Claim OwnershipThe Sourcing Gals
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© Erin Souder & Jackie Hutson
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“The Sourcing Gals”—your trusted guides for sourcing, manufacturing, and scaling your product overseas! Hosted by Erin and Jackie, we share insider tips, actionable strategies, and real talk so you can save time, boost profits, and grow your brand without overwhelm. Whether you’re new or leveling up, we’ve got your back. Tune in, get comfy, and let’s turn your ideas into profit—together!
29 Episodes
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What colors, textures, materials, and styles are catching our eye this season? In this episode, we chat about what’s inspiring us right now, what we’re seeing in the market, and how product founders can stay inspired and on-trend—without chasing every fad.
In this episode, we sit down with Carlyn Bushman—former corporate executive turned serial entrepreneur and founder of POP Academy. Carlyn shares her journey of building businesses from the ground up, the most common mistakes she sees women make when starting out, and her best advice for creating sustainable revenue streams. If you’re ready to step into your passion and grow smarter, this conversation is for you.
In this episode, we go behind the scenes of our own product brands. We share what worked, what didn’t, the pivots we made along the way, and the lessons we’ve learned from building product-based businesses from scratch. If you want a real-world look at what it’s like to launch and grow a brand—this is it.
If we could sit down with every product founder before they started—this is what we’d tell them. In this candid conversation, we share the biggest myths, mindset shifts, and practical lessons we wish more founders understood before diving into product-based businesses. Real talk, hard truths, and a lot of encouragement—because knowing what to expect makes all the difference.
Ever wonder what really happens behind the scenes in the fashion industry? We’re spilling the tea. From sourcing fails to samples gone wrong to factory banquets we’ll never forget, this episode is packed with our funniest, most cringe-worthy moments from years in the industry. Tune in for a lighthearted look at the very real side of product development.
We’re coming to you straight from Las Vegas! In this special live episode, we recap our experience speaking at one of the biggest fashion trade shows, share behind-the-scenes moments from walking the show floor, and reflect on how far The Sourcing Gals podcast has come in such a short time. From big stages to big wins, this is a celebration of growth, grit, and the incredible community that’s been building around us.
You don’t have to hop on a plane to find a great factory partner. In this episode, we walk you through exactly how to vet and verify factories remotely—plus red flags to watch out for and questions to ask before committing. Learn how to build trust, request samples, and start relationships the smart way, no airfare required.
Viral launch with supply chain delays—or slow and steady growth? Factory ghost mid-order—or redesign your product at the last minute? In this playful episode, we challenge each other with sourcing and founder dilemmas—and share how we’d handle them. Grab your coffee and play along as we explore the fun (and sometimes tough) side of product entrepreneurship.
Should you invest in inventory—or validate demand first? In this episode, we break down the pros and cons of pre-selling versus producing up front, and how to choose the right approach for your product and audience. We’ll cover real-world examples, pre-sell strategies that work, and how to protect your cash flow when launching a new product.
Not every product idea should make it to market—and that’s not failure, that’s strategy. In this episode, we talk about how to tell when an idea isn’t viable, isn’t aligned with your brand, or isn’t worth your time and money. We’ll help you know when to pivot, when to pause, and when to let go—so you can stay focused on building products that truly move your business forward.
Ever had a product idea so exciting… but kept it to yourself out of fear, doubt, or “what ifs”? In this episode, Erin and Jackie share a surprising moment from their recent retreat that reminded them just how powerful it is to say your idea out loud. From vision boards and five-year plans to vulnerable truths about self-doubt, they’ll explore why voicing your vision is the first—and most important—step toward building the business (and life) you dream about. Whether your idea is crystal clear or still half-formed, this conversation will help you get it out of your head and into the world.
Let’s talk profit—because if you’re building a product-based business, you need a lot more than a small markup. In this episode, we break down how to calculate your initial markup (IMU), why a 70–80% margin is key to staying in business, and how to price smart from day one. If math feels intimidating, don’t worry—we’ll help you back that math up and build a business that’s designed for real profit.
If you’ve been thinking about launching your own product brand but wondering if the market is too crowded or the timing isn’t right—this episode is your sign. There has literally never been a better time to start. We’ll take you back to what sourcing and selling used to look like (hint: it involved trade shows, massive MOQs, and corporate gatekeepers)—and show you why today’s landscape is wide open for founders of all backgrounds. With global factory access, affordable digital tools, and endless ways to reach your audience, the barriers have never been lower—and the opportunity has never been bigger. If you’re ready to finally move forward, this is the mindset shift you need.Live Selling Podcast Reference Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-the-easiest-side-hustle-youre-not-doing-yet/id928159684?i=1000714332532
Did you know that where you source your product is just as important as how you source it? Certain regions of the world specialize in different types of materials, construction techniques, and pricing tiers—and choosing the right one can make or break your product. In this episode, we’ll share how we think about the global sourcing landscape, where we go for specific types of goods, and why it matters so much to match your product with the right region. Whether you’re sourcing cotton dresses, leather handbags, swimwear, or fine jewelry—this guide will help you source smarter from day one.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How long will this take?!” — you are not alone. Product development is a process with many moving parts, and unrealistic expectations are one of the biggest sources of stress for new founders. In this episode, we break down real-world timelines for developing, sourcing, and launching a product—so you can plan, budget, and manage your process with confidence. Whether you’re creating a new product from scratch or moving an existing product to overseas production, this episode will help you know what to expect and how to keep things moving forward.
In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on why we built Smarter Sourcing—and why this is the moment for you to finally bring your product to life without the overwhelm. We’ll share the transformational results we’ve seen with our clients and students, the big mindset shifts that happen when you understand how sourcing really works, and why this course was designed for real life—not corporate boardrooms. If you’ve got a product idea but feel stuck, scattered, or intimidated, this episode will remind you: it’s possible. You just need the right roadmap—and we’ve got it.Find more information and enroll here: https://thesourcinggals.mykajabi.com/smarter-sourcing
Let’s be real—business isn’t built in a vacuum. Life happens. Kids, cross-country moves, burnout, breakups, unexpected inspiration... all of it can pull you in a new direction, ready or not. In this episode, we get personal. We’re opening up about the big life shifts that shaped our careers, why the path to product success is never linear, and how change can lead to some of the best (and most unexpected) outcomes. Whether you're in the middle of a pivot or just sensing that something’s shifting, this conversation is a reminder that your life and your business are allowed to grow together.
You’ve got an amazing product idea, but how much is it actually going to cost to bring it to life? In this episode, we break down the real costs behind manufacturing—from samples and materials to shipping, duties, packaging, and beyond. We’ll walk through the full cost structure most first-time founders overlook and share real-world examples of how costs can spiral (or stay on track) depending on your planning. Plus, we’ll tackle the chicken-and-egg dilemma of pricing a product before it technically exists—and how to confidently ballpark your numbers without stalling out. Whether you’re pre-launch or knee-deep in development, this episode will help you stop guessing, start budgeting smart, and build your product with profit in mind.
It’s giving… sourcing situationship. Let’s find your perfect production partner—without the red flags. Finding the right production partner is kind of like dating—you’ve got options, everyone talks a good game, and choosing wrong can cost you a lot. In this episode, we break down the differences between factories, makers, mills, vendors, and agents—and when to “swipe right” on each one. Whether you’re starting small, scaling fast, or navigating a totally new product category, we’ll help you figure out who belongs in your sourcing strategy (and who’s just wasting your time). With a little humor and a lot of experience, we’re here to help you DTR (define the relationship) with your product partner.
You’ve found the perfect factory… until they hit you with a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 5,000 units. Meanwhile, you’re trying to start with 150. Cue the drama. In this episode, we’re unpacking what MOQs are, why they exist, and how to navigate them like a pro. We’ll share tips on negotiating, creative workarounds, and how to set realistic expectations—without compromising your product or budget. Whether you’re new to sourcing or scaling up, this episode will help you approach MOQs with clarity, confidence, and zero panic.
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