At the start of this year, we traveled to Portugal, not only to expand our knowledge, but also to find a supplier who can help us grow in the long run. On the very first day, we struck gold: They took the time to truly understand us, and we were able to ask every question we had. An incredibly valuable visit and this was only the beginning.
Over the next two days, we visited four more suppliers. Each of them had a solid foundation and the capabilities we were looking for but just as important, it was also about the personal connection we felt. Among them, one clearly stood out as a strong potential partner for the future.
By the end of the trip, we narrowed our shortlist of seven down to two: the small, family-oriented supplier from day one, and another family business we met later on, with a more professionalized setup. Both have their strengths, though also some limitations in terms of flexibility.
It wasn't an easy decision, but we’re confident this partner will help us bring our first collection to life. Overall, a week full of learning, asking questions, capturing moments, and above all - taking real steps towards bringing our vision to life.