The Sourcing Gals

Trademark and IP attorney Nuzayra Haque joins us to demystify the legal side of building a product-based business. From patents and trademarks to contracts and red flags with overseas manufacturers, she breaks down what founders really need to know—without the legal jargon. Whether you’re just starting or ready to scale, this episode will help you protect what you’ve worked so hard to build.

Most founders waste thousands because they start in the wrong place. In this episode, we reveal the 3 biggest early mistakes that sabotage product success — and how to avoid them with the insider foundations big brands never skip. 👉 Join The Smart Start Method and turn your idea into a profit-ready plan in just 4 weeks. Limited time: $67 (regular $97). JOIN US TODAY!

What colors, textures, materials, and styles are catching our eye this season? In this episode, we chat about what’s inspiring us right now, what we’re seeing in the market, and how product founders can stay inspired and on-trend—without chasing every fad.

In this episode, we sit down with Carlyn Bushman—former corporate executive turned serial entrepreneur and founder of POP Academy. Carlyn shares her journey of building businesses from the ground up, the most common mistakes she sees women make when starting out, and her best advice for creating sustainable revenue streams. If you’re ready to step into your passion and grow smarter, this conversat...

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of our own product brands. We share what worked, what didn’t, the pivots we made along the way, and the lessons we’ve learned from building product-based businesses from scratch. If you want a real-world look at what it’s like to launch and grow a brand—this is it.

If we could sit down with every product founder before they started—this is what we’d tell them. In this candid conversation, we share the biggest myths, mindset shifts, and practical lessons we wish more founders understood before diving into product-based businesses. Real talk, hard truths, and a lot of encouragement—because knowing what to expect makes all the difference.

Ever wonder what really happens behind the scenes in the fashion industry? We’re spilling the tea. From sourcing fails to samples gone wrong to factory banquets we’ll never forget, this episode is packed with our funniest, most cringe-worthy moments from years in the industry. Tune in for a lighthearted look at the very real side of product development.

We’re coming to you straight from Las Vegas! In this special live episode, we recap our experience speaking at one of the biggest fashion trade shows, share behind-the-scenes moments from walking the show floor, and reflect on how far The Sourcing Gals podcast has come in such a short time. From big stages to big wins, this is a celebration of growth, grit, and the incredible community that’s been...

You don’t have to hop on a plane to find a great factory partner. In this episode, we walk you through exactly how to vet and verify factories remotely—plus red flags to watch out for and questions to ask before committing. Learn how to build trust, request samples, and start relationships the smart way, no airfare required.

Viral launch with supply chain delays—or slow and steady growth? Factory ghost mid-order—or redesign your product at the last minute? In this playful episode, we challenge each other with sourcing and founder dilemmas—and share how we’d handle them. Grab your coffee and play along as we explore the fun (and sometimes tough) side of product entrepreneurship.

Should you invest in inventory—or validate demand first? In this episode, we break down the pros and cons of pre-selling versus producing up front, and how to choose the right approach for your product and audience. We’ll cover real-world examples, pre-sell strategies that work, and how to protect your cash flow when launching a new product.

Not every product idea should make it to market—and that’s not failure, that’s strategy. In this episode, we talk about how to tell when an idea isn’t viable, isn’t aligned with your brand, or isn’t worth your time and money. We’ll help you know when to pivot, when to pause, and when to let go—so you can stay focused on building products that truly move your business forward.

Ever had a product idea so exciting… but kept it to yourself out of fear, doubt, or “what ifs”? In this episode, Erin and Jackie share a surprising moment from their recent retreat that reminded them just how powerful it is to say your idea out loud. From vision boards and five-year plans to vulnerable truths about self-doubt, they’ll explore why voicing your vision is the first—and most important...

Let’s talk profit—because if you’re building a product-based business, you need a lot more than a small markup. In this episode, we break down how to calculate your initial markup (IMU), why a 70–80% margin is key to staying in business, and how to price smart from day one. If math feels intimidating, don’t worry—we’ll help you back that math up and build a business that’s designed for real profit...

If you’ve been thinking about launching your own product brand but wondering if the market is too crowded or the timing isn’t right—this episode is your sign. There has literally never been a better time to start. We’ll take you back to what sourcing and selling used to look like (hint: it involved trade shows, massive MOQs, and corporate gatekeepers)—and show you why today’s landscape is wide ope...

Did you know that where you source your product is just as important as how you source it? Certain regions of the world specialize in different types of materials, construction techniques, and pricing tiers—and choosing the right one can make or break your product. In this episode, we’ll share how we think about the global sourcing landscape, where we go for specific types of goods, and why it mat...

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How long will this take?!” — you are not alone. Product development is a process with many moving parts, and unrealistic expectations are one of the biggest sources of stress for new founders. In this episode, we break down real-world timelines for developing, sourcing, and launching a product—so you can plan, budget, and manage your process with confidence. Whether...

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on why we built Smarter Sourcing —and why this is the moment for you to finally bring your product to life without the overwhelm. We’ll share the transformational results we’ve seen with our clients and students, the big mindset shifts that happen when you understand how sourcing really works, and why this course was designed for real life—not corpor...

Let’s be real—business isn’t built in a vacuum. Life happens. Kids, cross-country moves, burnout, breakups, unexpected inspiration... all of it can pull you in a new direction, ready or not. In this episode, we get personal. We’re opening up about the big life shifts that shaped our careers, why the path to product success is never linear, and how change can lead to some of the best (and most unex...

You’ve got an amazing product idea, but how much is it actually going to cost to bring it to life? In this episode, we break down the real costs behind manufacturing—from samples and materials to shipping, duties, packaging, and beyond. We’ll walk through the full cost structure most first-time founders overlook and share real-world examples of how costs can spiral (or stay on track) depending on...

It’s giving… sourcing situationship. Let’s find your perfect production partner—without the red flags. Finding the right production partner is kind of like dating—you’ve got options, everyone talks a good game, and choosing wrong can cost you a lot . In this episode, we break down the differences between factories, makers, mills, vendors, and agents—and when to “swipe right” on each one. Whether y...

You’ve found the perfect factory… until they hit you with a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 5,000 units. Meanwhile, you’re trying to start with 150. Cue the drama. In this episode, we’re unpacking what MOQs are, why they exist, and how to navigate them like a pro. We’ll share tips on negotiating, creative workarounds, and how to set realistic expectations—without compromising your product or budge...

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the woo-woo tools we actually use in our daily lives and businesses—because sourcing isn’t just about factories and freight. From Tarot spreads to walking meditations, crystals on our desks to manifesting aligned clients, we’re sharing the practices that help us stay focused, clear, and open to what’s next. Whether you’re spiritually curious or al...

In this jargon-busting episode of The Sourcing Gals , we break down the terms you’ll hear constantly in sourcing and manufacturing—like MOQ, COGS, IMU, and more—and explain what they really mean. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the acronyms flying around in the product development world, this episode is for you. We’ll help you confidently talk the talk with your factory partners, making sur...

In this episode of The Sourcing Gals , we dive into the essential first steps of launching a product-based business—with one big message: you don’t need 10 SKUs, just one great one. We explore why starting small helps you stay agile, responsive, and profitable as you grow. From market research and smart assortment planning to managing inventory and building a strong brand identity, we walk through...