Farrell O’Rourke
Farrell & Co.
Newton, MA
What is your product(s)?
I am the founder of Farrell & Co., an ethically made headwear company, and we make fun, lightweight, rollable sun visors for active people. Our visors are not only transparent (no blocked vision here!) but we are also transparent in all that we do – from the materials we use to the people that make our products. The brims of our hats are made of eco-friendly TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) which is 100% recyclable and biodegradable, durable and non-toxic. Our only packaging is a silicone slap-bracelet, which is not only a fun way to store your hat (it rolls up super small!), but also great for busy moms or people on the go. We manufacture our hats locally in Fall River, MA, so we know those making our hats on a personal level (some have worked there since the factory opened in 1993!) and we ship using 100% recycled poly mailers.
Where were you with your idea or business before joining Factory45?
Before joining Factory45, all I had were a handful of prototypes I had made on the sewing machine in my living room. Joining Factory45 gave me not only the resources I needed to get started (factory databases, email templates) but also the network of people I needed to really feel confident in the direction I was going. The Factory45 program also gave me the structure I needed to really make progress, including modules, co-working sessions and 1-1 mentor check-ins. I was hesitant about starting a new business before I joined the program, but now I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I would not be where I was today without Shannon and the Factory45 community.
How did joining Factory45 help you?
Joining Factory45 gave me everything I needed to launch a business – the resources, the community, the structure, and even the 1:1 support. Especially helpful to me was the ability to work alongside fellow entrepreneurs. For example, when all I had were a few handmade samples of my hats, I partnered with a fellow Factory 45’er to host a “giveaway” on Instagram. Previously I had very little experience with social media but having the opportunity to work with another entrepreneur and getting to “figure it out together” made me more confident in promoting my business going forward. Not to mention, I had so much fun supporting another entrepreneur that I believed in, and I even made a new friend along the way!
In your opinion, what is the most valuable thing about Factory45?
In my opinion, the most valuable thing about Factory45 is the community. When I launched my business in July 2022, so many of my fellow Factory45’ers got excited right along with me! They had known about the product from the beginning stages and had provided me feedback throughout development. They helped me overcome challenges along the way, and they were genuinely excited to celebrate with me when I finally got to the point of launching. They were interested in and invested in what I was doing, maybe even more than my own family was! The Factory45 community was, and continues to be, part of my story – and I hope to continue to be part of theirs.
What were some big or small milestones that you hit after going through Factory45?
After going through Factory45 I not only successfully launched my business but was also put in touch with (thanks to Shannon!) the owners of a pop-up shop that I have only dreamed of being in one day. I have also been a guest on several podcasts, something I never would have thought I’d have the confidence to take on, and I received a feature from an influencer that I never imagined would be posting about something I created.
Please describe your business after Factory45.
After Factory45, I have a business I can be proud of.
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