Brains Behind This
Lindsey Burkhardt 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 possibilities of the website and made it simple.
I wanted to launch these cases with lights, 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.
My daughter has helped a great deal. She's the brains behind the headbands (yes we can make matching headbands), she helps with finishing work, and more importantly she uses every last scrap of material to make something. 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 had NO NAME for some time. I'm settling now on Hydro M8. For now this is a hobby, but my hopes and dreams are someone purchases the patient one day.
I need to shout out my prototype designer who was beyond amazing, Lara McCarthy. Lara told me she would never do production. I don’t blame here. There are many pieces that make up one drink belt. Sometimes you will catch me sewing these cases, but I rather not.
Aside from my work background I clearly like to nordic ski, stay active, and give back to the community. I sit on two boards: Dubin XC, and UNH Ski. In 2026 I was also named director of Dublin School Outdoor Center because why not. I love to be active and outside, and I pretty much have nothing else to say.
