Lara Neece
Forest and Fin
Georgia
Where were you with your business before joining Factory45?
Before Factory45, I had stalled out with my business. I was selling earth-friendly screenprinted t-shirts on Etsy with moderate success, and was unclear of which direction I wanted to take my business or how to design for scaling and production.
How did joining Factory45 help you?
Factory45 helped me take an idea for a new product from initial concept and turn it into a production-ready design with a clear pathway forward, in terms of funding options and marketing messages. It allowed me to take my business in a new direction, which was really exciting.
What did you launch?
I launched the Bicycle Wrap Skirt, a bike-friendly skirt with hidden fasteners to prevent fly-up, pockets to secure valuables, and removable external straps to keep the skirt out of the tires. It’s made with sustainable materials at an employee-owned sew shop in the US.
What were some milestones you hit after going through Factory45?
After Factory45, I won the Creative Coast’s FastPitch business competition for local startups and launched a successful Kickstarter campaign. We were fully funded in one week and went on to raise $20,000+ for our first production run. Since then we’ve gone into production and fulfilled all of our Kickstarter orders and preorders.
Describe your business after Factory45.
I am really happy with the launch of the Bicycle Wrap Skirt last year. While I am still finding my way forward in terms of business goals, I know I have the tools to create a solid business model and how to design and release new products. This year we plan to begin reaching out to shops and building out our wholesale base. I’m also working on a couple new designs, as well.
Thanks for creating this beautiful community of sustainably-minded businesses. It’s been great to have a support group of friends and peers!
Enrollment to Factory45 is now closed!
Sign up below to be notified when enrollment opens.
Want to read more success stories? Go here.
