EP2. honest chats
STARTING A LIFESTYLE PRODUCT LABEL
With Pippa Oostergetel from Squeak Design
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Right here, Right now..
Intro please..
In this episode we talk to product founder Pippa Oostergetel, from Squeak Design. We dive deep into why manufacturer relationships are so important. How to start working with an overseas manufacturer and How to prepare for some big mistakes that will invariably happen to all product based businesses at one point or another.
ABOUT SQUEAK
After graduating from her degree in textile design, Pippa scored a coveted job role as designer for kitchen and homewares company, designing prints for products like bed linen, tea towels and aprons. However after a couple of years something was blatantly obvious - she was very bored in her current role.
Pippa wanted to explore all parts of her brain and enter more of a dynamic style of working. Opening her product based business ‘Squeak Design’ in 2013 as an initial side hustle, then it moved into full time shortly after.
After a decade in business, Squeak Design continues to offer luxury lifestyle and fashion products that capture the layered and beautiful water colour designs that Pippa creates by hand.
THE GOLDEN NUGGETS
What fantastic learnings from that conversation with such an experienced product founder. The biggest takeaways from this episode that I picked up were that
You need to initially seek out multiple manufacturers that can make your products, ask lots of questions and gauge their communication timelines and style.
Building a relationship with a manufacturer takes time but is so important. Make sure you are building this relationship right away.
Have some savings put away from the beginning to counteract any bulk production mistakes or mishaps.
Test and trial different products suited to your market before buying in large quantities. You might just find out there’s more to think about with that product than you first thought, after some market research.
Just start! To gain market research and true customer feedback, you need something to offer. Keep improving your product each production run. Also making the benefits of a small run even more important.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Our Facebook Community - The Product Founders Inner Circle
Squeak Design Website - SHOP HERE
Squeak Design on Instagram - @Squeakdesign
More about Pippa - pippaoostergetel.com
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