Brains Behind This
Lindsey (Burkhardt) Masterson here; the start of 2020 I knew nothing about sewing, textiles, laser cutting, trademarks, and patenting a product. With the support and funding (LOL) of my husband I went full speed ahead on my vission. My background is web developing (the geeky side of me) and photography (using my UNH art degree for something). I've built a business up over the years Cheetah Design Studio. It's successful, and still going....but then there is this!
So I'm saving money launching this product with my background, and because it's my background I'm also obsessing and need to let go. So I'm letting go and launching this! I've put my extremely expensive fancy Nikon camera down and busted out my cell phone to take photos. I've dumbed down the possiblities of the website and made it simple.
I wanted to launch with the light up case, and like any product I'm running into walls with that. Manly because I want it perfect right out the gate. Listen, you see this simple case right? Not that simple. This whole process has been a huge learning curve & very frustrating. What I've learned over this process and past experiences is never rely on anyone. I now know how to sew, laser cut, and starting a product during a pandemic makes ordering fabric hard.
Over the months our daughter has helped in a great deal. She's the brains behind the headbands, she helps with finishing work, and more importantly she uses every last scrap of material to come up with giveaways. If you have a lavender pouch in your oder that's her idea with leftover material. If you have anything random like that; it's her idea. She also is learning to sew and makes all sorts of stuff for her little dog our amazing Alaskian Klee Kia named Kodee, and often used for advertisements.
Why no name? We had a name, we trademarked the name, but then apparently that means nothing. Discouraged, but still moving forward we have NO NAME. I'm calling it what it is for now. If this becomes more then I'll totally come up with a name. Do you have any name ideas for us? Please do tell.
My prototype designer/inventor has been beyond amazing, Lara McCarthy. Lara told me she would never do production. She now hates me as she’s helping me do production. My mom’s friend Jody and I do all the peices/ assembling, and then Lara does the finishing. Jody is hard to keep up with so I’ve practiced a lot and now am also doing the finishing. I rather not, but I’m running into so many diffuculties finding individuals to do the finishing. I really do want to keep this product NH made and handmade so us three ladies and my daughter will make it happen as long as we can. That being said if you’re in the Peterborough, NH area and sew well contact me. I flipping need you!
Right…this is about me and perhaps you’ve read this far. Aside from my work background I clearly like to nordic ski, stay active, and give back to the community. I sit on three different boards: Dubin XC, UNH Ski, and Peterborough Woman’s Club. I love to be active and outside, and I pretty much have nothing else to say.
