Opening my first store during the pandemic was the spiritual awakening I needed
Covid’s crunch resulted in breakdowns and breakthroughs for J.J. Martin and her small team - but things are looking up
J.J. Martin outside her Milan boutique, La DoubleJ
Credit: Lucas Possiede
Greetings from Milan, dear Londoners. When I last wrote to you, I was locked up in a new, empty apartment, unpermitted to leave my home except to shop for groceries or medicine.
Our first Covid sanctions in Italy were stringent, very isolating and seemingly never-ending. Small companies like mine shook on their skinny little legs, many crumbling under the pressure. Yet it was also a highly creative time for me personally; the silence, newly-opened mental space and time alone gave me unprecedented access to my own inner world. My meditation, spiritual and energy practices flourished.