian and Pauline – You are amazing. Love You.
Humberto and Arron – Amazing souls and I wish you nothing but love and happiness.
Wor Dave & Animal – I don’t even know how to reciprocate anything that you helped me with this year or any year. 2020 will be a busy year for us all and I cannot wait for more adventures.
These are individual thank yous, but Elsa’s Hockey and also everything I do is nothing without the support of Family, Friends, Customers and Followers. Please know that I am thankful for you all and Im still blown away everyday that strangers want what I create.
Have an amazing New Year and lets all smash 2020.