I’ll admit it guys, I’ve been slacking. Not on the hat stuff itself, but, I’ve been slacking on keeping you updated on the process. So, I am going to remedy that issue right now.
Basically, a lot of sh*t has gone down. Since the last video and follow up were put out (you can find that here), Nick has made a giant leap from Utah to Florida.
It's no secret that there is a complete lack of transparency plaguing the modern business world. We think it's bullshit, and have been inspired to create a video series called “Behind the Screens” as a means to remedy this issue. As we learn the ins and outs of running a sustainable business, we hope to inspire others and spread lessons learned along the way by documenting the process (with some adventure thrown in too, of course).
I flew out there to join him on the cross-country move and along the way we had plenty of time to discuss the direction we need to head in to get you guys some badass hats as quickly as we possibly can- without sacrificing our moral and quality standards, because, if you know us, you know we can’t do that.
And therein lies the hangup, unfortunately.
Guys- when I tell you that I’ve been spending day after day looking for a sustainable and affordable supplier for fabrics and hat components, I am not exaggerating by any stretch of the imagination. It’s been week after week of researching, actually, and I can’t help but express my disappointment in the clothing industry. With how insanely large it is, I can’t believe that there aren’t more companies producing fabrics and accessories that have the preservation of our environment and health at the forefront of their minds.
I knew it was going to be hard, but I didn’t know it was going to be this hard.
It’s only motivated me to dig deeper and use every single resource I have to produce an end product for you guys that prioritizes those two things in combination with fit and function.
On the fabric front, I ended up having a breakthrough and found a source for recycled polyester. This is a good starting point for us, and likely what the first batch of hats are going to be made of.
The other components, I’m still dialing in on, trying to approach all these other obstacles like the brim, snaps, and interfacing with as much curiosity and creativity as I possibly can in efforts to bust through them.
We had another win when I finally located the machinery needed to begin the first-batch of hats which will, undoubtedly, take up a very large portion of the place Nick just scored here in Tampa. But it’s going to be cool as hell.
It’s all coming together slowly, but, surely. A pace that’s necessary in order to keep honing our craft and create something that’s here for the long-haul instead of some seasonal trend. After we get the machines assembled and moved in, it’s on, baby! And don’t worry, we’ll send you some pictures post-setup.
The last thing I want to mention is about this series, specifically.
The floor is open for discussion.
Whether it’s business related, product related, or whatever else pops into your mind, we call it “Thinking Out Loud” for a reason. That applies to you as much as it applies to us, so share your thoughts or questions.
We’re in this together- whether we can help you or you can help us, we’re into it.
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by Alexa Francisco
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