Readers who love functional fashion, take a closer look at this week’s Kickstartable. Leah Williams, founder & creative director of the POCKETT Boutique, is working to bring her vision of beautiful clothing with pockets to fruition. She took time out of her busy schedule (filled with a full-time job, family commitments, and starting POCKETT) to answer a few questions.
How did you get the idea for POCKETT Boutique?
First, I have always wanted to be a retail entrepreneur.
I was asked what makes me happy and the answer could be as ridiculous and silly as possible just as long as it was authentic! I began to make this list and pockets made the cut! I get overly pumped when I realize a garment has pockets!! I then asked myself, “I wonder if other women feel the same as me about pockets!” I launched a few surveys to validate a need, and POCKETT Boutique was born!
Most women I know love a well-placed pocket, but they are so hard to find! How has the search for inventory been going?
I am so glad this is a questions because the search has been difficult since I have been limited to online vendors until making our appearance at the magic trade show. The good news is that I have run across a few sales reps who love the idea and are excited about shopping for pocketed garments for me, which makes things a lot easier. I will say that I am thankful for this obstacle because if not for this problem, I would not have started my own collection so soon.
Are you planning storefronts and online shopping options? What sizes do you plan on stocking?
There is no talk of store fronts at this point in the game. We plan to create a strong, successful online presence before we consider other options. There is no limit in sizes with our vintage clothing. Private black label will come in sizes from XS-XXL. We will eventually offer the option to customize the sizes.
Tell us more about the tulle skirt you’re designing…
Oh the tulle skirt is a must have for the holidays! There are tulle skirts all over the web now, but I WILL be the first to feature it with pockets!! I am sure more will follow suite after ours hits the market, but I don’t mind being “The One” to follow. Mark my word, the tulle will be our staple! It will keep our Pockettes coming back for more, as they should, because this skirt is amazing!
What’s been the most challenging part of this project?
The most challenging part has been juggling starting my own business while maintaining a full time job. I work a minimum of 50 hours a week, I come home to be a mom of a two-year-old and a wife, then somehow in the mist of that, I work on my second baby…POCKETT! When things get really rough, I tell myself that if I quit now, my dreams will NEVER come true! It’s just that simple.
What’s been the most pleasant surprise?
The most pleasant surprise has been the amount of support I have received so far! There are so many people who love my idea, and I am stoked because it is MY IDEA! I think for this portion of the answer to make sense, you would have to have known me last year. Let’s just say that I have come a long way, and this is only the beginning!
So what say you, readers? Lovely clothes for women in a wide range of sizes, that have functional pockets; sounds good, doesn’t it?
POCKETT Boutique will be accepting funding through Tuesday, November 11, 2014.
Disclaimer: Please do not take this review or my personal endorsement of this project as investment advice. I am a lady blogger on the Internet, not an investment adviser, nor am I an angel investor myself.