Page 134 of Inflame

I finish up my meditation session in the room we partitioned toward the back of the office space. I feel rejuvenated and ready to start my day with a visionary planning session.

It is still just the two of us, with the new hires arriving next week to fill some much-needed positions. Until then, we are on our own to get everything lined up for the expansion.

“The first thing we need is a prototype box. Then we need to market the hell out of our lineup,” Angie says, turning on the light box that is mounted to the wall.

“Let’s start pinning up our ideas,” I suggest. “I really like the idea of adjustable clothing.” I grab a black marker and write down my thoughts onto the light box. “Were you able to create some design examples on the computer?”

“I did something better,” she says, pulling out a rolling closet from the side of the room that has ten outfits hung on hangers. They are all in different styles and colors.

“Wow. Where did you have the time to prepare mock-ups?"

“I’ve been working so much when I get back home that I think Graham is disturbed over my dedication. I’m just happy that I found something I am passionate about again.”

I nod. “I feel the exact same way. I’ve been working on our branding. I am thinking of some catchy sayings that we can print on the top of each box under our logoPlus None.”

“I would love to hear them,” Angie says, smiling. She is always so encouraging and understanding that it allows me to be my true authentic self without the fear of sounding stupid.

“One idea is—Unwrap, Wear, Share.”

“Oh, I like that. Does share mean social media posts?”

“Yeah,” I acknowledge. “Maybe we can have an easy setup for customers to post their box findings. Turn it into a contest or a raffle for their next box being free to stir up business.”

“Love it.”

“I also had the idea of—Custom, Cute, Controlled.”

Angie smiles. “You are really good at this type of thing. And to think I almost got a job where all I did was work with words.”

“Tear me. Wear me. Share me.”

“Add that,” Angie says, pointing up to the light box.

I walk up to the board and add my ideas. I also pin up my visions for lifestyle boxes to represent needs and help customers. Workout Warrior Box. Damsel in Distress Box. Love for Lounging Box. Boss Bitch Box. The Breakup Box.

“I love these ideas,” Angie cheers, clapping her hands together. “Best decision I have made is teaming up with my best friend.”

“Thank you,” I say, putting the cap back on the marker. “Oh, and what are your thoughts on eliminating numbers to tell sizes? I was thinking of assigning names to represent the size of the clothes but be more positive.”

“Yes!” Angie chants, nearly knocking over her chair when she jumps up to write the idea on the light board.

Our office space is cozy, yet functional. We added more decor, sewing machines, seating areas, and a workout room. Lamps, wall art, and some fun pillows make the office feel more like a lounge area than an actual workplace. Angie and I want a place to relax but still be able to focus. Boxes have been arriving daily with supplies, and making the space our own has been the most thrilling.

“Graham has been a grumpy butt all morning. Coming in today is exactly what I needed. I love the progress we are making.”

I walk over to the wardrobe rack and start looking through Angie’s ideas. The clothes are made from the softest cotton blend, have custom features, and are adjustable. My fingers graze over the wrap dress. I love it. It is definitely something I would want to wear, and the fact that it is able to be adjusted makes it work for a variety of body types. Genius.

The workout gear prototypes are made from luxury fabric and appear to fit the body but still be flattering. Angie has left the heat press images and words off, allowing for customizing based on survey questions.

“I’m sorry that he is being weird,” I state, “but sometimes I work best when I’m in a mood.”

Angie giggles. “Ain’t that the truth.”

“What is the timeline we are looking at?”

“Looking at the calendar, we still need to hire a few more people to get everything lined up for our soft release scheduled for after the wedding. We need a technical team to build and manage a website, the survey data, and all of the algorithms. In addition, we will need to have a factory off-site that will be handling all of the manufacturing, packing, and shipping. I think we need to hire a director of sales, marketing, and product in the next week or so.”

“That’s a lot,” I exhale. “Do we even have the means to hire this many people and not be turning a profit?”

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