SDH150: How to Create Your Dream Product with the Co-Founders of Birdies

Have you noticed a need for the product in your daily life for decades? Are you tired of waiting for someone else to create it? Do you want to be that person? The Co-founders of Birdies, Marisa Sharkey and Bianca Gates, took action against this constant void that they faced. For them it was a fashionable pair of slippers that they could wear around the house, entertain in, or wear in other people's houses. They were tired of having to go barefoot, having to wear their socks, or slippers more designed for their pj's. They wanted something that wouldn't compromise their stylish outfits, but also compliment their lives as working mothers on the go. Upon finding that other women felt the same, and seeing that no one had really addressed this problem,  they gave their idea a go. The two began to think about what they wanted in a slipper, and wanted more than just a cute slipper. They wanted to create a slipper with arch support to create a smooth transition from heel or hard flat to home, and slippers that conformed to their body temperatures. To adhere to the latter, most of their styles come with the option of being quilted or faux shearling lined. Neither Marisa or Bianca came from a entrepreneurial or manufacturing background. But by working their networks, and watching YouTube videos on how to make shoes, they were able to make their dream shoe into a reality. Almost every woman introduced to the shoe love it, and through word of mouth, their business sky rocketed and they realized they had a sustainable and successful business on their hands. Sit and relax as you hear more about their Bianca and Marisa's story! In this episode you will... Know how to explicitly tailor your product to match what you want and what your customers need Learn how to grow your business organically Understand when to jump on business opportunities Figure out how to ask for help when you really need it Know how to be specific with your 'asks' Find out how to evolve your revenue model with your growing business INSIGHTS "The idea was never to make this into the company that it is today at the trajectory that we see this on. It was mainly, 'Can we solve the problem that we have experienced'...and what would that look like." - Bianca Gates "We are the target customer; so why don't we develop this for ourselves " -Bianca Gates "We've recognized pretty quickly that there is a huge void in the market place....Now that there is a solution, women realize...that there is a problem...and thank you for solving this." - Bianca Gates "It was real authentic people liking the brand... [and] product, and feeling like it helped them in their day-to-day moments at home...it's the story that people are really putting out there... [and] it's a story that we love." -Marisa Sharkey "When you get specific with your 'asks', people really do want to help; but you have to help them help you." -Marisa Sharkey RESOURCES Birdies Slippers Website Birdies Slippers Facebook Birdies Slippers Instagram Birdies Slippers Twitter Birdies Slippers Pinterest