RELATIONSHIPS

Finding the right people.

The next step was finding the right people to help bring the idea to life.

A trip to Portland’s Functional Fabric Fair led to meeting our fabric makers in person. A partner who shares our commitment to quality, sustainability and making things a little better.

We looked closely at fabrics, certifications, and manufacturing standards. Relationships matter. Because from relationships we develop trust, and that trust is what we pass on to our customers.

Then came finding the right designer. Someone with the experience and willingness to work with a small startup, figure things, and who understands us.

What next? We selected a preliminary fabric. We received our first design concepts. We also sourced two manufacturers who shared our common values and goals.

Development

Prototype. Test. Learn. Repeat.

This was the year the ideas had to work in real life.

Finding the right fabric was important. For example, we ran a whole size run and after seeing wrinkles and dog hair that stuck to this order we pulled everything and started over.

We tested proportions, logo placement, and received various consults. We changed details that looked good on paper but didn't quite work once fabricated. One prototype became another, and each one improved.

The jacket went through six prototypes. The bag went through 4 at this point. Each one brought us a little closer to what felt right. And these small details ultimately make the difference.

At the end of this year we were solid on the jacket fabric and were ready to place the order. The bag had more testing to go.

Becoming Oshun

This was the year Oshun started becoming real.

Contracts were signed. Final prototypes arrived. Size runs were tested. Trims were refined. Materials and construction were put through their final rounds of testing. A seventh prototype for the bag was created where we changed a water-resistant main zipper to an air-tight seal.

And for the first time, we started sharing Oshun publicly.

The feedback made all those years of refining feel worthwhile and helped us make the final adjustments before production.

Then came production planning, logistics, photography. All these pieces turn an idea into reality. We are overwhelmed with gratitude from the support of friends and community. We are launch ready.