Jackie Garrett on Scaling From a Kitchen Table Prototype to Retail Storefronts

In this episode, Jackie Garrett, founder, designer, and CEO of Vilah Bloom, shares how a simple idea born from the challenges of motherhood became a thriving handbag and accessories brand. She explains how her patented diaper bag that dispenses wet wipes launched the business, the journey from sewing prototypes at her kitchen table to securing major retail partnerships, and how the company evolved into a customizable handbag brand with interactive bag bars. Jackie also discusses manufacturing, supply chain challenges, product development, hiring, leadership, retail expansion, and the lessons she learned through nearly 16 years of entrepreneurship. The conversation offers practical insight into building a product-based business, adapting to change, and creating sustainable long-term growth through creativity, resilience, and customer-focused innovation.TakeawaysVilah Bloom began with a patented diaper bag that dispenses wet wipes, inspired by Jackie's own experience as a new mother.The company's first prototype was handmade on her kitchen table using simple materials before evolving into a commercial product.Winning Best Diaper Bag at the ABC Kids Expo helped the brand gain early credibility and secure partnerships with major retailers, including Nordstrom.The business transitioned from primarily wholesale and ecommerce to a retail experience centered around customizable handbags and accessories.Vilah Bloom's Bag Bar concept allows customers to personalize bags with straps, charms, and monograms, creating a unique shopping experience.Small batch manufacturing and finishing products in the United States helped the company navigate supply chain disruptions and tariff challenges.Jackie credits much of her success to persistence, learning through setbacks, and adapting after difficult manufacturing experiences.Hiring and delegating responsibilities were essential milestones that allowed the business to scale beyond a family-run operation.Jackie's background in television sales, marketing, and retail provided valuable experience that helped her navigate relationships with major retailers.The company is exploring future expansion through additional retail locations and a potential franchise or ownership model.Today's guest, Jackie Garrett can be found at:Website: https://vilahbloom.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackelynn-k-garrett-a193a651/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackie.garrett.374/Your host, Scott Turman, can be found online at:Website: https://scottturman.com/, https://brightray.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottturman/IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14602682/Keywordscustomizable handbags, handbag brand, diaper bags, patented diaper bag, wet wipe dispenser, accessories, bag bar, personalization, monogramming, handbag design, product design, entrepreneurship, founder journey, manufacturing, small batch production, supply chain, tariffs, wholesale, ecommerce, direct to consumer, retail, storefront, franchise, business growth, leadership, delegation, hiring, product development, vegan materials, sustainable materials, fashion accessories, branding, customer experience, inventory management, forecasting, Nordstrom, ABC Kids Expo, family business, innovation, logistics, scaling a business