?? Founder, CEO & Chair | Scaling Growth & Venture-Backed Companies | $200M+ Raised | Growth Strategy | Board Leadership
This week, I posted two articles that hit me like a one-two punch. First, the New York Times politely let me know that regular nylon tights are apparently just as good as the unbreakable, space-age tights I’ve spent 8 years and $150M engineering. (Why did I bother with ballistic polymers? Clearly, I should’ve just bought some regular tights off the shelf!) Then Vogue Business piled on, celebrating a brand that doesn’t own a single factory or make any materials—but hey, they’ve got influencer collabs, so they must be the future of innovation, right? Here’s the thing: I don’t blame these brands. It’s not their fault our economy has turned into a game of selling each other someone else’s products with a prettier label. But we need to change this narrative. Western society has stopped making things. We’ve outsourced manufacturing and innovation, and with it, we’ve outsourced jobs, economic growth, and progress. So here’s my call to action: - If you’re an investor, start funding companies that build factories and develop IP-driven manufacturing here at home. Take bigger bets. Stop looking for the quick win. - If you’re in the manufacturing or venture space, push for new factory incubators that actually enable companies to do large scale manufacturing here at home. - If your’re talking to government officials, call for transparency around supply chains and incentives for brands that own their own production. - And if you’re just someone who just cares about the future of the western world, start asking: Who actually made this? We can rebuild a culture of making things—but only if we stop glorifying middlemen and start valuing the companies that do the hard work of innovating and creating. Otherwise, we’ll just keep putting lipstick on pigs and wondering why nothing’s really changing.
If you're an investor, start turning towards planet-friendly product investments. The maximum profit isn't always the way. You can do good by doing what you do.
Very well said Katherine!
Katherine Homuth - I can only imagine how frustrating this situation must be for you. I have been a loyal Sheertex customer since 2018 and have never stopped wearing your incredible tights. Visiting your factory in Canada and seeing your innovative and dedicated team firsthand left a lasting impression on me, and I continue to commend all that you have achieved and stand for. Remarkably, I am still wearing my original pair of tights from 2018—a testament to the unparalleled quality and ingenuity you have brought to this industry. I doubt many other companies can claim such longevity and customer loyalty. You, your team, and Sheertex are truly exceptional, and you will always have my support for taking what once seemed impossible and creating a groundbreaking solution. Warmest Regards, Kirsten K. Harris
Where can I buy your tights?
Well said Katherine
I would look into Ai fashion designers and 3D fashion designers. They are able to bring these fabulous tights to life. Check my linked in page and hang in there!! Pls dm Me!
UPD: the NYT does NOT claim that a pair of regular nylon tights is better than Sheertex… it just reviewed your direct competitor. They also have a tear-proof fabric technology Excuse me? I’ve been using Sheertex for 3 years because before then, I tore every single sock & pair of tights within 3+ wears. Silly me, should’ve just bought a pair at Shoppers. I’m gonna go find that article and see what kind of lazy journalism is it.
You know you’ve made it when you start attracting the “haters” ?? - doesn’t make it any easier to read though. Totally agree with this post, innovation seems to be dying out significantly (*ahem* yet another Marvel spin off or Disney live action remake). Either no one is spending enough time being bored or the focus is entirely on quick win profits. Maybe a bit of both. Thank you Katherine for giving us an innovator role model! ??
Couldn’t agree more. Thanks for sharing Rhiannon
Product Innovation & Marketing Strategy
3 个月Factory Incubators would be amazing! Is that something you could do now with your scale?