Jackie Smythe
INFKNIT Apparel
Michigan
What is your product(s)?
INFKNIT is reversible sustainable apparel designed to be worn #infknitways. Our products are transformational and can be worn in a wide variety of ways- as a mechanism to reduce waste and optimize closet space. Each product is composed of sustainable materials and manufactured ethically in Detroit, MI. Fabric scraps are also used to sew our scrunchies, beanies, and masks.
Where were you with your idea or business before joining Factory45?
Before I joined Factory45 INFKNIT was actually already making sales. We launched a Kickstarter in 2019, generating over $10,000 in revenue. But it was really difficult to start from scratch without a resource like Factory45. I had to google or go to the library for everything, which was inefficient and time consuming. We decided to apply to Factory45 in April of 2020 because two of our original co-founders left the company. It was a huge shift and I took on a lot of new responsibilities, I needed a community of resources and mentors to look up to which is why I applied to Factory45 despite my existing business.
How did joining Factory45 help you?
My co-founder and I stumbled upon Factory45 for the first time in winter of 2019- we were both freshman in college at the time so we didn’t really think we should apply because of our age (which was a huge misconception on our part because as we know now age means nothing). But regardless, we applied the following year in 2020 and began the Factory45 program in June! I was struggling to reconnect with INFKNIT’s purpose, and seeing the level of community in the Facebook group was inspiring. I also was on the hunt for quality sustainable suppliers who we could trust were actually sustainable- and Factory45 has an incredible portal of resources.
The biggest way Factory45 helped me build INFKNIT was the most unexpected- wholesale! I knew absolutely nothing about wholesaling until I went through the Factory45 module. I ended up hiring a graphic designer to create our linesheet and lookbook- it turned out beautiful! We then landed three new retail customers- one of which found us through Market45.
In your opinion, what is the most valuable thing about Factory45?
I think the most valuable thing about Factory45 is the community, lessons and databases. Despite having an existing business, I went through each lesson and still found useful tips. I also use the databases regularly to source fabric. If you’re thinking about this program, the databases are worth it in and of itself. It’s so hard to vet a supplier and having hundreds of sustainable suppliers at your fingertips is an incredible power move as a startup.
What were some big or small milestones that you hit after going through Factory45?
Some big milestones INFKNIT hit after Factory45 are remodeling our online store, doubling our product line, taking on our first pre-seed investment, generating our first three wholesale orders and having three features in British Vogue.
Please describe your business after Factory45.
Right now, INFKNIT is working on launching our summer collection. The collection will launch this April with our new Reversible T-Shirt Dress, Reversible Shorts, Reversible Short Sleeve, and Non-reversible Crop. INFKNIT also recently attended the Magic Pop-Up Trade Show in Orlando where we generated two wholesale orders. We received another wholesale order from Market45, Factory45’s curation of graduated brands. We’re excited to see where the world of wholesale goes! My co-founder and I are more entrepreneurs than anything, so we’ve also been working on getting more involved with accelerators and completing another capital raise.
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