Introducing Huddoco
No two brands share the same start up journey to success, which is what makes every client experience so unique. Welcome to the story of Huddoco.
In the space of 2 years, Katie, Founder of Huddoco, has gone from fashion novice who didn't even own a measuring tape, to fashion business owner and production expert, able to meticulously count the stitch length on all products with ease.
Attention to detail is her middle name and something that has become synonymous with all Huddoco products. Huddoco is a complete range of thoughtfully designed travel accessories and every day essentials for parents on the go.
The brand has been featured in Vogue, Vanity Fair and Traveller Magazines, shortlisted for *9 x Product Innovation, Travel Accessory and Retail Awards, had Insta Reels go viral (11 million views on one reel and counting), and a great example of the first thing I ask when working with someone new-
"What makes your product stand out from the current market and what problem are you solving for your customer?"
Before I share my convo with Katie let's back it up to the very beginning and the tailored approach we took with Huddoco to make the seemingly impossible, possible.
First of all. I specialise in Apparel.
Not Accessories.
However when Katie's enquiry came through- My bleeding heart couldn't say no. This girl had that old school grit and determination that just makes you want to do everything you can to help them succeed. Even if it's out of your scope- girl, you make it within your scope.
Katie had already began working with another company to develop her products, so we worked together to fill the gaps on everything else product and business related.
By this I mean developing Huddoco's branding and packaging assets, assisting with factory communication and sampling, website development, initial photoshoot, and even managing to squeeze in a China trip where I met Factory #1 to go through Huddoco's very first samples face to face.
Heather- Tell me about why you started Huddoco?
Katie- I started HuddoCo because I was frustrated with the lack of functionality in baby bags on the market. We love travelling with our son (Hudson aka Huddo) and needed a backpack that could support our adventures. When I couldn't find one, I decided to make my own.
Being based in Western Australia, it takes a long time to get anywhere! So any trip was a considerable effort. I needed the right tools for the job.
I searched high and low to find 'the perfect baby backpack', but I came up empty handed. I needed something that could hold everything I needed in a functional and ergonomic way (access to what I needed, when I needed it!).
I needed a bag that was durable and could handle everything mum-life had to throw at it! (insert spilt yoghurt and leaking milk bottle!). I needed a bag that was beautiful, but unisex so my husband could use it too. I had an extensive list of 'must-haves', but nothing ticked all my boxes, so I decided to create it for myself.
I created the Anywhere Backpack. That is how HuddoCo was born.
Heather- With little to no experience in Fashion, what was your biggest frustration that led you to me?
Katie- I had zero idea where to start or what was involved and there was only so much googling was helping. There was too much information and none of it very helpful.
There are also a lot of businesses out there trying to take advantage of entrepreneurs who simply want to create something. So, when my accountant suggested I chat with you, it seemed like a no-brainer.
I got so much out of our first meeting I knew I wasn't going to be able to go on this journey without you in my corner, which was ultimately true.
Heather- Although I only work within the Apparel space and Huddoco is accessories, how helpful was the work that we were able to complete together?
Katie- There is so much of your knowledge and skillset that isn't specific to a certain type of product.
The key areas I found support with Fashion Source Connect were branding and dream client design, communicating with Factories, sample reviews, photoshoot directing and support, general mentoring and connections in the fashion industry.
Working together with you made the final pre-production sample, and subsequent production possible.
Heather- Throughout this journey, what are some notable milestones for you as a business owner?
Katie- Three stand outs.
One- Travelling to China to meet with my manufacturer (great advice by the way).
Two- The day I received the sample that was perfect and would facilitate production.
Three, Our product and location shoot
Katie- Two things stand out.
One- The moment I opened my very first sample (AKA the UberEats bag). It was SO FAR from what I had in my head, that it felt impossible to improve.
The second one seems really basic, but I totally under-budgeted for 'last mile'/domestic shipping to my customers. This has had a huge impact on the profit margin of my first order and means we'll have to look at alternative logistics options for our next orders.
Note to anyone shipping anything in a box... make yourself familiar with 'volumetric weight'
Heather- If you could turn back time and chat with Katie that first started, what would you say to her?
Katie- No 1- This. Will. Take. Time 😅
No. 2 = Fail quickly.
Don't hold on to things that aren't working. Have the confidence to brush yourself off and try a different approach (or in my case... Factory).
Follow the journey of Huddoco on Instagram or via www.huddoco.com
*Huddoco has been shortlisted for the following Awards:
- Junior Design Awards - Best Travel Product (For Parents)
- Junior Design Awards - Best Changing Bag Design
- Bounty Baby Awards - Best Nappy Bag
- Bounty Baby Awards - Best New Product 2024
- Kiindred Baby & Toddler Awards - Best Nappy Bag
- Kiindred Baby & Toddler Awards - Best Travel Accessory
- Aus Mumpreneur Awards - Product Award
- Aus Mumpreneur Awards - Product Innovation Award
- Aus Mumpreneur Awards - Retail Business Award