U & I brand consulting/ development

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m VP of a restaurant and bakery group with locations in Toronto and Los Angeles. We focus on traditional Italian food.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire U & I brand consulting/ development?

We were looking to develop a line of front of house aprons so we needed help with the development and manufacture.

What were your goals for this project?

To replace our generic aprons with fashionable, functional ones.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Through recommendations from past and current clients.

Describe the project in detail.

They worked on the design, development, and manufacturing of a line of aprons that became our signature aprons for multiple locations.

What was the team composition?

Shelia (Founder, U & I brand consulting/ development) worked directly and exclusively with me throughout the development. Her partner was responsible for the technical aspects of the design.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The project is ongoing—we have some aprons in circulation and others still in the design phase. Our staff say they love the aprons and are proud to wear them. Many of them have received compliments from our patrons too.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We worked one-on-one, which was very efficient.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Shelia's attention to detail, expertize, and excellent designs.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nothing comes to mind.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I have my own clothing line, specializing in women's contemporary fashion.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with U & I brand consulting?

I used them for development of product samples for my brand.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I started by choosing one of their package options. I chose the three-style package but they have many different package levels that you can choose from. Once I chose my package, they set up a production calendar. They put all of the key dates of the project on the calendar so that I knew when I needed to have my fabrics or trim to them. It laid out the entire process so that I know what to expect and when to expect it.

Next, I brought them my sketches and designs. They first did flat sketches, and then created tech packages and patterns for my first prototype. It only took about two weeks from the initial design meeting to my receiving the first samples. I made my revisions and changes, and then they produced the next round of samples. I was happy with the second prototypes and didn't need any others made, but the package came with another round of revisions if I needed it.

What is the team composition?

I primarily worked with Sheila (owner, U & I brand consulting), who led product management and development. I also worked with a pattern maker, three sewers, and a few interns.

How did you come to work with U & I brand consulting?

I’d previously used another company that wasn’t a good fit. I have a background in technical design, so I shopped around for a new vendor. A friend referred me to U & I brand consulting.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent between $3,000–$5,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from January–April 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The samples turned out much better than where I've gotten them done in the past. The prototypes looked great. I was able to use them to do photo shoots for my website and my Instagram channel.

They also provided really good turnaround time. I didn't have to do extra rounds to get what I wanted. I lost time working with other sewers because of their poor workmanship and quality. It was really exciting to not have to keep redoing prototypes and getting samples remade.

How did U & I brand consulting perform from a project management standpoint?

Their team was great. I like to be involved and know what's going on, but I didn't have to micromanage the process. They were in control of what was going on. They were also very good about communication. I never had any worries or anxiety about their work. I had faith that the project would turn out well. Most of our communication was through email. We only met in person for the initial design consultation and the final fitting.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The customer service provided by Sheila was amazing. Other places, you may get resistance or a negative attitude if you want to make any changes. Sheila is easy to talk to and quite knowledgeable. It was important for me to work with someone who understands the fashion industry. It’s clear she knows what she’s talking about, and wants to help her clients.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’re a small team. My line is small, so it wasn't an issue for me. However, I can see them growing in the future and I think they will need a bigger team.

Any advice for potential customers?

Make sure you have a clear vision and direction of where you want to go with your designs. One thing that helped me enormously was to bring reference garments in addition to inspirational photos. They will do whatever they can to bring your ideas to life, but having a tangible item helps them understand your vision.