It turns out launching a “ready to wear” line of clothing requires a good bit of capital (moola, dinero, cabbage, dough, $). Don’t worry, I knew this going in - which means Saint Harridan is looking for investors. Now, investors are a fussy bunch - they don't want companies to lose their money! They like to feel confident that they are investing in an innovative idea that can be successfully executed. Investors like to see market research and sales forecasts... basically, they want proof that it’s going to work.
This is totally reasonable. In fact, it’s more than reasonable - hell, I want some proof that this going to work.
Here’s the catch - there is no “proof” that the Saint Harridan concept is a good one. No, really. No one has been successful in creating this type of business before. And, when I talk to potential investors, or to garment industry experts, or to mainstream fashion experts, there is a lot of chin scratching because most people doubt the Saint community is big enough. One garment industry CEO told me I'd be lucky to have 50 customers. (Then he went on to talk about how some of his “best friends are lesbians.”)
But sometimes we can’t wait for proof. Sometimes we have to take a leap of faith - and from where we land, we can see all kinds of sparkling dazzling proof.
This is totally reasonable. In fact, it’s more than reasonable - hell, I want some proof that this going to work.
Here’s the catch - there is no “proof” that the Saint Harridan concept is a good one. No, really. No one has been successful in creating this type of business before. And, when I talk to potential investors, or to garment industry experts, or to mainstream fashion experts, there is a lot of chin scratching because most people doubt the Saint community is big enough. One garment industry CEO told me I'd be lucky to have 50 customers. (Then he went on to talk about how some of his “best friends are lesbians.”)
But sometimes we can’t wait for proof. Sometimes we have to take a leap of faith - and from where we land, we can see all kinds of sparkling dazzling proof.
Prove It!
Now, I could be angry about these nay-sayers; at the very least such wholesale denial of our existence is obnoxious. But, if it were obvious that this business could work, someone else would have done it by now, right? Rather than being angry, I've decided to create the company in “prove it” stages. Every stage will bring evidence of one kind or another. If the evidence shows this is a good idea, we charge forward (perhaps with thumbs in our ears, fingers waving, and chanting, na na na boo boo).
Now, I could be angry about these nay-sayers; at the very least such wholesale denial of our existence is obnoxious. But, if it were obvious that this business could work, someone else would have done it by now, right? Rather than being angry, I've decided to create the company in “prove it” stages. Every stage will bring evidence of one kind or another. If the evidence shows this is a good idea, we charge forward (perhaps with thumbs in our ears, fingers waving, and chanting, na na na boo boo).
Preface to Phase One: Establishing WE
Early on, I realized I needed and wanted to create this company in community, meaning that I wanted to do it out loud and with your help, feedback and guidance. This is risky because if I fail, I fail very publicly! But, the reward is that because we are creating this together, Saint Harridan will be a company we are all invested in shepherding toward success. And so, the pronoun moves from “I” to “we.”
Thank you to the many volunteers, to the models, and especially to you. When you like our Facebook page, subscribe to our email list, comment on our website, and even when you offer critical feedback, YOU are creating this company. All of this momentum and buzz is generated by you, and I am incredibly grateful for each and every one of you. I really mean it when I say that together, WE will create this company.
PROVE IT, Phase One
We know, based on the overwhelming response so far, that many many MANY people are excited for Saint Harridan to launch. HIGH-FIVE! Next step: Prove that people will buy the suits.
In 30 days we’ll be launching our Kickstarter campaign - which means - you can pre-order a suit! (or any combination of jacket, trousers, shirt). Here’s the catch: we have one month to raise enough money to meet the minimum order required or we will not be able to produce the suits!
So, get out your hot glue gun and bejewel November 23 on your calendar.
This will be your opportunity to stand up and be counted. When this Kickstarter campaign starts, I ask that you raise your hand high - raise it to prove that we exist, raise it to validate our existence, raise it to demand clothing that reflects who you are. Raise your hand high and then move it to your back pocket where you’ll find your wallet, and place your order! This Prove-It stage is incredibly important because it will show the investment community that we exist, that we’re longing to buy clothes that truly reflect who we are, and that fit our bodies!
Early on, I realized I needed and wanted to create this company in community, meaning that I wanted to do it out loud and with your help, feedback and guidance. This is risky because if I fail, I fail very publicly! But, the reward is that because we are creating this together, Saint Harridan will be a company we are all invested in shepherding toward success. And so, the pronoun moves from “I” to “we.”
Thank you to the many volunteers, to the models, and especially to you. When you like our Facebook page, subscribe to our email list, comment on our website, and even when you offer critical feedback, YOU are creating this company. All of this momentum and buzz is generated by you, and I am incredibly grateful for each and every one of you. I really mean it when I say that together, WE will create this company.
PROVE IT, Phase One
We know, based on the overwhelming response so far, that many many MANY people are excited for Saint Harridan to launch. HIGH-FIVE! Next step: Prove that people will buy the suits.
In 30 days we’ll be launching our Kickstarter campaign - which means - you can pre-order a suit! (or any combination of jacket, trousers, shirt). Here’s the catch: we have one month to raise enough money to meet the minimum order required or we will not be able to produce the suits!
So, get out your hot glue gun and bejewel November 23 on your calendar.
This will be your opportunity to stand up and be counted. When this Kickstarter campaign starts, I ask that you raise your hand high - raise it to prove that we exist, raise it to validate our existence, raise it to demand clothing that reflects who you are. Raise your hand high and then move it to your back pocket where you’ll find your wallet, and place your order! This Prove-It stage is incredibly important because it will show the investment community that we exist, that we’re longing to buy clothes that truly reflect who we are, and that fit our bodies!
Wait, there’s more.... PROVE IT, Phase Two: Pop-Up Stores
With our first suits in hand, we'll travel around the country looking for additional investment capital and sustain ourselves by opening "pop-up stores" for about a week at a time. These stores will pop up in cities around the US (and maybe you too, Canada). Also, from this point forward, you'll be able to buy the suits and separates on the website.
PHASE 3: Expanding the Saint Harridan Line
Once we find the right investors who believe in this concept, we'll produce an entire line of clothing. That’s right - vests, sweaters, sweater vests... we have no shortage of ideas! And the timing will be just right - because in that time, you will have taught us how best to serve you - our customers.
With our first suits in hand, we'll travel around the country looking for additional investment capital and sustain ourselves by opening "pop-up stores" for about a week at a time. These stores will pop up in cities around the US (and maybe you too, Canada). Also, from this point forward, you'll be able to buy the suits and separates on the website.
PHASE 3: Expanding the Saint Harridan Line
Once we find the right investors who believe in this concept, we'll produce an entire line of clothing. That’s right - vests, sweaters, sweater vests... we have no shortage of ideas! And the timing will be just right - because in that time, you will have taught us how best to serve you - our customers.
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