The Sourcing Gals

Many founders struggle with choosing between overseas and nearshore manufacturing without understanding the real tradeoffs. The "made in USA" appeal often leads entrepreneurs to make costly decisions based on emotion rather than economics. Nearshoring offers strategic advantages that go beyond patriotism—from lower minimums to better intellectual property protection—but these benefits co...

Quality issues can devastate even the most carefully planned product launches, costing founders thousands in remakes, shipping expedites, and lost sales. What most first-time entrepreneurs don't realize is that production problems aren't just about bad factories—they're about missing critical checkpoints that professional brands build into every production cycle. The difference between...

In this special year-end episode of The Sourcing Gals, we reflect on what this past year has truly been about—building our business, shedding old identities, and discovering the power of community for product-based founders. We share behind-the-scenes stories from our first full year of podcasting, the transition from corporate careers into entrepreneurship, and how listening to our audience helpe...

In this special Q&A episode, Erin and Jackie tackle the most common (and most confusing) questions from product founders—like what to send factories, how to evaluate quotes, and when a product is truly ready for production. Get straight answers and insider tips every maker needs to hear.

In this episode of The Sourcing Gals , Erin and Jackie sit down with Amanda Rango , founder of ARD Fashion Consulting , to talk about what it really takes to build a fashion brand that’s thoughtful, strategic, and built to last. Amanda brings a rare blend of creative direction and operational clarity to the fashion industry, helping founders move from idea to execution with intention. Together, we...

Free shipping can be a customer magnet—or a margin killer. In this episode, Erin and Jackie unpack when offering free shipping makes sense, how to build it into your pricing, and why Amazon’s model doesn’t work for every brand. Learn smart strategies for protecting profits while keeping customers happy.

Packaging isn’t just a pretty box—it’s part of the product experience. But when you’re developing something new, should packaging come first or after the product is finalized? In this episode, we break down how packaging fits into the development timeline, what to prioritize early, and how to avoid costly missteps. Enjoy 10% off Accio.com with code THESOURCINGGALS

This week, we’re taking you behind the scenes of our whirlwind 36-hour trip to Washington, DC—an event that cracked open our perspectives, completely shifted our business strategy, and reminded us why getting in the right room changes everything. We share what it was really like to walk into a summit filled with powerhouse women—authors, founders, coaches, athletes, creators, and media leaders—and...

Everyone says, “Launch online!”—but is e-commerce really the best first move for product founders? In this episode, we challenge the idea that you have to start with a website. We’ll explore when it makes sense to go big with e-commerce, and when testing, wholesale, or pop-ups might be smarter for your bottom line. Enjoy 10% off ⁠ Accio.com ⁠ with code THESOURCINGGALS

Launching and scaling a product-based business takes capital—but where do you find it? In this episode, we explore funding strategies from business bank accounts like Mercury to crowdfunding platforms, credit cards, grants for women-owned businesses, and more. Mercury is the banking platform we personally use (we love that there are no monthly fees or wire fees!) https://mercury.com/partner/thesou...

From CEO to founder, Samantha Gold knows what it takes to scale a brand with both creativity and efficiency. She takes us behind the scenes of launching Motette, her top-rated children’s pajama brand, and shares how offshore teams through Atlas Row are helping founders grow smarter without burning out. Packed with actionable advice and real-world stories, this episode will inspire you to think dif...

Choosing colors for your product isn’t just fun—it’s a critical decision that impacts cost, lead time, and consistency. In this episode, we break down what lab dips are, why brands request them, and the trade-offs of creating custom colors versus sticking with stock options.

In this episode, Erin takes us behind the scenes of her home goods brand, Earnest Home Co. From the early spark of inspiration to the challenges of running solo, she shares what worked, what didn’t, and why she ultimately chose to close shop. It’s a candid, real-world founder story about balancing creativity, growth, and sustainability.

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.