The Sourcing Gals

“Made in China” has become a loaded phrase — but is the reputation actually accurate?In this episode, Erin and Jackie unpack the biggest misconceptions around manufacturing in China and explain why it remains one of the most powerful tools for building a scalable, profitable product business.They share firsthand experience working with factories over the past two decades and break down what China actually does better than anywhere else — from speed and efficiency to innovation and infrastructure.They also address the common concerns founders have around ethics, quality, and communication, and explain how much of the fear is rooted in misinformation rather than reality.If you’ve been hesitant to explore overseas manufacturing, this episode will give you a much clearer, more informed perspective.

Everyone talks about “minimum viable product” — but in the physical product world, it’s often completely misunderstood.In this episode, Erin and Jackie break down what an MVP actually is, how it applies to product-based businesses, and why so many founders get stuck overbuilding before they ever launch.They explain the difference between simplifying your product and compromising your brand — and why your first version should still be high quality, fully functional, and representative of your brand.Through real examples from jewelry, apparel, and their own businesses, they walk through how to launch faster, learn from your customers, and build smarter over time.If you’ve been stuck perfecting your product before getting it into the market, this episode will help you finally move forward — the right way.

Indecision might feel harmless — but in a product business, it’s one of the most expensive mistakes you can make.In this episode, Erin and Jackie break down how hesitation, overthinking, and delayed decisions quietly drain your time, money, and momentum.From dragging out product development timelines to missing key market windows, they’ve seen firsthand how founders lose thousands simply by not moving fast enough.They also share why indecision often shows up as “being thoughtful” or “waiting until it’s perfect” — and how to shift into confident, forward-moving action instead.If you’ve ever felt stuck, second-guessed your decisions, or delayed a launch, this episode will give you the push (and perspective) you need to move.

If your factory just came back with higher pricing… you’re not alone.In this episode, Erin and Jackie break down why product costs go up — and why they almost never come back down.From raw material spikes and global events to inflation, labor increases, and supply chain shifts, they explain what’s actually driving these changes (and why it’s not personal).More importantly, they walk through what you can do about it — from material swaps and construction changes to pricing strategy, margin planning, and how to have smarter conversations with your factory.If you’re building a product-based business, this is a reality you will face. The goal isn’t to avoid it — it’s to understand it and manage it strategically.

Have you ever placed your first bulk order and wondered if you were doing it right?In this episode, Erin and Jackie break down what it really means to “nail” your first production run — and why it’s not about going big, moving fast, or maximizing profit right out of the gate.Instead, your first bulk order should be treated as a test-and-learn phase — one that validates your product, your factory, your customer, and your entire business model before you scale.From sampling mistakes to inventory overload, margin missteps to missed quality checks, they walk through exactly how to approach your first order in a way that protects your cash, builds confidence, and sets you up for long-term success.If you’re about to place your first PO (or thinking about it), this episode will save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

What started as a podcast has turned into something much bigger.In this episode, Erin and Jackie pull back the curtain on how The Sourcing Gals evolved from education to a full-service product development agency — and the unexpected pivots that got them there.Over the past year, they’ve tested, tinkered, and refined their business model in real time — from launching digital courses, to consulting, to building a done-for-you “Gold Glove” service that helps founders bring products to life.They share what worked, what didn’t, and the key insight that changed everything: founders don’t just need information — they need execution.If you’ve ever wondered how to evolve your business, follow demand, or build something scalable from scratch, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at exactly how it happens.

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately thought, I don’t belong here?In this episode, Erin and Jackie explore the idea that the rooms you choose to enter can shape your business, confidence, and future more than almost anything else.They break down the three types of rooms that can change your trajectory: the Learning Room, the Collaboration Room, and the Courage Room. Each one plays a different role in personal and professional growth — from expanding your knowledge, to building powerful relationships, to doing the uncomfortable things that push you into your next level.Through personal stories and real-life examples, Erin and Jackie share how stepping into the right rooms has shaped their careers, opened unexpected opportunities, and helped them grow both personally and professionally.If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong somewhere — this episode might just be the sign that you’re exactly where you need to be.

Most founders default to email for efficiency—and it works for day-to-day operations. But written communication keeps relationships transactional, while voice builds the trust and rapport that gets you through challenges and unlocks better terms. This episode breaks down exactly when to pick up the phone with your manufacturer, how to use calls strategically (not constantly), and what you can achieve when you shift from transactional to relational. If you've been hesitant to call because you're not quick on your feet, Erin shares why that's actually okay—and when it's worth doing it anyway.

Most product founders assume they need to build a full brand around their idea—Instagram handle, website, inventory management, the works. But if you've developed patented technology or a proprietary component, there's another path: licensing your IP to established brands with existing distribution channels. This approach lets you leverage your invention without the overhead of building a consumer-facing business. The key is understanding when licensing makes sense and how to structure deals that protect your technology while creating ongoing royalty streams.

Most founders fight over nickels at 500 units—but that aggressive negotiation could cost them thousands when they land their first wholesale account. The truth is, factories are investing in you at low MOQs, absorbing sample fees and setup costs with the hope you'll scale. Push too hard too early, and you'll burn your trump card when you actually need it. This episode breaks down exactly when to negotiate pricing and when to hold back—based on decades of experience launching products at Abercrombie & Fitch and working with factories worldwide.

Most product-based founders read business books but don't apply them strategically. Erin and Jackie share how specific books transformed their manufacturing approach, client relationships, and daily operations—from hiring offshore help for the cost of a Starbucks to structuring businesses for scale. These aren't theoretical concepts; they're frameworks both founders actively use to avoid costly mistakes and build sustainable brands.

Most founders agonize over their brand name for months—but they're asking the wrong questions. The real issue isn't finding a "perfect" name; it's understanding the difference between naming a hero product versus a brand with multiple SKUs, and knowing which barriers (domains, handles, trademarks) actually matter. Jackie and Erin break down the exact framework they used to name brands at Abercrombie & Fitch and their own companies—including the names they almost launched with and why they changed course.

"Buying every SKU at the same MOQ—that's not your strategy. That's a vendor constraint." [03:57]Most product founders think hitting MOQ on every item is the safest path. But Mary Wiegand, who spent 10+ years managing inventory at Target, Tiffany & Co., and Victoria's Secret, reveals why this approach creates lumpy inventory and cash flow problems. In this episode, she breaks down the three lead times you're probably missing, the safety stock formula that prevents panic orders, and why tracking revenue instead of unit velocity is costing you money. If you've ever run out of stock during a promotion or air-freighted inventory because you miscalculated timing, this conversation will change how you plan.Why buying every SKU to the same MOQ creates inventory you can't sell [03:57]The three lead times you must track: fabric, production, and transit [09:35]How to calculate safety stock buffers without over-ordering [20:26]Why realistic lead times beat "best case scenario" planning every time [08:03]Why unit velocity per SKU matters more than total revenue [10:49]How to track trends using the last 2-4 weeks of sales data [10:49]The marketing inputs that affect demand: ads, influencers, events [11:59]Why carrying promotional spikes forward destroys cash flow [16:50]How to adjust size curves based on actual sales (not assumptions) [22:31]Why tank tops sold smaller sizes than other styles—and what that reveals [22:31]When it's okay to consciously choose an out-of-stock period [08:50]The replenishment log that tells you when to reorder before you run out [30:21]Inventory Planning Starter KitBoon’s Inventory Planning Starter Kit is a beginner-friendly toolkit for early-stage retail brands, designed to help founders plan inventory, track cash flow, and place smarter orders — without expensive software or a finance background. Normally $179, Sourcing Gals listeners get $50 off with code SOURCINGGALS.https://boon-llc.com/starter-kit02:58 - What inventory management actually means for product founders03:57 - The biggest mistake: buying every SKU at MOQ08:03 - The three lead times most founders miss09:35 - How to calculate realistic reorder timing10:49 - Why unit velocity beats revenue tracking11:59 - Marketing inputs that affect your demand forecast16:50 - Why promotional spikes shouldn't carry forward20:26 - Safety stock vs. lead time buffers explained22:31 - Adjusting size curves based on real sales data24:11 - Inventory management is like going to the gym30:21 - The five Excel tools in Boon's Starter Kit🎯 JOIN THE FOUNDERS CIRCLE ($27/mo):Go beyond the podcast. Get direct access to Jackie and Erin, dive deeper on every episode, and connect with founders who are actively building apparel and accessories brands.👉 https://www.thesourcinggals.com/founders-circle🧭 FIND YOUR PATH: Take the Founder Type Quiz to discover your custom roadmap👉 https://www.thesourcinggals.com/The-Smart-Start-Method📚 Enroll in Our Smarter Sourcing Course (the system we used to launch 100s of products)👉 https://www.thesourcinggals.com/smarter-sourcing👭 ABOUT THE SOURCING GALS:We spent 40+ years launching products at Abercrombie & Fitch, BaubleBar, and other billion-dollar retailers. Now we're giving you the exact tools, factory connections, and negotiation scripts we used—without the $100K agency price tag.How to Build a Smarter Initial Buy StrategyThe Metrics That Actually Drive Inventory DecisionsMaking Adjustments When Reality Hits Your PlanChapter Timestamps:

In this episode, Erin and Jackie break down one of the most overlooked reasons products go wrong in manufacturing: communication. Drawing from decades of hands-on sourcing experience, they explain why most factory issues aren’t production failures — they’re messaging failures — and how founders can dramatically improve outcomes by communicating with clarity, structure, and intention.You’ll learn how to work effectively with overseas factories across time zones and language barriers, how to give feedback that actually gets executed, and when it’s worth hopping on a call instead of sending yet another email.If you’ve ever thought, “That’s not what I asked for” when a sample arrived — this episode is for you.Why over 50% of factory mistakes stem from miscommunication, not capabilityHow written communication (email, WhatsApp, WeChat) changes meaning across culturesWhy factories execute what you say — not what you meanThe importance of one email per day and keeping everything in a single threadHow filler words like “try” and “just” create confusionUsing bullet points, color-coded replies, and visuals to eliminate ambiguityHow to give sample feedback that’s clear, actionable, and respectfulWhen to pick up the phone (or jump on WeChat) to save days of back-and-forthCultural nuances in communication styles across regionsWhy consistency and documentation protect both you and the factory“Factories don’t fail you — communication does.”“Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”If you didn’t write it down, it didn’t happen.Key Topics CoveredMemorable TakeawaysCheck out Accio – Source your product with the power of AIEnjoy 10% off Accio.com with code THESOURCINGGALSThe Founder's Circle – 🎯 JOIN THE FOUNDERS CIRCLE ($27/mo):Go beyond the podcast. Get direct access to Jackie and Erin, dive deeper on every episode, and connect with founders who are actively building apparel and accessories brands.👉 https://www.thesourcinggals.com/founders-circleCommunity Mention

What really happens behind the scenes at a global sourcing trade show — and how can product founders use it to their advantage?In this episode, Erin and Jackie sit down with Pinar Van de Vegt, Head of Sales & Events for Informa Markets, to pull back the curtain on SOURCING by Informa. With over 20 years of experience producing large-scale sourcing and manufacturing events, Pinar shares how founders can confidently attend sourcing shows to meet factories, compare partners, and accelerate their product journey — without needing to exhibit or place an order.This conversation is designed for emerging and growing brands who want real, practical guidance on finding manufacturers, navigating the show floor, and building relationships that actually lead to production success.

Many founders struggle with choosing between overseas and nearshore manufacturing without understanding the real tradeoffs. The "made in USA" appeal often leads entrepreneurs to make costly decisions based on emotion rather than economics. Nearshoring offers strategic advantages that go beyond patriotism—from lower minimums to better intellectual property protection—but these benefits come with nuanced trade-offs that most first-time founders miss. Understanding the true economics of where your product is made can be the difference between a sustainable business and a failed launch.Try Nearshored.ai today by clicking here. Don't forget to use coupon code VIP3M25 for 25% off your first three months!

Quality issues can devastate even the most carefully planned product launches, costing founders thousands in remakes, shipping expedites, and lost sales. What most first-time entrepreneurs don't realize is that production problems aren't just about bad factories—they're about missing critical checkpoints that professional brands build into every production cycle. The difference between panicking and having a strategic solution isn't luck—it's implementing the same quality assurance systems billion-dollar retailers use before products ever leave the factory.

In this special year-end episode of The Sourcing Gals, we reflect on what this past year has truly been about—building our business, shedding old identities, and discovering the power of community for product-based founders.We share behind-the-scenes stories from our first full year of podcasting, the transition from corporate careers into entrepreneurship, and how listening to our audience helped us uncover a major gap in the product sourcing and manufacturing space.In This Episode, We Cover:What it really took to build and sustain a podcast and business in year oneThe emotional and professional “shedding” that defined this year (the Year of the Snake)Letting go of corporate conditioning, scarcity thinking, and self-doubtWhy community became the most important—and unexpected—part of our workHow founders supporting founders accelerates clarity and confidenceWhat’s next as we move into the Year of the Horse, focused on momentum and purposeful growthFrom Shedding to MomentumThis year mirrored the energy of the Snake—not breaking, but growing.As we look ahead to the Horse, we’re shifting into forward motion, courage, and building together instead of alone.That realization led us to our next chapter.🤍 Introducing: The Founder’s CircleWe’re excited to announce the launch of The Founder’s Circle, a private Facebook community for product-based founders.Inside the community:-Monthly live Q&A calls with us-Access to templates, scripts, and practical tools-Ongoing discussion and support throughout the month-A space for founders at all stages to learn from and support one anotherJOIN US TODAY!🗓 Doors open January 1🎤 First live Q&A: January 28Link to Manifesting Episode of Dear GabbyA Final NoteIf you’re building a product-based business and feeling stuck, uncertain, or alone—this episode is your reminder that clarity comes faster in community. Thank you for being part of our journey this year. We can’t wait to build what’s next—with you.

In this special Q&A episode, Erin and Jackie tackle the most common (and most confusing) questions from product founders—like what to send factories, how to evaluate quotes, and when a product is truly ready for production. Get straight answers and insider tips every maker needs to hear.

In this episode of The Sourcing Gals, Erin and Jackie sit down with Amanda Rango, founder of ARD Fashion Consulting, to talk about what it really takes to build a fashion brand that’s thoughtful, strategic, and built to last.Amanda brings a rare blend of creative direction and operational clarity to the fashion industry, helping founders move from idea to execution with intention. Together, we dive into the early decisions that shape a brand’s future—from positioning and development to scaling sustainably without losing your vision.This conversation is especially helpful for product-based founders who feel overwhelmed by the number of decisions they’re “supposed” to get right early on—and want reassurance that clarity, not perfection, is what actually moves the needle.How to think strategically about brand and product from day oneCommon mistakes fashion founders make early—and how to avoid themWhy clarity and systems matter more than chasing trendsHow founders can set themselves up for sustainable growthThe importance of aligning product, brand, and business goalsARD Fashion Consulting Website: https://ard-consulting.comFollow Amanda on Instagram: @ardfashionconsultingConnect on LinkedIn: Amanda RangoARD Fashion Founders Checklist (mentioned in the episode)3-Month The Sourcing Gals Intensive:👉 https://www.thesourcinggals.com/offers/orBsjA79/checkoutAmanda Rango is the founder of ARD Fashion Consulting, where she helps emerging and established fashion brands build with purpose, structure, and long-term vision. Her work bridges creativity and strategy—guiding founders through brand development, product decisions, and operational clarity so they can grow confidently and sustainably.

Free shipping can be a customer magnet—or a margin killer. In this episode, Erin and Jackie unpack when offering free shipping makes sense, how to build it into your pricing, and why Amazon’s model doesn’t work for every brand. Learn smart strategies for protecting profits while keeping customers happy.

Packaging isn’t just a pretty box—it’s part of the product experience. But when you’re developing something new, should packaging come first or after the product is finalized? In this episode, we break down how packaging fits into the development timeline, what to prioritize early, and how to avoid costly missteps.Enjoy 10% off Accio.com with code THESOURCINGGALS

This week, we’re taking you behind the scenes of our whirlwind 36-hour trip to Washington, DC—an event that cracked open our perspectives, completely shifted our business strategy, and reminded us why getting in the right room changes everything.We share what it was really like to walk into a summit filled with powerhouse women—authors, founders, coaches, athletes, creators, and media leaders—and what we learned from being surrounded by women who are building multi-hyphenate, multi-revenue-stream lives on purpose. We get into the curated dinners (the highlight!), the uncomfortable-but-worth-it moments, the breakthroughs on thinking way bigger, and the unexpected clarity we each walked away with.We also talk about:• The exact question that cracked open Erin’s direction• Why women entrepreneurs should stop downplaying big dreams• The mindset shifts we’re making after being told directly, “You’re not thinking big enough”• Why you should go to the event even when it feels inconvenient, expensive, or premature• The subtle art of being in rooms where everyone is operating at a higher level• How this summit is shaping the future of The Sourcing GalsLinks We Mentioned (as promised):Keri Croft’s podcast episodeOur newsletter sign-upM.M. LaFleur If you’re building something, dreaming about something, or convincing yourself you’re “not ready” yet… this episode is your nudge to go bigger, think bolder, and get in the room where your next level lives.

Everyone says, “Launch online!”—but is e-commerce really the best first move for product founders? In this episode, we challenge the idea that you have to start with a website. We’ll explore when it makes sense to go big with e-commerce, and when testing, wholesale, or pop-ups might be smarter for your bottom line.Enjoy 10% off ⁠Accio.com⁠ with code THESOURCINGGALS

Launching and scaling a product-based business takes capital—but where do you find it? In this episode, we explore funding strategies from business bank accounts like Mercury to crowdfunding platforms, credit cards, grants for women-owned businesses, and more.Mercury is the banking platform we personally use (we love that there are no monthly fees or wire fees!)https://mercury.com/partner/thesourcinggals**disclosure, we are affiliate partners with Mercury and get a small commission at no cost to you

From CEO to founder, Samantha Gold knows what it takes to scale a brand with both creativity and efficiency. She takes us behind the scenes of launching Motette, her top-rated children’s pajama brand, and shares how offshore teams through Atlas Row are helping founders grow smarter without burning out. Packed with actionable advice and real-world stories, this episode will inspire you to think differently about scaling.

Choosing colors for your product isn’t just fun—it’s a critical decision that impacts cost, lead time, and consistency. In this episode, we break down what lab dips are, why brands request them, and the trade-offs of creating custom colors versus sticking with stock options.

In this episode, Erin takes us behind the scenes of her home goods brand, Earnest Home Co. From the early spark of inspiration to the challenges of running solo, she shares what worked, what didn’t, and why she ultimately chose to close shop. It’s a candid, real-world founder story about balancing creativity, growth, and sustainability.

Trademark and IP attorney Nuzayra Haque joins us to demystify the legal side of building a product-based business. From patents and trademarks to contracts and red flags with overseas manufacturers, she breaks down what founders really need to know—without the legal jargon. Whether you’re just starting or ready to scale, this episode will help you protect what you’ve worked so hard to build.

Most founders waste thousands because they start in the wrong place. In this episode, we reveal the 3 biggest early mistakes that sabotage product success — and how to avoid them with the insider foundations big brands never skip.👉 Join The Smart Start Method and turn your idea into a profit-ready plan in just 4 weeks. Limited time: $67 (regular $97). JOIN US TODAY!

What colors, textures, materials, and styles are catching our eye this season? In this episode, we chat about what’s inspiring us right now, what we’re seeing in the market, and how product founders can stay inspired and on-trend—without chasing every fad.

In this episode, we sit down with Carlyn Bushman—former corporate executive turned serial entrepreneur and founder of POP Academy. Carlyn shares her journey of building businesses from the ground up, the most common mistakes she sees women make when starting out, and her best advice for creating sustainable revenue streams. If you’re ready to step into your passion and grow smarter, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of our own product brands. We share what worked, what didn’t, the pivots we made along the way, and the lessons we’ve learned from building product-based businesses from scratch. If you want a real-world look at what it’s like to launch and grow a brand—this is it.

If we could sit down with every product founder before they started—this is what we’d tell them. In this candid conversation, we share the biggest myths, mindset shifts, and practical lessons we wish more founders understood before diving into product-based businesses. Real talk, hard truths, and a lot of encouragement—because knowing what to expect makes all the difference.

Ever wonder what really happens behind the scenes in the fashion industry? We’re spilling the tea. From sourcing fails to samples gone wrong to factory banquets we’ll never forget, this episode is packed with our funniest, most cringe-worthy moments from years in the industry. Tune in for a lighthearted look at the very real side of product development.

We’re coming to you straight from Las Vegas! In this special live episode, we recap our experience speaking at one of the biggest fashion trade shows, share behind-the-scenes moments from walking the show floor, and reflect on how far The Sourcing Gals podcast has come in such a short time. From big stages to big wins, this is a celebration of growth, grit, and the incredible community that’s been building around us.

You don’t have to hop on a plane to find a great factory partner. In this episode, we walk you through exactly how to vet and verify factories remotely—plus red flags to watch out for and questions to ask before committing. Learn how to build trust, request samples, and start relationships the smart way, no airfare required.

Viral launch with supply chain delays—or slow and steady growth? Factory ghost mid-order—or redesign your product at the last minute? In this playful episode, we challenge each other with sourcing and founder dilemmas—and share how we’d handle them. Grab your coffee and play along as we explore the fun (and sometimes tough) side of product entrepreneurship.

Should you invest in inventory—or validate demand first? In this episode, we break down the pros and cons of pre-selling versus producing up front, and how to choose the right approach for your product and audience. We’ll cover real-world examples, pre-sell strategies that work, and how to protect your cash flow when launching a new product.

Not every product idea should make it to market—and that’s not failure, that’s strategy. In this episode, we talk about how to tell when an idea isn’t viable, isn’t aligned with your brand, or isn’t worth your time and money. We’ll help you know when to pivot, when to pause, and when to let go—so you can stay focused on building products that truly move your business forward.

Ever had a product idea so exciting… but kept it to yourself out of fear, doubt, or “what ifs”? In this episode, Erin and Jackie share a surprising moment from their recent retreat that reminded them just how powerful it is to say your idea out loud. From vision boards and five-year plans to vulnerable truths about self-doubt, they’ll explore why voicing your vision is the first—and most important—step toward building the business (and life) you dream about. Whether your idea is crystal clear or still half-formed, this conversation will help you get it out of your head and into the world.

Let’s talk profit—because if you’re building a product-based business, you need a lot more than a small markup. In this episode, we break down how to calculate your initial markup (IMU), why a 70–80% margin is key to staying in business, and how to price smart from day one. If math feels intimidating, don’t worry—we’ll help you back that math up and build a business that’s designed for real profit.

If you’ve been thinking about launching your own product brand but wondering if the market is too crowded or the timing isn’t right—this episode is your sign. There has literally never been a better time to start. We’ll take you back to what sourcing and selling used to look like (hint: it involved trade shows, massive MOQs, and corporate gatekeepers)—and show you why today’s landscape is wide open for founders of all backgrounds. With global factory access, affordable digital tools, and endless ways to reach your audience, the barriers have never been lower—and the opportunity has never been bigger. If you’re ready to finally move forward, this is the mindset shift you need.Live Selling Podcast Reference Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-the-easiest-side-hustle-youre-not-doing-yet/id928159684?i=1000714332532

Did you know that where you source your product is just as important as how you source it? Certain regions of the world specialize in different types of materials, construction techniques, and pricing tiers—and choosing the right one can make or break your product. In this episode, we’ll share how we think about the global sourcing landscape, where we go for specific types of goods, and why it matters so much to match your product with the right region. Whether you’re sourcing cotton dresses, leather handbags, swimwear, or fine jewelry—this guide will help you source smarter from day one.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How long will this take?!” — you are not alone. Product development is a process with many moving parts, and unrealistic expectations are one of the biggest sources of stress for new founders. In this episode, we break down real-world timelines for developing, sourcing, and launching a product—so you can plan, budget, and manage your process with confidence. Whether you’re creating a new product from scratch or moving an existing product to overseas production, this episode will help you know what to expect and how to keep things moving forward.

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on why we built Smarter Sourcing—and why this is the moment for you to finally bring your product to life without the overwhelm. We’ll share the transformational results we’ve seen with our clients and students, the big mindset shifts that happen when you understand how sourcing really works, and why this course was designed for real life—not corporate boardrooms. If you’ve got a product idea but feel stuck, scattered, or intimidated, this episode will remind you: it’s possible. You just need the right roadmap—and we’ve got it.Find more information and enroll here: https://thesourcinggals.mykajabi.com/smarter-sourcing

Let’s be real—business isn’t built in a vacuum. Life happens. Kids, cross-country moves, burnout, breakups, unexpected inspiration... all of it can pull you in a new direction, ready or not. In this episode, we get personal. We’re opening up about the big life shifts that shaped our careers, why the path to product success is never linear, and how change can lead to some of the best (and most unexpected) outcomes. Whether you're in the middle of a pivot or just sensing that something’s shifting, this conversation is a reminder that your life and your business are allowed to grow together.

You’ve got an amazing product idea, but how much is it actually going to cost to bring it to life? In this episode, we break down the real costs behind manufacturing—from samples and materials to shipping, duties, packaging, and beyond. We’ll walk through the full cost structure most first-time founders overlook and share real-world examples of how costs can spiral (or stay on track) depending on your planning. Plus, we’ll tackle the chicken-and-egg dilemma of pricing a product before it technically exists—and how to confidently ballpark your numbers without stalling out. Whether you’re pre-launch or knee-deep in development, this episode will help you stop guessing, start budgeting smart, and build your product with profit in mind.

It’s giving… sourcing situationship. Let’s find your perfect production partner—without the red flags. Finding the right production partner is kind of like dating—you’ve got options, everyone talks a good game, and choosing wrong can cost you a lot. In this episode, we break down the differences between factories, makers, mills, vendors, and agents—and when to “swipe right” on each one. Whether you’re starting small, scaling fast, or navigating a totally new product category, we’ll help you figure out who belongs in your sourcing strategy (and who’s just wasting your time). With a little humor and a lot of experience, we’re here to help you DTR (define the relationship) with your product partner.

You’ve found the perfect factory… until they hit you with a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 5,000 units. Meanwhile, you’re trying to start with 150. Cue the drama. In this episode, we’re unpacking what MOQs are, why they exist, and how to navigate them like a pro. We’ll share tips on negotiating, creative workarounds, and how to set realistic expectations—without compromising your product or budget. Whether you’re new to sourcing or scaling up, this episode will help you approach MOQs with clarity, confidence, and zero panic.