FOXY-everywear

Comfort looks good on you.

28/08/2024

Focus group #3

I was worried that maybe this whole journey had all been a waste of time and that when I showed the prototype PJ's for the first time I would see my worst fears realized. That nobody cared. That the product wasn't interesting or desirable.

I invited all who had taken part so far in the design process and I set up a changing room with 5 sample sizes for the group to try on. I then asked for opinions...

I was overwhelmed. In my wildest dreams I cold not have imagined a more positive response. The group loved them. The look in their eyes as they touched the smooth and silky bamboo fiber for the first time was priceless. After finding the best fit in the changing rooms the girls would proudly walk around the room like a fashion show catwalk. I was so happy and surprised I forgot to take pictures. Many of the group asked if they could buy the samples on the spot and when I explained that the samples were not for sale they joked about stealing them.

This was not friends blowing smoke telling me they liked them to show their support. They genuinely wanted them. It's hard to describe how that made me feel.

I heard things like "I would happily wear these to the store" and "I would like to buy multiple pairs of the leggings so that I can wear them all the time. " Another thing I learned was that due to the fabrics ability to stretch and the flattering fit of the garments, the girls loved that they could "size down." I didn't know what that meant. It was explained to me that typically when a woman buys clothing and is deciding between 2 of the closest sizes they usually "size up" which means opt for the bigger size as to not buy something that is too tight.

After they all got a chance to try them on and then we sat down and filled out an anonymous questionnaire with various questions asking how the PJ's could be better, I was stunned when I looked over the results to find that the group thought that there was only one change that they wanted. A fifth button on the front. I was truly surprised that there was nothing else they would change. Instead written on the questionnaires are comments like, "NO, dont change anything. They are perfect."

As surprised as I was this was extremely validating. I realized after some thought that I shouldn't be surprised at all. We got it right the first time for a reason. I started by asking what they wanted. The groups told me and I listened. These are not my designs at all. They are yours...

28/08/2024

After looking through the info gathered it was clear that the majority wanted all of the same things. Black Color PJ's, Medium thick soft material, medium fit, elastic cuffs and waistband, 2 pockets, button front and by a landslide the favorite logo was a simple fox laying down. I had the info I needed...

Finding the right supplier is a whole story for another time but after a long and tiresome search for manufacturers around the globe I got lucky. I spent thousands on samples. The funny thing about ordering a clothing sample from a manufacturer is that they charge a premium. $150-200 USD! for each pair! Yeah I know. I'm hoping that someday soon I'll look back and laugh because it was all worth it.

Most of the samples were crap. Some were good but there was one that stood out from the rest. As soon as I touched it I knew that this was the one. It was smooth silky bamboo fiber and the stitching was top notch, No loose fibers hanging on the end of a seem. I finally found the quality I was looking for. Of course they were the most expensive but I knew that when people see and feel the quality they will understand why they are not cheap.

There was just one problem. The fit was strange. The top was short. The pants were long and really baggy and they didn't have elastic cuffs. After several alterations and samples later I had in my hands a pair of luxury Pajamas that had my logo on it, was fitted to my specifications and when all was said and done cost me as much as a car. lol.

It was now time to unveil and get some feedback from yet another focus group.

28/08/2024

Focus group #2

With confidence from the success of the first focus group I decided to invite twice as many guests to the second group. I prepared as I did before and essentially everything would be the same as the first time just to a larger group. So I set out more chairs, made more food and bought more wine. I handmade pizza dough and made up a batch of my famous pizza sauce. Pre-made 8 large pizzas and 2 large orange creamsicle cheesecakes.

Many invited guests could not make it. There were last minute cancellations and on top of that, the weather sucked that night. So a group that was supposed to be twice the size was smaller than the first. But this group made up for it in other ways. This was the loudest of the 3 groups. (By a considerable margin) This group also drank the most wine (9 bottles) I believe that the drinking of the wine and the being loud were directly related. lol.

An amazing night was had. Information was learned and beginning to form a pattern. It turns out that between the 2 groups the majority preferred black color PJ's, medium thick material, medium fit and one of the logos seemed an obvious favorite.

I thank you all.

28/08/2024

Focus Group #1 - Nobody knew why they were coming. I had a high level of anxiety leading up to the night wondering if I was going to get a bunch of blank stares when I presented to the group.

I remember when the first car pulled into the parking lot quickly followed by a second car, then a third. I was nervous but I had a plan. I pressed play on the music, stood by the door with a smile on my face ready to open the door for the guests. I stood there waiting and nobody came to the door. So I waited. After 10 minutes my smile was now a confused and deflated expression. Finally the group all at once came to the door and wished me a belated birthday. They had been in the parking lot signing a birthday card and showered me with gifts which was very unexpected and really made me feel like family.

We all had a great time. We got through the questionnaire/discussion, ate Chicken alfredo with cheesecake for dessert and drank 7 bottles of wine. It was a perfect evening. I thank you all...

28/08/2024

4 years of ideas, research and development.

4 years of trying to convince myself I should do something else. (something normal) lol. Whatever that is.

But the ideas kept coming and I know that if I don't pursue this I will regret it.

I have a truly special feeling about this venture and I hope you love it as much as I do.