Host Heather Zager welcomes Jennifer Porter, the owner and operator of Satsuma Designs out of Seattle, to the show to talk about the different types of manufacture and what the manufacturing process entails. Jennifer has been in the business for twenty years and through that experience walks listeners through how to prepare for manufacture and addresses some common misconceptions about how it all works. 

Jennifer got her start in infant and children’s clothes which is reflected in how Satsuma Designs offers a kid’s uniform recycling process as well as cut and sew services and informational courses for product businesses. She is a big supporter of US-based manufacturing and breaks down the differences between working in the US and overseas with Heather. Jennifer’s strength in communicating the process clearly for emerging designers and new entrepreneurs makes things seem less complex and more achievable.

Heather and Jennifer discuss everything from tech packs to labels and samples. They explain the acronym MOQ, why the rule of three is an efficient cost-saving technique for start-ups, why fabric choice can affect time and process, and what the greatest misconception among designers often is. Heather’s conversation with Jennifer sheds welcome light on the inner workings of the manufacturing process and Jennifer’s enthusiasm for the industry will inspire new designers to push through hesitation and succeed.

About Jennifer Porter

Jennifer Porter is the owner/operator of Satsuma Designs, a Seattle-based apparel design and manufacturing company founded in 2007.

Satsuma Designs’ most recent initiative started in February 2020 includes Satsuma Uniform, a social enterprise devoted to skills development for women refugees and immigrants in the Pacific Northwest. Through the design and manufacture of school and healthcare uniforms with strategic partner, Refugee Artisan Initiative, Satsuma Uniform is changing the sewn goods industry in the region.

Jennifer graduated from Santa Clara University and started her career on Wall Street. She has worked for non-profits in D.C., designed, marketed and sold other peoples’ products as well as her own online and IRL.

She’s a passionate teacher of etiquette (courtesy people!), Sunday School, and crafting. When not juggling these, she’s making mom jokes to get her middle-school-aged kids’ attention. Thankfully, she already has her husband and co-comedian, Tim’s, attention.

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