Client: Lauren, Founder of White Loft
Challenges: Scaling manufacturing, maintaining quality, managing costs
Background
White Loft began 13 years ago when Lauren, a new mom, turned a personal project into a thriving business. Frustrated with returning to her corporate job, Lauren created a wooden growth chart in her garage to capture her growing baby’s milestones. Encouraged by friends and her local community in Austin, Texas, she opened an Etsy shop, to begin selling these handcrafted keepsakes. This product quickly became beloved heirlooms for families, celebrating life’s milestones.
Over time, the brand evolved to include etched wood products including photo milestones discs and closet dividers, then expanding to Amazon in 2019, where White Loft experienced a surge in demand, particularly during the pandemic. Despite these successes, the brand faced growing pains in scaling its operations.
The Challenges
1. Manufacturing Bottlenecks:
White Loft’s etched wood products were initially produced in collaboration with a local manufacturer. However, material shortages caused by geopolitical tensions and rising costs strained this relationship. Lauren even resorted to transporting lumber herself, which was unsustainable for scaling.
2. Reluctance to Outsource Overseas:
As a brand rooted in a “homegrown” story, Lauren hesitated to move production overseas. She was concerned about quality, maintaining her brand identity, and the integrity of her designs.
3. Intellectual Property (IP) Concerns:
Lauren had experienced previous issues with copycats and was anxious about sharing her original designs with international manufacturers.
The Solution
In search of a scalable and reliable solution, Lauren discovered Gembah. Initially cautious, she was impressed by Gembah’s U.S.-based operations and end-to-end support.
Key Steps Taken:
- Vendor Matching: Gembah connected White Loft with a reliable manufacturer in India capable of producing high-quality etched wood products.
- Material Sourcing: The manufacturer easily sourced the birch Lauren needed, alleviating the material scarcity issue.
- Project Management: With an expert project manager on the ground in India, Lauren gained confidence in the process, from design sharing to production to shipping.
- Streamlined Logistics: Gembah facilitated a seamless integration with Amazon’s Warehouse and Distribution (AWD) network, enabling direct shipment from the manufacturer to Amazon.
Results
1. Cost Reduction & Improved Quality:
By transitioning production to India, White Loft saw significant cost savings while maintaining or exceeding product quality.
2. Scalable Operations:
With Gembah managing logistics, Lauren could fulfill larger orders and prepare for future growth. A nine-month supply of her bestsellers was successfully shipped and integrated into Amazon’s system.
3. Renewed Focus:
Freed from operational headaches, Lauren could concentrate on marketing and product development. Her brand’s story and products continued to resonate with families, driving growth on Amazon.
4. Enhanced Confidence:
Lauren described Gembah as the “guardrails” that made international manufacturing possible. She found reassurance in Gembah’s team, particularly their expertise in navigating challenges and protecting her IP.
“Partnering with Gembah has been the best investment I’ve ever made in my business. They’ve given me the support and expertise to scale sustainably, while ensuring my products maintain the heirloom quality White Loft is known for. I’m so thankful to have them in my corner.”
Looking Ahead
White Loft plans to continue expanding its product line with Gembah’s support. Lauren is particularly excited about exploring India’s textile capabilities for future offerings while maintaining her commitment to delivering keepsakes that families treasure for generations.