Hey! It’s Doone, your hype girl in business. Last week I had the opportunity to ask the US Ambassador for Global Women’s Issues, Dr Geeta Rao Gupta; What shifts the needle when it comes to the funding gap for women?

We also spoke about the gender inequality crisis and how this impacts everything from climate change, to conflict and peace processes, to innovation, business and wealth, to domestic violence and assault and the economic cost of this to our nation and the world. You can read the full post [here].

Today we’re covering 👇

• A beginners guide to navigating manufacturing

• 4 things to remember before launch day

• What’s going on with founders and their VCs?

• TechStars Aus deadline is May 22! (here’s a cheat sheet)

• Refinery29 is taking over Beautycon & more news

DTC Manufacturing (a beginner's guide) 📖

So, you're ready to bring your DTC brand to life, but finding the right manufacturer feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Don't worry, you're not alone. Here's your step-by-step guide to finding and dealing with a manufacturer for your DTC business:

1. Start Small, Aim High 🏔️ Many manufacturers prioritise high-volume clients, leaving startups in the dust. Begin by attending trade shows like Premier Vision or Interfilière (for fashion) to connect with potential partners IRL, using this connection to start with a small collection to demonstrate your commitment and vision.

2. Patience is Key 🔑 Finding a manufacturer willing to work with low quantities simply requires patience. Look for partners who understand the challenges of startup growth and are willing to support your journey. Remember: it's not just about finding any manufacturer but the right one that aligns with your brand values and vision.

3. Respect Their Time ⏰ Factories invest time and resources in creating samples, so approach them with respect. Show that you're serious about your brand by asking questions and showing your commitment. Think about it from their perspective: they get a lot of time-wasters popping in… How can you show you’re not one of them?

4. It’s (a little) like Dating 💕 Beyond all those technical capabilities, focus on finding a manufacturer whose values and processes align with yours. Building a successful partnership goes beyond the transactional - it's about mutual respect and understanding.

5. Face-to-Face Matters 😊 Nothing beats a personal connection. If possible, visit factories in person to develop relationships with manufacturers. Regular visits, especially for overseas production, can strengthen trust and communication (and vibes!).

With these steps you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect partner to bring your brand to life. Remember, this is a partnership that you want to last the long game. Taking the time to find a partner you truly click with is worth its weight in gold. In the end, a strong partnership will not only = quality products but also support the long-term success and growth of your business.

Listen to the full episode on the podcast →

4 Things to Know Before Launch Day 🚀

@femalestartupclub_us

You’ve got this ladies!! 💗 love, your hype girls in biz #femalefounder #womenownedbusiness #femaleentrepreneur #womanowned #femalestartupclub

(1) Investing your money, time and energy in creating content that makes people feel something (daily!) will make you one of the most profitable brands on the market ✨

(2) Don’t overlook how important it is to be able to gain attention online organically because eyeballs = sales 💗

(3) It takes 10 years to reach overnight success and building a business takes daily action that compounds over time 💫 

(4) And finally, remember it’s okay if your launch doesn’t go to plan - you don’t need to have it all figured out from day 1 💖

✨ Click here for your daily dose from your Hype Girl in TikTok Shop

• Three Ships Beauty raises $3.5 Million 🎉

• Ooo, DYK Refinery29 is taking over Beautycon?

• Bianca Bustamante is making history in Formula 1

• TikTok sues the US government over (potential) ban

• VAPAR secures $5 million for its AI sewerage solution

• The first black women-owned dispensary has opened in Brooklyn

• More women are working now than at any time in U.S. history

• How early-stage startups can identify product-market fit

• Kim Godwin exits ABC - are companies setting women up to fail?

• Rosie Huntington-Whiteley will no longer be affiliated with Rose Inc.

• Word on the street, founders and their relationships with VCs have worse or much worse in the last 12 months, so I’m curious:

This week's grant...

This is not a drill! TechStars (Sydney) is accepting applications until May 22nd & here is your Ultimate Cheat Sheet if you’re thinking about applying.

This week's lineup...

This week's recommendations...

& ways I can help you this week…

REMOTE 🏝️

• Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global is on the hunt for a Customer Insights Analyst to join the team | APPLY HERE.

LA 🌇

• Live Tinted, solving beauty concerns across all skin tones, is hiring a Head of Integrated Marketing & Communications | APPLY HERE.

Sydney 🌞

• E-commerce success story BABYBOO Fashion is hiring a Customer Experience Manager to join the operations team | APPLY HERE.

That’s a wrap, folks! Love it for you that you made it all the way down here 🫶