Katie Hill and Lisa Watkins, co-founders of WanderFull, created stylish bags designed to carry water bottles. They discuss how identifying a niche and maintaining quality helped them rise above peers and attract Oprah's team. The duo shares their entrepreneurial journey, including overcoming initial skepticism about their product, navigating the wholesale market, and leveraging trade shows for visibility. They highlight the importance of engaging designs, clear messaging, and data-driven strategies for success in a competitive landscape.
WanderFull's innovative design addressed a market need for fashionable, functional bags for water bottles, attracting consumer interest and industry recognition.
Active participation in trade shows facilitated essential networking opportunities, leading to visibility and endorsement from Oprah's team, propelling their brand growth.
Deep dives
Identifying a Niche in the Market
The founders of WONDERFUL recognized a gap in the market for a stylish bag designed specifically for carrying water bottles. Their personal experiences, combined with an understanding of the increasing demand for sustainability and convenience, inspired them to create a product that catered to health-conscious consumers. They noted that many people struggled to juggle a water bottle and other essentials while out and about, which led them to design a functional yet fashionable solution. Their product's unique concept not only met consumer needs but also established a new category in the handbag market.
Validation Through Research and Feedback
Before launching their product, the founders conducted extensive research to validate their idea and ensure there was market demand. They analyzed sales data for both water bottles and handbags, highlighting a growth trend in both categories post-pandemic. Additionally, they collected anecdotal evidence and carried out market surveys, receiving positive feedback from potential customers during pop-up events. The overwhelming response at these shows confirmed their product's appeal and motivated them to move forward with their business venture.
Navigating Production and Quality Control
The initial production run was a critical learning experience, prompting the founders to emphasize the importance of quality control. They opted to have their production shipped to their homes for inspection, allowing them to identify issues before products reached consumers. This hands-on approach was instrumental in ensuring that only high-quality items made it to market, ultimately leading to a successful first year that saw 44,000 units sold. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction served as a foundation for their growing brand.
Leveraging Trade Shows for Visibility
Participating in trade shows proved to be a turning point for WONDERFUL, as they found these events not only generated sales but also opened doors to significant networking opportunities. The founders learned to carefully choose shows based on feedback from other entrepreneurs and store buyers to maximize their exposure. Their presence and success at these events drew the attention of key influencers, including representatives from Oprah's team, validating the uniqueness of their product. This visibility enabled them to further reinforce their brand and reach a broader audience, driving their continued growth.
Katie Hill and Lisa Watkins created WanderFull, a stylish bag designed for carrying a water bottle. They say creating a niche and well-made product helped them stand out at trade shows, unlock wholesale relationships, and get named to Oprah's Favorite Things 2023 list.