Client Profile
Kate Bray is no stranger to the e-commerce and product development space. As the VP of Marketing at Incrementum Digital, she’s helped brands like prAna, Nordic Naturals, Host Defense and Sorel thrive in competitive marketplaces. After a decade of launching products for others, Kate decided to bring her own vision to life. Fueled by her personal battle with endometriosis and inspired by a gap in the market, she founded REB, a company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for cramp relief.
The Challenge
Kate’s idea for a unique, wearable heating pad emerged from years of research and personal necessity. Yet, the journey from concept to market was anything but smooth:
- Technical Complexity: Kate wanted to create a product that combined comfort, efficacy, and safety—a feat requiring expertise in electrical engineering and certification processes.
- Prototype Setbacks: After sourcing a prototype through Alibaba, Kate faced disappointment when it arrived nonfunctional, leading her to pause the project for nearly a year.
- Market Validation: Despite skepticism about entering the electronics space, Kate turned to TikTok and PickFu to gauge interest. Her video showcasing the idea went viral, amassing 1.8 million views and 3,600 email sign-ups—proof of demand but also a wake-up call to expedite development.
The Solution
Realizing the stakes, Kate partnered with Gembah to fast-track her product’s development. Gembah’s team provided end-to-end support, addressing her key challenges:
- Expert Guidance: With specialists in product development, electrical engineering, and compliance, Gembah took the guesswork out of complex processes like UL certification and manufacturing logistics.
- Streamlined Communication: Kate leveraged Gembah’s team of experts through Gembah’s platform and centralized chat system, enabling her to ask questions, receive timely updates, and stay focused on strategy.
- Accelerated Timelines: Gembah helped Kate avoid the delays she’d experienced previously, enabling her to bring a functional product to market in record time.
Results
REB is now on the cusp of transforming women’s health. The company has achieved remarkable milestones:
- 1000+ Pre-Orders: By leveraging Shopify’s pre-order functionality, Kate secured funding from pre-orders.
- Viral Marketing Success: REB’s social media presence continues to gain traction, with influencers amplifying its reach.
- Market Launch: Customers are set to receive products in early 2025, marking the culmination of a dream years in the making.
Kate’s Perspective
“Gembah gave me the confidence to close my laptop at night and sleep soundly. Knowing there’s an expert for every question has saved me months of effort and stress. Their team has been instrumental in bringing my idea to life.”
What’s Next?
Kate’s journey doesn’t stop here. With plans to explore additional product ideas, she envisions REB becoming a household name in women’s health. In collaboration with Gembah, she’s poised to accelerate future innovations, keeping her brand at the forefront of the industry.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Kate’s words of wisdom:
“Start taking videos of your journey as early as possible. Every moment—from sending your first wire transfer to unveiling your prototype—can connect with your audience and build a brand they’ll love.”
Conclusion
Kate Bray’s story embodies the entrepreneurial spirit—turning personal challenges into opportunities and leveraging partnerships to create meaningful solutions. REB is a testament to what’s possible when vision meets expertise, and Gembah is proud to be a part of that journey.