Product Development
and Sourcing Library
A global sourcing and creative resource ecosystem for brands and students
2021-Present
Independent project, self initiated and self managed
Role: Research, vendor vetting, categorization, information architecture, and system design
Conducted research, verified sources, categorized information, and designed systems for continuous updates.
A global sourcing and creative resource ecosystem for brands and students
2021-Present
Independent project, self initiated and self managed
Role: Research, vendor vetting, categorization, information architecture, and system design
Conducted research, verified sources, categorized information, and designed systems for continuous updates.
BACKGROUND AND INSIGHT
I started this library in 2021 to make sourcing less opaque for students and early stage brands. I kept seeing the same pattern: people had ideas, but no clear path to reliable factories or support partners. The insight was simple. When access and clarity improve, outcomes change.
What began as a personal spreadsheet of contacts turned into a structured library that now supports product development and sourcing decisions for others.
THE ASK
Create an organized, scalable database of verified manufacturers and creative resources, then design the system that keeps it useful over time.
Behind that was a clear belief: better inputs shorten timelines, reduce risk, and raise product quality.
PROCESS
Research and vetting
I identified and verified more than 1,500 manufacturers across 50 plus countries. For each one, I logged product focus, minimum order quantities, capabilities, and communication reliability.
Structure and categorization
I grouped entries into apparel, footwear, accessories, packaging, and design services. Then I layered in tags for region, MOQ, lead time, and capacity so users can filter by what actually matters when they are planning a line.
Expansion beyond factories
The library grew to include packaging vendors, creative agencies, AI tools, and design assets. The goal was to let someone move from idea to brand inside one resource, not just find a cut and sew partner.
Optimization and upkeep
I converted everything into a digital, searchable format with a clear taxonomy and version control. I set an update cadence, run link sweeps, and archive stale entries so the list stays current instead of bloating over time.
OUTCOME
The result is a living resource that reduces guesswork and speeds sourcing for emerging designers, students, and creatives. It shows how access and structure can change outcomes and how transparency supports better product decisions.
This work sharpened my abilities in information architecture, vendor evaluation, and system design, and it continues to evolve as I add new partners and categories.
For sourcing inquiries or product development guidance,
feel free to email or reach out via the contact form here.