Why We Downsized Our Shop — and What’s Next

When Garin and I started The Broken Ears, our goal was to support small businesses — especially those owned by Deaf and Hard of Hearing makers — and to create a shop filled with meaningful, thoughtful goods. Every item had a story, and we hoped the shop would become a space for connection and purpose.

For a while, it really was a beautiful dream to chase. But the truth is, running a gift shop takes a lot — time, energy, and steady support. And as much as we believed in it, the orders didn’t come in the way we hoped. We also found ourselves pulled in other directions, with less time and energy for creating content or showing up consistently online.

So, we made the tough decision to step back and close the shop.

At first, we thought that was the end. But while I was building this new website, a friend gently planted an idea — what if we brought back in a smaller, more intentional way? Just a cozy little market with a few things we already use and love?

That felt like something we could say yes to.

And so, The Broken Ears Market found a new life here on SarahReighley.com. It's no longer a gift shop  — just a small, heartfelt part of what we do. You'll find a handful of handpicked items, chosen with care, alongside blog posts, recipes, and glimpses of our everyday life,

It’s a softer season for us. Slower, simpler, and a better fit for where we are right now.

Thank you for cheering us on — whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are just finding us now. We’re so glad you’re here.

Take a peek at the market, and stay a while — there’s plenty of heart in this little corner.