RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Over two years of growing WDSC, I built a robust network of manufacturers for notable global brands without any industry connections handed to me. Starting from scratch, I turned curiosity and persistence into a web of high-quality production partners.
First Steps in Production
Inspired by streetwear icons like Supreme and Stüssy, I noticed a unique detail in their hats that sparked my vision (a trade secret I’ll keep). In April 2022, I ordered 40 hats, delivered to my parents’ home in San Mateo. With no embellishment contacts, I found Colleen at BOV Embroidery in Burlingame through a quick Google search. After refining my design and choosing thread colors, she delivered pristine embroidered hats—the cleanest I’ve seen locally. Those 40 sold out in a week, fueled by WDSC’s bold name and design. I scaled to 100 for the next batch, which also sold out, though growth later plateaued. Unfortunately, Colleen’s rising prices and delays ended our partnership.
Shifting Ambitions
Initially focused on hats and surf vibes, my vision evolved into a broader fashion brand. After losing my full-time job four months in, WDSC became my sole income for nearly two years, making scaling into cut-and-sew challenging. Embroidery and screen-printing no longer sufficed for my ambitions, so I spent a year building a manufacturer network, not for immediate production but to lay a foundation.
Forging Connections
I connected with hundreds of industry players through relentless outreach:
Visiting DTLA’s Arts District and Venice pop-ups.
Emailing manufacturers and scouring Google Maps for production sites.
Chasing top-quality production at affordable costs.
Opportunities often emerged unexpectedly. At a DTLA fabric shop, a woman, Michelle, overheard my conversation and shared Supreme’s LA hat manufacturer contact, trusting my passion. At a Venice pop-up, Taylor, an early supporter who later built Bella Venice, connected me with a South Central seamstress working behind a car wash. These chance encounters—doubts and all—shaped my network.
Global Reach
Within 18 months, I linked with elite partners: a high-end sunglasses manufacturer in China, a footwear producer in Portugal, Japanese fabric suppliers, and top-tier Chinese clothing manufacturers. These connections weren’t forced; they materialized through an open mindset and seizing opportunities as they arose.
Key Lessons
Leverage Relationships: Be approachable, ask for help, and nurture connections.
Persist and Adapt: You don’t need industry insiders—build your own network through curiosity and hustle.
Trust the Process: Stay open to unexpected opportunities; they often lead to the right partners.
Starting with zero connections, I proved that determination and an open approach can unlock a global manufacturing network. Keep learning, stay bold, and make it happen.
