Cara Bartlett
Vetta
New York
Where were you with your idea or business before joining Factory45?
When I joined Factory45, I had just decided on the concept for VETTA. I didn’t have much else in place, so finding Factory45 was really a God-send for me.
How did joining Factory45 help you?
Factory45 provided a list of factories and fabric resources, saving me months and months of research. By providing clear instructions about how and when to reach out to suppliers, Factory45 helped me avoid so many of the pitfalls that new brands can fall victim to. The program provided a timeline that helped me prioritize my efforts. Guidelines for sourcing, branding, pre-production, marketing, and fundraising were organized in a simple format that helped me stay organized. Also, Shannon was an invaluable resource, always available to answer any questions I had.
What did you launch?
I launched a five piece women’s capsule collection that can be mixed and matched to create 30 different outfits. It’s made responsibly in the USA from eco-friendly fabrics.
What were some milestones you hit after going through Factory45?
Through Factory45, I created a brand and a product that I believed in, that was beautiful, high quality and socially and environmentally responsible. We launched a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised almost $90K. We were featured in news outlets such as Who What Wear, Darling Magazine, The Boston Globe, and ABC World News. We also won the Saks Fifth Avenue Emerging Designer Showcase, and will be carried in their stores next year. It was exciting to see my dreams become a reality, and to have such a positive response.
I feel so lucky that I found Factory45 when I did. I now have the tools I need to succeed, and feel equipped to build a long term brand that will have a positive impact on the fashion industry.
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