Our two-year journey at Winsome Studios has been a thrilling rollercoaster, filled with exhilarating highs and unexpected twists. Among the many experiences that have molded our brand, our time spent with Liz at Always Fitted stands out as a transformative chapter in our story.
A Fortuitous Encounter:
Sometimes, the most significant moments in our lives occur when we least expect them. Amid the hustle of building Winsome Studios, I’ve continued to work full-time at a restaurant to fuel my passion project. On October 8, 2022, a seemingly ordinary encounter with a charming couple, Steven and Michelle, would set in motion a remarkable turn of events.
Steven, a CEO with a penchant for luxury, and Michelle, showed a genuine interest in my aspirations with Winsome Studios. Little did I know that their curiosity would lead to a significant introduction.
After talking for a bit, Michelle suggested introducing me to “Raphael and Liz”, a connection that would ultimately redefine our brand's trajectory. Before they left the restaurant, an introductory email arrived bearing Steven's encouraging words: "Hey Bud, talk to Hunter, he has some interesting ideas. Young guy but seems to have some good ideas. Just getting started. Worth a meeting."
Meeting Raphael and Liz:
The initial connection with Raphael, an experienced entrepreneur with a rich background, was followed by a series of fruitful discussions. We explored my goals and needs, as well as what each party could bring to the table. It soon became evident that this partnership had the potential to be a game-changer.
Originally from Mexico, Raphael and Liz embarked on a journey that spanned over two decades. Their expertise led them to open a manufacturing business specializing in small-batch production, a rarity in the industry. Situated in Monterrey, Mexico, their operation employed around 15 skilled individuals, including a talented designer and pattern maker. Liz had cultivated connections with local textile manufacturers and garment washing houses, streamlining our production possibilities.
Our initial meeting at their home in Buckhead, GA, was brimming with potential. The roadmap we charted held exciting prospects, yet a touch of uncertainty lingered in my mind afterward.
Six Months and a Pivot:
In the ensuing months, our communication with Liz was candid and rich with context. However, progress toward our milestones unfolded at a different pace than anticipated. It took 4.5 months to receive our first sample from Always Fitted. Unexpectedly, our priority, a t-shirt, was delayed due to issues at the wash house. This led to the creation of our hoodie sample first, a revelation that was nearly flawless.
As the weeks passed, skepticism started to creep in. Six months had passed without the arrival of our t-shirt sample, and my desire for a new design was growing. Fashion operates on a seasonal timeline, and we were six months beyond the submission of my tech pack for the t-shirt, yet no updates had arrived.
(Before I continue, it is important for me to mention that Liz, up to this point, helped us achieve slightly more than this Blog conveys. Our constant dialogue led to numerous breakthroughs, and without her we would not be where we are today. However, it's also worth mentioning that Liz always had a somewhat authoritative demeanor. Her tone at times left me feeling somewhat inadequate and prompted self-doubt in a less-than-constructive manner. My instincts hinted at a discrepancy from the outset, and, as it turned out, they were right.)
When I inquired about these updates, Liz's response was a curveball: "I think it's best if we part ways."
A Blessing in Disguise:
While her email initially felt devastating, with time and reflection, the parting of ways became a blessing in disguise. Liz had over-promised and under-delivered, and our partnership had reached an impasse.
(It is important to remember that everyone -myself included- struggles from time to time. Life is not always the proverbial “oOoo iCe CrEaM” moment -as Kodak Black would say, iykyk, lol. When something negative happens in life, it's important to try changing your perspective from “xyz happened to me” to instead “xyz happened”. The world does not revolve around us, however fortunate or unfortunate it may be, and we never know what someone else could be struggling with.)
This turning point led to us referencing patterns we had made with American Sewing Workroom (separate blog) for Season 1. Although our home resources and equipment are far from industrial-grade, we found value in the uniqueness of every stitch. Today, like many other entrepreneurs, we operate from our garage. What we lack in fancy equipment, we make up for with a grateful attitude and relentless determination to chase our dreams.
And there lies the moral of the story: When you truly want something bad enough, you'll find a way. The obstacles we face often lead to our most significant breakthroughs.
The Journey Continues:
Our journey with Always Fitted, though filled with challenges, was a stepping stone to where we are today. The lessons learned, the persistence gained, and the unwavering determination instilled in us through this experience continues to shape Winsome Studios.
This story is a testament to the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the resilience it demands, and the value of every experience, even the most challenging. We look forward to sharing our ongoing journey with you, dear readers, as we grow and evolve, ever more committed to producing quality, sustainable fashion that embodies the spirit of Winsome Studios.